Used extensively as building materials in post war new towns, Asbestos has been considered a hazardous substance that can be dangerous to human health for some time, often only discovered during demolition/construction works or deemed ‘ safe in certain applications'. Asbestos however, can enter the body in three ways; inhalation, ingestion and absorption through the skin, therefore at the end of their lifecycle, the disposal of such asbestos containing materials such as insulation, lagging, pipes, corrugated roofing sheets and ceiling /floor tiles needs to be carefully managed.

Like other natural minerals, Asbestos is mined and is a generic name given to six specific minerals:

• Chrysolite - White Asbestos
• Amosite - Brown Asbestos
• Crocidolite - Blue Asbestos
• Anthophylite
• Actinolite
• Tremolite

The introduction in 1998 and revision in 2002, of The Control of Asbestos at Work (CAW) Regulations have made Asbestos Risk and Waste Management of even greater significance as a Health and Safety Issue. The regulations themselves place a ‘ Duty of Care’ on all commercial organisations occupying buildings constructed between 1930 and 1970, whereby employers must identify and prevent employee exposure to materials containing Asbestos.
Under The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, employers’ must:

• While assuming all materials contain asbestos unless having proved otherwise, take all reasonable steps to determine the location and condition of all materials liable to contain Asbestos.
• Compile an ‘Asbestos register’.
• Assess the risks from the identified Asbestos.
• Organise and put into effect a strategy for managing the Asbestos risk and disposal.
• Ensure contactors and visitors are made aware of Asbestos information.
• Continually review and update the register, risks and strategy in to allow for deterioration and ‘best practice’.