ASB/General/TBT-ASB-022
Asbestos Cement Product Safe Handling
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Toolbox Talk
Asbestos Cement Product Safe Handling
Asbestos cement products including roof sheets, flue pipes, water tanks, and soffits were widely used in UK construction before the asbestos ban. When in good condition the fibres are bound in the cement matrix, but any cutting, drilling, breaking, or weathering releases dangerous asbestos fibres. This talk explains how to identify asbestos cement products and the safe handling procedures that prevent fibre release.
Key Hazards
Lung cancer and mesothelioma from inhaling asbestos fibres released during disturbance
Fibre release from breaking, cutting, drilling, or power-washing asbestos cement products
Workers unaware they are handling asbestos cement due to lack of identification or labelling
Contamination of surrounding areas from poorly controlled removal or breakage
Control Measures
- Confirm whether the material contains asbestos through survey records or laboratory analysis before work.
- Do not cut, drill, grind, or use power tools on any confirmed or suspected asbestos cement product.
- Wet the material thoroughly before handling to suppress fibre release during careful removal.
- Handle asbestos cement sheets whole wherever possible — do not break them to fit into skips.
- Wear RPE with a minimum P3 filter and disposable coveralls during all asbestos cement handling.
- Double-bag all asbestos cement waste in red-striped asbestos waste bags and label them clearly.
- Dispose of asbestos waste only through a licensed waste carrier to an authorised disposal facility.
- Decontaminate all tools and equipment used during the work using wet wiping methods only.
- Notify the HSE using the online ASB5 form if the work is notifiable non-licensed asbestos work.
Remember
- Confirm whether the material contains asbestos through survey records or lab testing before any work
- Never cut, drill, grind, or use power tools on any asbestos cement product under any circumstances
- Wet the material thoroughly before handling to suppress dangerous fibre release into the air
- Wear P3 filtered RPE and disposable coveralls during all asbestos cement handling activities
- Double-bag all asbestos waste in labelled red-striped bags for licensed disposal only
- Notify the HSE using the ASB5 form if the work qualifies as notifiable non-licensed work
Applicable Legislation: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 · HSG210 (Asbestos Essentials) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
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