Asbestos was once a common building material, but when its serious health risks became known, it became a major concern for tradespeople. The danger isn’t always immediate — exposure can take years to cause illness. That’s why an asbestos register is so important.

But what is an asbestos register? In this guide, we’ll expose how it protects workers and help you understand it to make better asbestos compensation claims if you’ve been affected by asbestos.

What is an asbestos register?

An asbestos register is an official document under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It is maintained by employers, landlords, and building managers to record the presence and condition of asbestos in a building. It should include:

  • A highly detailed list of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found on-site
  • The locations of all ACMs in the building, so you can avoid disturbance and exposure
  • An assessment of the condition of the AMCs in the building
  • Recommendations for managing the asbestos within the building

This document should make sure that anyone working in the building, particularly maintenance or construction workers, is aware of potential exposure risks.

Why does the asbestos register matter for your safety?

If asbestos fibres that have lain dormant for decades are suddenly disturbed and released into the air, they can lead to life-threathening diseases when inhaled. By keeping an asbestos register, it can prevent this by:

  • Identifying and managing risks by preventing exposure
  • Guiding safety measures like sealing, removing or trapping asbestos
  • Protecting workers during repairs, renovations or demolition

Tradespeople that are conducting work on a building that was constructed before 2000 have the right to ask for an asbestos register to ensure their safety.

What can happen when an asbestos register is ignored?

If asbestos found inside a building or structure hasn’t been properly logged or managed, it leaves a big risk for workers that could disturb the fibres. The biggest risks include:

  • Accidental exposure during maintenance work
  • Airborne contamination after demolition
  • Legal liability for employers or building managers

If an employer has neglected their duty of care by failing to provide an accurate asbestos register, they will be legally responsible for the consequences. If the worst has happened, and you’ve been exposed to asbestos due to an incorrect, unclear or absent asbestos register, get in touch with our experts and we’ll help you make a claim.

What are your rights if you’ve developed an asbestos-related illness?

If you have been diagnosed with an illness that has been linked to asbestos exposure, no matter how long ago you were exposed, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of earnings
  • Ongoing care costs

One of the key steps in proving employer negligence is checking the asbestos register — if no proper records were kept or risks were ignored, this could strengthen your claim.

How Express Solicitors can help you

At Express Solicitors, we have decades of experience with many types of personal injury claim, including asbestos exposure. We also know how difficult the illnesses associated with this exposure can be. That’s why we’ll handle your asbestos claim with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

What’s more, with our no-win, no-fee agreement, you won’t pay us a penny if your claim is unsuccessful. Get in touch today to begin your asbestos claim and find out how much compensation you may be entitled to. Call us on 0161 904 4661 or  Start your claim online.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for maintaining an asbestos register?

The person responsible for an asbestos register is usually the building owner, employer, or property manager. They must identify, record and manage asbestos risks to protect workers and visitors.

How can I check if my workplace has an asbestos register?

If you work in a building that was constructed before 2000, you have the right to request access to the asbestos register. Employers, landlords and site managers should provide this information to ensure you are aware of any potential risks.

How long do I have to make an asbestos-related claim?

As with many personal injury claims or illness claims, you will have three years from the date of your diagnosis to make an asbestos claim. However, because asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, exceptions may apply. So if you’re unsure, speak to our experts as soon as possible to discuss your options.