Our latest blog highlights the impact of asbestos exposure on a member of HSE's digital team. Dan Williamson shares the impact of asbestos exposure on his family, where 3 members died from asbestos-related cancer. This personal account highlights the ongoing presence of asbestos in many buildings and the risks posed when it is disturbed or damaged. Many people may be considering some home improvements early in the new year, involving the use of tradespeople. Before any work starts, homeowners should make sure the tradespeople have evaluated the risk of asbestos being present and/or disturbed, as well as what they will do should they suspect or discover hidden asbestos. Our Asbestos and You campaign provides essential information that traders in building, maintenance and allied trades need to help plan work safely.â¯Â Last month marked 25 years since asbestos was banned in the UK.  Asbestos could still be present in any building that was built or refurbished before 2000 and can be hidden within different materials, for example: - lagging on plant and pipeworkÂ
- insulation products such as fireproof panelsÂ
- asbestos cement roofing materialÂ
- sprayed coatings on structural steel work to insulate against fire and noiseÂ
To keep people safe from the risks of disturbing or damaging asbestos containing materials, there is a legal duty to manage asbestos in industrial, commercial and public buildings.  The duty to manage asbestos guidance includes specific information on the purpose of an asbestos survey. This includes identifying when each type of survey (management, refurbishment and demolition) is required, and guidance on selecting a competent surveyor and understanding your survey report. | 
