Safety when working with asbestos
Where asbestos is found, why it is dangerous, and how the work is managed
Asbestos is a collective term for a group of natural mineral fibers that were previously widely used in construction because of their strength heat resistance and insulating properties. Use is now banned but large quantities of asbestos remain in buildings from before the ban — and it is during processing and demolition that the danger arises.
§Why asbestos is dangerous
The danger of inhaling fumes from the product.
§Where is asbestos typically found
- 01Eternit roofing and facade panels (corrugated and slate)
- 02Pipe insulation and gaskets on older installations
- 03Ceiling and wall panels and certain floor coverings and tile adhesives
- 04Fire protection and sealants in older buildings
§Mapping before work
Before work in older buildings, it is clarified whether there is asbestos, typically by mapping and if necessary analysis of samples. Demolition does not begin until it is known what the materials contain. If there is doubt, the material is treated as asbestos-containing.
§Principles for safe work
Work is planned so fiber release is limited as much as possible. The material is kept moist to bind dust, plates are removed whole as much as possible instead of broken, and methods that whirl dust are avoided — such as dry grinding and use of high-speed tools. The work area is demarcated and a dust vacuum with suitable filter is used instead of sweeping. For more extensive work, screened zones are set up.
§Protective equipment and cleaning
Breathing protection with suitable filter against asbestos fibres plus disposable suit and gloves is used. After work asbestos fibres are not taken out: the suit is removed in a controlled way and you vacuum instead of sweep. Asbestos waste is packaged tightly marked and disposed of as hazardous waste — it must never be mixed with ordinary building waste.
§Education and reporting
Asbestos work is subject to special rules. According to the tightened rules that came into force December 21 2025 anyone performing asbestos work must have completed asbestos training regardless of the scope of the task and some work must also be reported electronically to the Labour Authority before it begins. The aim is to protect both the person performing the work and the surroundings from the fibers.