RAMS and method statement for asbestos work

Asbestos is still the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, and it kills decades after the exposure that caused it. So the first rule of any asbestos-related work is the opposite of most jobs: you do nothing until you know what the material is. Before you even think about a method statement, you need a survey and you need to know which category of work you are dealing with, because the most dangerous asbestos work is not something you write your own RAMS for at all. This guide sets out how a RAMS for asbestos work should be approached on a UK site under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

First, which category of asbestos work is it?

You cannot write a sensible method statement until the material has been identified by a survey and the work has been placed in one of three categories. This is the most important part of the whole job.

• Licensed work. Higher-risk work with materials such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings and most asbestos insulating board. This must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor, notified to the HSE at least 14 days in advance, with medical surveillance, air monitoring and decontamination. You do not do this from your own RAMS. You engage a licensed contractor and they produce the plan of work.
• Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW). Certain lower-risk work that still has to be notified to the HSE and needs trained workers, controls, medical surveillance and records, but not a licence.
• Non-licensed work. The lowest-risk work, typically with asbestos cement such as corrugated roof sheets and gutters, or textured decorative coatings. This can be done by trained, competent workers with the right controls, without a licence or notification.

A refurbishment and demolition survey to HSG264 is what identifies the asbestos and lets you place the work in the right category. If a material is suspect and has not been surveyed, treat it as asbestos and do not disturb it.

The main hazards of asbestos work

• Inhalation of asbestos fibres, which causes asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, often decades later.
• Disturbing unidentified asbestos during other work because no survey was done.
• Spreading contamination to other areas, people and clothing.
• Inadequate or unfit-tested RPE giving false protection.
• Uncontrolled waste, with asbestos not bagged, labelled or disposed of correctly.
• Attempting licensed work without a licensed contractor, controls or notification.

The control measures a reviewer expects (non-licensed and NNLW)

For non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed work, a reviewer looks first for the survey and for confirmation that the work is genuinely non-licensed.

• A refurbishment and demolition survey to HSG264, identifying the material before any work.
• The category confirmed, and a licensed contractor engaged if the work is in fact licensed.
• Notification to the HSE where the work is notifiable non-licensed work.
• Trained, competent operatives with the correct asbestos non-licensed training, not just awareness.
• Fit-tested RPE to the right standard, and disposable coveralls.
• Controlled removal using wetting and dust suppression, minimising breakage, never power tools that make dust.
• Segregation of the area, restricted access and prevention of spread.
• Double-bagged, labelled asbestos waste to a licensed hazardous waste facility, with consignment notes, plus decontamination and any required air clearance.

The method statement sequence for non-licensed asbestos work

1. Obtain the refurbishment and demolition survey and identify the material.
2. Confirm the work category. If it is licensed work, stop and engage an HSE-licensed contractor. Do not proceed on your own RAMS.
3. For notifiable non-licensed work, notify the HSE before starting.
4. Set up the segregated area, restrict access, and prepare RPE, coveralls and waste bags.
5. Remove the material wet and whole where possible, keeping breakage and dust to a minimum.
6. Double-bag and label the waste, and clean the area.
7. Decontaminate operatives and equipment, and carry out any required air clearance before reoccupation.
8. Consign the waste to a licensed hazardous waste facility and keep the records.

Where asbestos RAMS usually get rejected

• No refurbishment and demolition survey referenced before the work.
• Licensed work being attempted without a licensed contractor, notification or controls.
• The work category never actually determined.
• Waste route and consignment to a licensed facility not stated.
• RPE not fit-tested or specified, and operatives holding only awareness training.
• Notifiable non-licensed work carried out without notifying the HSE.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to remove asbestos?

It depends on the material and the work. Higher-risk asbestos such as pipe lagging, sprayed coatings and most asbestos insulating board is licensed work and must be carried out by an HSE-licensed contractor, with notification to the HSE at least 14 days in advance. Lower-risk materials such as asbestos cement and textured coatings are usually non-licensed, but still need trained, competent workers and proper controls.

How do I know if there is asbestos?

You find out with a refurbishment and demolition survey to HSG264 before the work starts. In any building built or refurbished before the year 2000, treat suspect materials as asbestos until a survey or sample proves otherwise, and do not disturb them in the meantime.

Can I remove asbestos myself?

Only lower-risk, non-licensed materials, and only if you are trained and competent with the right controls, RPE and waste route. Licensed asbestos work must go to an HSE-licensed contractor. If you are not sure which category the material is, stop and have it surveyed rather than disturb it.

Is this legal advice?

No. This is a plain-English working summary to support site teams. For the detail see the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and HSE guidance HSG264 for surveys, HSG247 for licensed work and HSG210 for non-licensed work.

Related guides: RAMS for demolition, COSHH assessment for construction, permit to work for construction, and the full RAMS and method statement guides.