The duty to manage asbestos applies to non-domestic premises and common parts of multi-occupancy domestic buildings. Other asbestos precautions also matter when work is carried out inside a home. Match the assessment to the proposed work.
Check the work area before disturbing materials
Asbestos risk is about the material and the work proposed. A domestic address does not make intrusive work risk-free.
- Give the contractor the age of the building, known asbestos information and any relevant survey. Identify exactly where drilling, cutting, removal or demolition is planned.
- Distinguish management information from a survey suitable for refurbishment or demolition. A survey that excluded a ceiling void cannot clear work inside that void.
- Stop uncertain work and seek competent assessment before disturbing suspect material. Do not ask a general tradesperson to identify asbestos by appearance alone.
Understand responsibilities and the contractor's method
The asbestos duty to manage applies to relevant non-domestic areas, including common parts of domestic buildings. Other duties still matter when work is inside a dwelling.
- Check who controls shared parts and holds the asbestos information. Coordinate with a freeholder or managing agent before work affecting them.
- Use a contractor competent and, where required, licensed for the actual work. Agree controls, waste arrangements and occupant protection.
- Keep residents informed about access and any restrictions. Do not let people enter a work area until the competent person confirms the relevant safeguards.
Keep the evidence after work
Record what was found, what was removed or left in place and any restrictions on future work.
- Retain survey scope, laboratory results where used, work records and appropriate clearance or waste documentation.
- Update the property information so the next contractor does not unknowingly disturb remaining material.
- If suspect material is accidentally damaged, stop the work, restrict access and obtain specialist advice. Do not sweep or vacuum debris with ordinary household equipment.
Example: the survey excludes a boxed-in pipe
A fictional contractor plans to remove boxing that was excluded from an earlier survey. Obtain suitable information for that area before work starts. The existence of a survey report is not evidence that every concealed material was inspected.
What to do
- Give contractors existing asbestos information before work.
- Obtain competent advice on the survey needed for the job.
- Keep the register and management actions current where the duty applies.
Evidence to keep
- Relevant survey and asbestos register
- Contractor information and completed actions
Sources and guidance
- Duty to manage asbestos in buildingsHealth and Safety Executive · checked 20 October 2026
- Commercial clients: construction responsibilitiesHealth and Safety Executive · checked 20 October 2026
Related guides
- Check Welsh building approval before conversions
- Separate Welsh fire design from building safety duties
- Get the right building control approval in England
- Identify the higher-risk building route in England
- Check the Scottish warrant and completion process
- Manage your responsibilities when commissioning works