When was asbestos banned in the UK?
Asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999. HSE says any building built or refurbished before 2000 could contain asbestos.
Can I tell if something is asbestos by looking at it?
No. The only way to be sure is to have a sample tested by an accredited laboratory or to have a survey done.
Is asbestos dangerous if I leave it alone?
Asbestos is mainly a risk when it is damaged or disturbed and fibres are released. Material in good condition that will not be disturbed is often best left in place.
Does Artex contain asbestos?
Some textured coatings applied before 2000 contained asbestos. HSE lists textured decorative coatings as a common location. See our Artex guide. Have a sample tested before sanding, scraping or drilling.
Can I remove an asbestos garage roof myself?
Asbestos cement is lower risk, and some work on it can be non-licensed, but it must be done following HSE guidance and disposed of as hazardous waste. Many homeowners use a professional. Get advice first.
Do I need a licensed contractor?
Work on higher-risk materials such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings and most asbestos insulating board normally requires an HSE-licensed contractor.
What survey do I need before renovating?
A refurbishment and demolition survey of the area being worked on, as described in HSE guidance HSG264.
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
Based on published UK surveyor pricing, a management survey for a 2–3 bed home typically costs roughly £150–£385. See our indicative costs page for more detail.