Despite being banned over two decades ago, asbestos remains one of the most significant occupational health risks facing demolition contractors today. Managing it correctly is not optional. It requires technical competence, strong leadership and a culture that prioritises long-term health over short-term programme pressure.

At Greenfield Demolition, we treat asbestos not as a historical issue, but as a current operational reality. Managing it properly requires knowledge, training, vigilance and leadership at every level of the business.

This article outlines what asbestos is, why it was used so extensively, the key risks it presents during demolition, and the measures we implement to control exposure throughout the demolition process.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its:

• Fire resistance
• Thermal insulation properties
• Chemical resistance
• Strength and durability

There are several types of asbestos, but the three most commonly encountered in UK buildings are:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos) – commonly found in cement products, floor tiles, textured coatings
• Amosite (brown asbestos) – frequently used in asbestos insulating board (AIB)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – often used in sprayed coatings and pipe insulation

Asbestos was incorporated into thousands of building products, including:

• Insulation boards
• Pipe lagging
• Ceiling tiles
• Sprayed fire protection
• Roofing sheets
• Floor coverings
• Bituminous products

Although banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain in many buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000.

The Historical Context

Between the 1950s and 1980s, asbestos use in UK construction was extensive. It was often considered a “miracle material” because of its fire-resistant properties and cost-effectiveness.

Unfortunately, the long-term health implications were not fully understood or acknowledged until significant harm had already occurred.

By the late 20th century, clear links had been established between asbestos exposure and serious diseases, including:

• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Pleural thickening.

These illnesses are typically characterised by long latency periods. Symptoms may not appear for 20–40 years after exposure.

As demolition contractors, we often work on buildings constructed during the peak period of asbestos use. This means asbestos risk remains highly relevant to our daily operations.

Why Asbestos Presents a Unique Risk in Demolition

In occupied buildings, asbestos can often be managed in situ. In demolition, however, materials are:

• Disturbed
• Broken
• Removed

This increases the likelihood of fibre release.

The key risk from asbestos arises when fibres become airborne and are inhaled. The fibres are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Once inhaled, they can become lodged in lung tissue and remain there permanently.

The Legal Framework Governing Asbestos in Demolition

Asbestos management in demolition is governed primarily by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations place clear duties on clients, surveyors, and contractors.

Before demolition begins, a suitable and sufficient Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) survey must be undertaken. Identified asbestos-containing materials must be removed in accordance with regulatory requirements, and where work is licensable, it must be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor with appropriate notification to the HSE.

Under CDM Regulations, demolition contractors also have a duty to plan, manage and monitor works to ensure risks are controlled.

At Greenfield Demolition, compliance is not treated as a paperwork exercise. We ensure that:

• Survey documentation is reviewed in detail prior to work commencing
• Licensed contractors are engaged where required
• Method statements reflect actual site conditions
• Unexpected discoveries are managed in line with regulatory guidance

Understanding the legal framework reinforces what we already know operationally —asbestos management must be planned, controlled and supervised at every stage.

All asbestos-related documentation is retained within our project health and safety file to ensure full traceability and audit compliance.

Demolition presents several specific challenges:

1. Hidden Materials

Asbestos may be concealed behind walls, within service risers, or beneath later refurbishments.

2. Survey Limitations

It is not uncommon during soft strip operations for previously concealed materials to become exposed — for example, asbestos insulating board hidden behind later stud partitions.

In these situations, immediate stop-work protocols and competent supervision are critical. The ability of an operative to recognise suspect materials and escalate concerns without hesitation is often the most effective control measure on site.

3. Dynamic Work Environments

As demolition progresses, new areas become exposed, potentially revealing previously unidentified ACMs.

4. Commercial and Programme Pressure

Unexpected asbestos discoveries can impact programme timelines and costs, creating pressure that must be carefully managed.

For these reasons, asbestos management in demolition demands a proactive and disciplined approach.

The Importance of Training in the Demolition Industry

Competence is central to asbestos risk management. At a minimum, demolition operatives should hold appropriate asbestos awareness training, covering:

• The properties and types of asbestos
• The health effects of exposure
• Typical locations of ACMs in buildings
• Emergency procedures
• Stop-work responsibilities

Supervisors and managers require enhanced understanding, including:

• Interpretation of R&D survey reports
• Understanding survey limitations
• Managing unexpected discoveries
• Isolation and escalation procedures

Where works involve direct removal of certain ACMs, appropriately licensed contractors and trained personnel must be engaged in line with regulatory requirements.

However, formal certification alone is not enough.

Training must be:

• Refreshed regularly
• Reinforced through toolbox talks
• Embedded into daily briefings
• Supported by leadership behaviour

An operative who understands asbestos risk — and feels empowered to act — is one of the strongest controls available.

Visual Inspections and Ongoing Vigilance

At Greenfield Demolition, we do not treat the asbestos survey as the final word. We treat it as a critical starting point.

Before intrusive works begin, supervisors:

• Review the R&D survey in detail
• Walk down work areas
• Identify potential high-risk locations
• Brief operatives on specific identified ACMs

During demolition works, we maintain vigilance by:

• Encouraging operatives to question suspect materials
• Conducting routine visual inspections
• Stopping works immediately if unexpected materials are encountered

If suspect materials are identified:

• The area is isolated
• Work ceases
• Samples are taken by competent personnel
• Further action is determined based on laboratory results

This layered approach significantly reduces the risk of uncontrolled exposure.

Greenfield Demolition’s Approach to Limiting Exposure

Managing asbestos risk is not a single control measure — it is a system.

At Greenfield Demolition, our approach includes:

1. Pre-Construction Planning

• Thorough review of all asbestos survey documentation
• Early engagement with licensed asbestos removal contractors where required
• Clear sequencing to ensure removal is completed prior to demolition

2. Clear Communication

• Site inductions highlighting asbestos risks
• Daily activity briefings
• Visible signage and restricted zones

3. Segregation and Isolation

• Physical barriers around asbestos removal areas
• Controlled access procedures
• Air monitoring where required

4. Competent Supervision

• Supervisors trained to recognise suspect materials
• Clear reporting lines
• Immediate stop-work authority

5. Cultural Reinforcement

Perhaps most importantly, we reinforce a culture where:

• Raising concerns is encouraged
• Production does not override safety
• Lessons learned are shared openly

Our responsibility extends beyond compliance. It extends to protecting long-term health.

The Consequences of Complacency

Failure to manage asbestos properly can result in:

• Serious health implications for workers
• Enforcement action and prosecution
• Project delays and financial loss
• Significant reputational damage

More importantly, it can result in irreversible harm to individuals and their families.

The demolition industry has a duty to ensure that historic building materials do not create future health tragedies.

Conclusion

Asbestos remains one of the most serious occupational health risks within the demolition sector.

Although its use was banned over two decades ago, its presence in existing buildings means it is still very much part of our operational landscape.

At Greenfield Demolition, we approach asbestos management with:

• Technical understanding
• Structured planning
• Competent training
• Ongoing vigilance
• Strong leadership

An R&D survey reduces uncertainty — but it does not eliminate risk. Training reduces ignorance — but it must be reinforced. Procedures reduce exposure — but culture sustains control. In demolition, asbestos management is not simply about compliance. It is about responsibility. And that responsibility remains central to how we operate every day.

For clients, developers and principal contractors, selecting a demolition partner with demonstrable asbestos competence is critical. At Greenfield Demolition, we combine regulatory compliance with practical site experience to ensure asbestos risk is identified, controlled and managed professionally from pre-construction planning through to project completion.

It doesn’t make noise. It doesn’t cause immediate harm. And because you often can’t see it, it’s easy to underestimate. But the long-term consequences of uncontrolled silica exposure are serious, irreversible, and entirely preventable if managed properly.

As an industry, demolition has made real progress on safety over the years. However, occupational health risks like silica dust still require constant attention, strong leadership, and a willingness to slow down when needed.

This article explains what silica dust is, how it is created, where it arises during demolition works, and how we at Greenfield Demolition work to control it.

What Is Silica Dust?

Silica dust is created from respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Crystalline silica is a natural substance found in many construction materials, including:

• Concrete
• Bricks and blocks
• Mortar
• Stone and masonry
• Tiles and screed

When these materials are cut, broken, drilled, crushed, or ground, very fine dust particles are released into the air. The most dangerous particles are the smallest ones – small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs.

Long-term exposure to silica dust can cause serious, life-changing illnesses, including:

• Silicosis (an incurable lung disease)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Lung cancer
• Kidney disease

These conditions often develop over years, meaning the damage is done long before symptoms appear.

How Is Silica Dust Created?

Silica dust is generated whenever silica-containing materials are disturbed mechanically. In demolition, this happens frequently and often repeatedly throughout a project. Common activities that create silica dust include:

• Cutting concrete or masonry with disc cutters or saws
• Breaking concrete with breakers or pulverisers
• Crushing or processing demolition arisings
• Drilling or coring
• Stripping works where masonry or screed is removed
• Excavation and handling of concrete-based materials

The key issue is that silica dust is not always created in large visible clouds. In many cases, exposure occurs during short, repetitive tasks that are seen as routine. Over time, these small exposures add up.

What Does Silica Dust Look Like?

One of the biggest challenges with silica dust is that it often can’t be seen. Larger dust particles may be visible as a haze or cloud, but the most harmful particles are:

• Microscopic
• Invisible to the naked eye
• Able to remain airborne for long periods

If you can see dust in the air, you can assume that respirable silica may also be present — but the absence of visible dust does not mean the absence of risk.

This is why relying on visual checks alone is not enough. Effective control must be built into the method of work.

Key Demolition Activities That Generate Silica Dust

From our experience at Greenfield Demolition, silica exposure risk is highest during the following activities:

Concrete Breaking and Reduction:

Handheld breakers and mechanical plant attachments generate significant dust, especially in dry conditions.

Saw Cutting and Disc Cutting:

Cutting slabs, walls, or structural elements is one of the highest-risk activities if controls are not in place.

Crushing and Processing Materials:

On-site crushing of concrete and masonry can release large volumes of respirable dust without proper suppression.

Strip Out Works:

Removing screeds, blockwork, and masonry internally can lead to prolonged exposure, particularly in enclosed spaces.

Loading, Handling, and Stockpiling Arisings:

Dust can be re-released during handling, even after the initial demolition work is complete. Understanding where these risks arise allows us to plan controls before work starts, not after problems appear.

Key Control Measures to Reduce Silica Dust

At Greenfield Demolition, our approach is based on elimination, reduction, and protection, in
that order.

1. Planning and Method Selection

The most effective control starts at planning stage:

• Selecting demolition methods that minimise cutting and breaking
• Using mechanical solutions rather than handheld tools where possible
• Sequencing works to reduce repeat handling
  
  

2. Water Suppression

Water remains one of the most effective controls when used correctly:

• Wet cutting rather than dry cutting
• Constant water feed to breakers and saws
• Damping down during mechanical demolition, material processing and loading
  
  

3. Dust Extraction and Local Exhaust Ventilation

Where appropriate, we use:

• On-tool extraction systems
• Enclosed cabs with filtered air for plant operators
  
  

4. Work Area Control

• Segregating high-dust activities
• Limiting the number of people exposed
• Using exclusion zones, particularly indoors
  
  

5. Monitoring and Supervision

Controls are only effective if they are maintained:

• Regular checks on equipment
• Tool Box Talks and Daily Activity Briefings.
• Supervisory oversight during high-risk tasks
• Reviewing methods when conditions change

What Personnel Should Wear During Silica-Generating Activities

Even with strong engineering and administrative controls, PPE remains a critical last line of
defence. For demolition activities that generate silica dust, personnel should wear:

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

• Correctly selected respirators (often FFP3 or equivalent)
• Face-fit tested for the individual
• Maintained and replaced as required

Eye and Face Protection

• Safety goggles or visors to prevent irritation and injury from dust particles

Protective Clothing

• Suitable workwear to prevent contamination
• Controlled removal to avoid secondary exposure

Good Hygiene Practices

• Washing facilities
• No eating or drinking in dusty areas
• Proper storage of PPE

Crucially, PPE is not a substitute for good planning and control. It supports them.

Our Responsibility as an Industry

Silica dust is not a new risk. What has changed is our understanding of its long-term impact — and our responsibility to act on that knowledge.

At Greenfield Demolition, we believe protecting our workforce means looking beyond immediate accidents and addressing health risks that may not show consequences for years. That requires leadership, investment, and sometimes difficult decisions when productivity and protection come into conflict.

The reality is simple: silica-related illness is preventable. With the right controls, the right behaviours, and the right culture, exposure can be reduced to a minimum.

As an industry, we owe it to our people to take this risk seriously — even when it’s invisible.

Greenfield Demolition have been awarded the strip out and alterations contract by RB Construction for Unit 20 & 21 The Orchard Shopping Centre where the two units will be merged into one.

Our Scope:

• Carry out the soft strip
• Partial Removal of wall
• Remove part of the existing load bearing wall
• Form openings
• Saw cut the existing slab
• Break out remainder of load bearing wall

Greenfield Demolition have been awarded the demolition works at Selsey Resort by Bunn Leisure to demolish three warehouses to provide an area for parking and mobile homes. This job is to be completed over one phase and we are to act as a Subcontractor.

Our Scope:

• Asbestos Removal
• Demolition of Buildings
• Remove Slab and Foundations
• Remove all arisings from site

Greenfield Demolition have been awarded the demolition works at South Croydon by Selsdon Building to demolish Car Showroom and ancillary buildings. This job is to be completed over one phase and we are to act as a Subcontractor.

Our Scope:

• Asbestos Removal
• Separation Works
• Demolition of Buildings
• Remove Slab and Foundations
• Crush all materials on site

Greenfield Demolition have been awarded the strip out contract by Camistar for the Former Lok’n’Store storage three-storey building which is to be converted into a Park’n’Cruise.

Our Scope:

• Strip and Remove all lighting
• Strip and Remove all ceilings and mechanical equipment
• Dismantle and Remove all Lifts and Lift Shafts
• Strip and Remove all plasterboard walls
• Dismantle and Remove roller doors and dock levellers
• Remove all arising from site

Greenfield Demolition have been awarded the demolition works at Heathermount School by Beard Guildford to demolish a caretakers shed, two houses and removal of a slab. This job is to be completed over two phases

Our Scope:

• Asbestos Removal
• Demolition of Buildings
• Remove Slab and Foundations
• Remove all arisings from site

Greenfield Demolition have been employed by IC Construction to undertake the demolition works at 64 South Street, Romford. The building was a former nightclub and in mid-terrace with two very busy retail/financial stores either side.

Our Scope:

• Demolition of Building
• Remove Slab and Foundations
• Crush all arisings on site
• Façade is to remain in situ

The project consists of an internal strip out of a warehouse, floor cutting, demolishing internal walls and clearance.