Toolbox talk · Health · about 5 minutes
Asbestos awareness
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
Why it matters
Asbestos can be in any building built or refurbished before 2000. Breathing in the fibres can cause fatal diseases decades later.
The hazards
- Disturbing asbestos without knowing it is there
- Drilling, cutting or breaking suspect materials
- Asbestos in ceiling tiles, pipe lagging, boards, textured coatings and cement sheets
- Spreading dust on clothing
Stay safe
- Check the asbestos survey before starting work in older buildings
- If you suspect asbestos, stop work, keep others away and tell your supervisor
- Never drill, cut or sweep suspect material
- Only trained and, where needed, licensed workers may work with asbestos
- Follow the method statement for any asbestos work
- Don't take contaminated clothing home
Ask the team
- Has this building been surveyed for asbestos?
- What would you do if you uncovered something suspicious?
- Who on site can you report it to?
The law and guidance
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
General guidance to help you give a toolbox talk. It doesn't replace your site's risk assessments, method statements, permits or training. Check it against your own site rules before you give it.