Respiratory protection needed for asbestos removal

Working on the removal of asbestos requires a lot of specialist equipment and training, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlining how people who carry out the task have to be specially skilled to the do job.

In order to do the job people need to have a license due to the significant hazard that is posed by removing the substance, as it has been found to cause serious lung conditions including mesotheliomas.

Although asbestos was regularly used in buildings during the 20th century, the health risks posed by the material saw it banned around the world, with the use of blue and brown asbestos banned in the UK in 1985.

To legally remove the material in the UK, workers need to have a license that is obtained from the HSE.

It is also necessary to use the highest standards of respiratory protection equipment and need to be under medical surveillance throughout the work. 

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