Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. There are six types, all of which are composed of long and thin fibrous crystals, each fibre being composed of many microscopic "fibrils" that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to various dangerous lung conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer, so it is now notorious as a serious health and safety hazard.

 

People that own or manage non-domestic premises have a legal duty under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, Regulation 4 to manage identified asbestos within their premises, and to protect those working within them from exposure to asbestos.  

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When commissioning construction work, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 require you to determine whether there is a risk that the work might disturb any asbestos materials, including any unidentified, presumed or hidden asbestos materials. Where this work will disturb the fabric of the building, you will need to arrange for a relevant refurbishment or demolition survey to be carried out. This is a more intrusive type of survey which involves destructive inspection by a trained specialist to identify all asbestos materials.