ASB/General/TBT-ASB-015

Encapsulation and Removal Procedures

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Encapsulation and Removal Procedures

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ASB-015  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Encapsulation seals asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in place to prevent fibre release without physical removal.
  • Removal involves stripping ACMs from the building and disposing of them as hazardous waste.
  • Licensed removal is required for most asbestos insulation, sprayed coatings, and insulation board (AIB) work.
  • Non-licensed work (NNLW) covers lower-risk ACMs such as asbestos cement in good condition.
  • The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 set the legal framework for all encapsulation and removal work.
  • The workplace exposure limit for asbestos is 0.1 fibres per cm³ averaged over a four-hour period.
  • Encapsulation products must be compatible with the ACM type and applied by trained operatives.
  • Removal work requires a full enclosure with negative pressure, airlocks, and air monitoring.
  • All asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste facility.
  • Air clearance testing by a UKAS-accredited laboratory is required before an enclosure can be dismantled.

Why?

Prevent fatal diseaseAsbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis — all potentially fatal with no cure.
Legal dutyThe Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require licensed contractors and strict procedures for most removal work.
Protect building occupantsPoor encapsulation or removal releases fibres that endanger everyone in and around the building.
Do Don't
  • Confirm whether the work requires a licensed or non-licensed approach before starting
  • Use only HSE-licensed contractors for removal of insulation, sprayed coatings, and AIB
  • Ensure a full enclosure with negative air pressure is erected for licensed removal work
  • Carry out air monitoring during and after removal to confirm fibre levels are controlled
  • Double-bag all asbestos waste in red-labelled bags and seal for hazardous waste disposal
  • Obtain UKAS-accredited air clearance certification before dismantling any enclosure
  • Apply encapsulant products in accordance with manufacturer instructions and ACM compatibility
  • Ensure all operatives hold valid asbestos awareness or removal training certificates
  • Dampen ACMs before disturbance to reduce fibre release during handling and removal
  • Update the asbestos register after encapsulation or removal to reflect the current status
  • DON'T start removal without confirming the correct procedure — licensed or non-licensed
  • DON'T use unlicensed workers for any asbestos insulation, sprayed coating, or AIB removal
  • DON'T break or cut ACMs with power tools as this generates high fibre concentrations
  • DON'T remove enclosure barriers until UKAS air clearance testing confirms it is safe
  • DON'T dispose of asbestos waste as general construction waste — it is hazardous waste
  • DON'T encapsulate damaged ACMs where removal is the safer long-term option
  • DON'T dry sweep or vacuum asbestos debris with a standard vacuum cleaner
  • DON'T allow unprotected workers to enter areas where asbestos work is in progress
  • DON'T reuse PPE or RPE filters that have been contaminated during asbestos work
  • DON'T skip the asbestos register update after encapsulation or removal is completed

See also: Asbestos Awareness | Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (NNLW)
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