Site Safety
Safety: if a material might contain asbestos, leave it undisturbed and do not drill, sand or break it. Have it surveyed, and use a licensed asbestos contractor for removal: HSE requires a licence for most asbestos removal work.
Explore site safety in plain English, with practical context, common distinctions and questions to ask before work starts.
Start with the entries below. They are part of a growing reference library, not an exhaustive technical specification or a substitute for specialist assessment.
- Construction dust
- Construction dust is airborne material produced by activities such as cutting, drilling, grinding and sanding. Some dust contains harmful substances, including respirable crystalline silica, which can reach deep into the lungs.
- Getting into asbestos work
- Asbestos work is a group of controlled occupations, not one certificate. Surveying, analytical work, non-licensed tasks and licensed removal involve different competence and responsibilities. Anyone considering the field should first identify the intended role and a reputable employer able to provide appropriate training, supervision and occupational safeguards.
- Method statement
- A method statement describes how a task will be carried out, including the sequence and relevant safety controls. It turns planning into practical instructions for the people doing the work.
- Risk assessment
- A risk assessment identifies what could cause harm, who could be affected and what controls are needed. It should inform the actual work rather than merely produce a document for a folder.
- Site induction
- A site induction introduces people to the hazards, arrangements and rules of a particular site. It is site-specific information, not a replacement for trade skills or task training.
Last editorial check: 8 November 2026.
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