Last Updated on 18th June 2020 by

HSE Asbestos Essentials Manual

Asbestos Essentials is a task manual written and provided by the HSE.

The task manual is aimed at building, maintenance and allied trades of non-licensed asbestos work.

It is purposefully designed to be durable, practical and small enough to fit in your toolbox so that you have it on hand to refer to at all times.

Asbestos essentials contains a series of useful task sheets.

These task sheets contain over 100 full colour photos and illustrations, to describe ‘good practice’ for non licensed asbestos tasks, and there is detailed information on what action needs to be taken to reduce exposure to an adequate and acceptable level.

Asbestos Essentials is aimed at any workers that are working in a trade that might come into contact with asbestos at some point, including electricians, plumbers, builders, carpenters etc.

It is also useful for employees, self-employed and managers.

A fourth edition of the Asbestos Essentials task manual was released in January 2018, and was updated in line with changes to the Asbestos Regulations and to better reflect the asbestos guidance provided on HSE’s website and the Asbestos Approved Code of Practice, L143.

Updates to asbestos task manual

The HSE asbestos essentials task manual has recently received some updates as follows:-

• additional information is provided on risk assessments
• the requirements for information, instruction and training have been clarified, including the position on asbestos certification and refresher training
• guidance on notifiable non-licensed work has received an update in order to improve tables and provide information on the relevant authorities to be notified
• topics on which HSE receives frequent enquiries have been given more clarity. For example, using H class vacuum cleaners and using mini enclosures.

You can purchase your own copy of the task manual on the HSE’s website for £25 by following this link.

Or you can choose to download individual task sheets on their website for free by clicking here.

Available task sheets included are Equipment and method sheets, Work with asbestos cement (AC) (non-licensed), Working with textured coatings (TC) containing asbestos (non-licensed), Strictly controlled minor work on Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB), Safe work with undamaged asbestos materials, Removal and replacement of other asbestos containing materials and Fly-tipped waste.

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Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their properties, carrying out an asbestos survey in their buildings so as not to put employees at risk.

So make sure you contact our Armco office to arrange asbestos testing or an asbestos survey before it’s too late! 

Whether you need an asbestos management survey or a refurbishment/ demolition survey, contact us at 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Finally, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/to book an asbestos awareness training course.

Published Aug 27, 2019