5 Outdated Asbestos Practices to Avoid

Despite decades of regulation and awareness, asbestos still finds a way to trip up even the most well-meaning property owners and professionals. The real danger today isn’t just asbestos itself, it’s the outdated practices and assumptions that continue to linger in the industry.

Here are five that you need to avoid, to stay safe…

1. Not Checking How Old Your Building Is

One of the biggest oversights is not knowing exactly when your property was built. Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, which means that any building constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos. While properties built after that point are unlikely to be affected, it’s essential to check the age of your building so you can stay on top of your responsibilities. If your property predates 2000, you’ll need to manage asbestos properly with surveys and an asbestos register. Knowing the construction date is the first step to staying compliant and keeping people safe.

2. Skipping Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) Surveys

Management surveys are often considered “good enough,” but they’re not designed to cover areas that will be disturbed during building works. Too often, projects go ahead with only a basic survey, missing hidden asbestos in walls, ceilings, or ductwork. R&D asbestos surveys are legally required before any intrusive work begins.

3. Relying on Visual Assumptions

You can’t identify asbestos just by looking at it. Yet some contractors or building managers still rely on experience or assumptions: “That’s just old insulation,” or “Artex? That’s probably fine.” Without proper sampling and lab testing, there’s no safe way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos or not. Assumptions are never a substitute for proper analysis.

4. Thinking ‘Encapsulation’ Is a Permanent Fix

Encapsulation, that is, sealing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to prevent fibres escaping, is a valid control method. But it’s often misunderstood as a forever solution.

Over time, even encapsulated materials can degrade or become damaged. They still require regular inspection and management under your asbestos register. Out of sight is not out of mind!

5. Treating Asbestos as a One-Time Job

Asbestos isn’t a box you tick once and forget. It’s a long-term management responsibility, especially in schools, commercial properties, and multi-tenant buildings. Documents need updating, staff need awareness training, and registers should be reviewed whenever new work is planned. Treating it as a single clean-up project is not just outdated, it’s risky and non-compliant.

Still Using One of These Practices?

The asbestos landscape has changed, but old habits die hard. If your property or project relies on outdated methods, it’s time to update your approach and ensure you’re legally compliant, safe, and properly informed.

Need advice or an up-to-date asbestos survey? Get in touch with our expert team.