Accidentally disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) does not always mean people have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos fibres. However, it should always be taken seriously and managed appropriately to reduce the risk of further fibre release.
Knowing what to do if asbestos is accidentally disturbed can help make the area safe and ensure the appropriate action is taken.
Why Is Disturbed Asbestos a Concern?
Asbestos-containing materials are generally considered safe if they remain in good condition and are left undisturbed. The main risk arises when asbestos fibres are released into the air and can potentially be inhaled.
The level of risk will depend on several factors, including the type of asbestos-containing material, its condition and the extent of the disturbance. Materials that are damaged, drilled, cut or broken may release more fibres than materials that remain intact.
Not every incident presents the same level of risk, which is why a professional assessment should always be carried out before deciding what action is required.
What Should You Do If Asbestos Is Accidentally Disturbed?
If you believe asbestos has been accidentally disturbed, it’s important to act promptly while avoiding any unnecessary actions that could make the situation worse.
Stop Work Immediately
If work is being carried out when asbestos is disturbed, it should stop immediately. Continuing to drill, cut, remove or handle the material could release additional asbestos fibres into the air.
Keep People Away From the Area
Where possible, access to the affected area should be restricted until the material has been assessed. Preventing further disturbance helps reduce the risk of asbestos fibres spreading beyond the immediate area.
Avoid Cleaning the Area Yourself
Do not attempt to sweep, brush or vacuum debris using a standard household vacuum cleaner. These activities can disturb asbestos fibres further and increase the risk of them becoming airborne. The area should be left undisturbed until it has been assessed by a suitably qualified asbestos professional, such as Malrod.
Report the Incident
The incident should be reported to the duty holder, property owner, facilities manager or another person responsible for managing the building. Prompt reporting helps ensure the appropriate steps can be taken to assess the situation and prevent further disturbance.
Arrange a Professional Asbestos Survey
A qualified professional should inspect the affected area to determine the level of risk in an asbestos management survey. They can assess the condition of the asbestos-containing material, establish whether fibres are likely to have been released and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
What Happens Next?
Once the area has been made safe, the next steps will depend on the type of asbestos-containing material, the extent of the damage and the level of risk identified during the survey.
In some situations, additional measures such as air monitoring may be recommended to help assess the effectiveness of any remedial work carried out.
Depending on the findings, the asbestos-containing material may remain in place and continue to be managed, or recommendations may be made for repair, encapsulation or removal.
Does Disturbed Asbestos Always Require Removal?
Not necessarily. If the damage is minor and the material can be safely repaired or encapsulated, removal may not be required. In other cases, where the material has been significantly damaged or is likely to present an ongoing risk, removal may be the most appropriate solution.
The decision should always be based on a professional assessment of the material, its condition and the level of risk it presents.
Can You Clean Up Disturbed Asbestos Yourself?
It is not recommended to clean up suspected asbestos debris yourself. Sweeping, brushing or using a standard household vacuum cleaner can disturb asbestos fibres further and increase the risk of them becoming airborne.
If asbestos has been accidentally disturbed, the safest approach is to leave the affected area undisturbed and seek professional advice.
A qualified asbestos contractor can assess the situation and, where necessary, carry out specialist cleaning or removal work using the appropriate equipment and control measures.
How Can Accidental Asbestos Disturbance Be Prevented?
Although accidental disturbance can happen, the risk can often be reduced through effective asbestos management and careful planning before maintenance or refurbishment work begins.
One of the most important steps is ensuring asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been identified through an appropriate asbestos survey.
The findings should then be recorded within an up-to-date asbestos register and supported by suitable risk assessments and an asbestos management plan.
Before any work is carried out within a building, contractors should be provided with relevant asbestos information so they understand where asbestos-containing materials are located and can take the necessary precautions.
Regular inspections also help identify any changes in the condition of asbestos-containing materials before they become a greater risk.
By taking a proactive approach to asbestos management, property owners and duty holders can significantly reduce the likelihood of asbestos being accidentally disturbed.
Need Advice Following Accidental Asbestos Disturbance?
If asbestos has been accidentally disturbed, our experienced team is here to help.
At Malrod, we provide asbestos surveys, risk assessments, inspections and licensed asbestos removal services, helping property owners and duty holders manage asbestos safely and respond appropriately when incidents occur.
To discuss your requirements, call us today on 01942 811591 or complete our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I accidentally drill into asbestos?
Stop work immediately, leave the material undisturbed and restrict access to the area where possible. The incident should be reported to the responsible person, and a qualified asbestos professional should be contacted to assess the situation.
Is disturbed asbestos always dangerous?
Not necessarily. The level of risk depends on factors such as the type of asbestos-containing material, its condition and the extent of the disturbance. A professional assessment is the best way to determine the appropriate next steps.
Should I leave the building if asbestos is disturbed?
This will depend on the circumstances and the level of risk. In many cases, only the affected area needs to be isolated until it has been assessed. A qualified asbestos professional can advise on whether any additional precautions are necessary.
Can damaged asbestos be repaired?
Yes. In some cases, damaged asbestos-containing materials can be repaired or encapsulated rather than removed. The most appropriate solution will depend on the condition of the material and the level of risk identified during the assessment.
Who should I report disturbed asbestos to?
The incident should be reported to the duty holder, property owner, facilities manager or another person responsible for managing the building. They can arrange for the area to be assessed and any necessary action to be taken.
How can I tell if asbestos has been disturbed?
It is often difficult to tell whether asbestos has been disturbed simply by looking at it. If a material known or suspected to contain asbestos has been drilled, cut, broken or otherwise damaged, it should be treated with caution until it has been assessed by a qualified asbestos professional.s