Asbestos Pre-Work Checklist

How to use the Asbestos Pre-Work Checklist

1. Enter the building's approximate construction date.
2. Select the type of work you are planning — refurbishment, demolition, maintenance, etc.
3. Work through the room-by-room checklist of likely ACM locations.
4. Review the stop-work guidance if suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified.

Why use this tool

• Raises awareness of likely ACM locations before work starts, preventing accidental disturbance.
• Based on building age, as most ACMs were used in buildings constructed before 2000.
• Provides clear stop-work procedures if suspect materials are found during the work.

Asbestos remains the single biggest occupational health risk in the UK construction industry, causing around 5,000 deaths per year. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in any building built or refurbished before 2000. Common locations include textured coatings (Artex), insulation boards, pipe lagging, floor tiles, and roof sheeting. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require duty holders to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings, and anyone carrying out work that might disturb ACMs must have asbestos awareness training. This checklist helps you identify likely ACM locations based on the building's age and the areas you plan to work in.

Part of Builder Tools Utilities — construction tools for UK tradespeople.