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Three pieces of legislation control work with asbestos in the UK. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 require employers to prevent the exposure of employees to asbestos. If this is not reasonably practicable the law says their exposure should be controlled to the lowest possible level. Before any work with asbestos is carried out, the Regulations require employers to make an assessment of the likely exposure of employees to asbestos dust.

The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 require that a contractor doing more than two hours work with asbestos lagging or asbestos coating must be licensed. But in view of the high risk associated with these materials HSE recommends that you use a licensed contractor regardless of the length of time the job is likely to take.

The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 prohibit the import and supply of amphiboles, and the use or supply of chrysotile asbestos. Asbestos spraying is also prohibited.

A consultation document published in 1998 proposes requiring a license for work with asbestos board, tightening exposure limits for chrysotile asbestos, requiring employers to provide refresher training, and tightening employers' duties on respiratory protective equipment. After much pressure from UK trade unions and hazards campaigners, and positive statements by Labour Ministers, a more or less total ban on chrysotile will be introduced in 1999.

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