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Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fibre that was used for many years due to its strength and resistance to heat and oil. If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos.

Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

If you discover asbestos in your home you should:

  • not panic - it's usually only a problem if it's disturbed
  • don't drill, saw or disturb materials containing asbestos
  • seek advice if you think you've got a problem with asbestos in your home

Get help and advice on the correct handling of asbestos on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Licence to work with asbestos

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, in some circumstances working with asbestos requires a licence; it is an offence to work with asbestos without one and could result in prosecution.

In non-domestic situations, the law on asbestos work is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive with the local authority inspectors enforcing mainly in the retail and services sectors.

Find out more about licences to work with asbestos on the HSE website.

Non-licensed notifiable work

Some minor work is notifiable but can be carried out by those who are trained without a need for a license. Find information on notifiable asbestos work [PDF] from the HSE website.

In such cases you must:

  • notify the enforcing authority about the work
  • keep a record of the job
  • ensure all workers have had a medical examination

If you’re in retail or a service business and are planning any work where you suspect asbestos may be present contact us on 01636 650000 or email environmental.health@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Disposal of asbestos

Controlled and authorised removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials is required in all cases. If you’re a resident and dismantle and remove a structure containing asbestos yourself from your own home, you can book an appointment to dispose of it at a dedicated site for a fee, providing you meet certain criteria. 

For more on the disposal of asbestos, contact Nottinghamshire County Council on 0300 500 80 80 or you can book an asbestos disposal appointment online.

The Mesothelioma Center

Their goal is to educate about the danger of asbestos and asbestos-related diseases.

There is a new guide that comprehensively covers asbestos in the UK. You can check it out here:

https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/uk/