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28 May 2025

Asbestos in the Houses of Parliament: Why Every Employer Must Act Now on Chemical Safety

By:Dale Allen
|
Categories:Compliance, COSHH
|
3 min read

The UK Parliament's asbestos crisis reveals critical lessons for all employers. Learn COSHH requirements, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and actionable steps.

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The ongoing asbestos problem in the Houses of Parliament highlights the critical need for COSHH compliance and chemical safety awareness for all UK employers
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Asbestos kills. And it's still in one of the most famous workplaces in Britain.

For years, safety experts have warned that the UK Parliament is riddled with asbestos. Hidden in ceilings. Packed in old pipe lagging. Lurking in walls.

If disturbed, even one breath of asbestos dust can be fatal. It causes mesothelioma—a cancer with no cure.

And the shocking truth?

It's not just old buildings like Parliament. Asbestos still exists in thousands of UK workplaces, schools, and homes.

If it's not managed properly, lives are at risk.

What's Really Happening Inside Parliament?

In 2023, Parliament's own report confirmed what many feared:

  • Asbestos is widespread across the Palace of Westminster
  • Workers and contractors have already been exposed multiple times
  • Remediation will take decades and cost billions

Even worse? Some staff were not told they'd been exposed until long after the risk had passed.

A Critical Warning

If this can happen in Parliament, it can happen anywhere.

What Does the Law Say?

Under UK law, asbestos is covered by COSHH and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Employer Requirements

Employers must:

  • Identify if asbestos is present
  • Keep an asbestos register
  • Carry out a risk assessment
  • Use licensed professionals for removal
  • Train anyone who might disturb asbestos

In Parliament? Exposure incidents were reported because procedures weren't followed properly.

Don't Wait for an Inspection — or an Illness

You don't have to be an asbestos expert. You just need the right tools — and the will to act.

1. Get Certified

Free asbestos and COSHH training from the Knights of Safety Academy.

Every team member. Every role. No cost.

2. Be Competent

Build fast, COSHH-compliant asbestos risk assessments with Sevron — in under 60 seconds.

No paperwork. No confusion. Just compliance made simple.

3. Stay Compliant

Book a free 15-minute call with a safety expert.

Get answers. Get clarity. Get moving.

This Isn't Just Parliament's Problem

Thousands of buildings in the UK still contain asbestos.

And if you manage a workplace or team, the responsibility is yours to check, assess, and control the risk.

Critical Warning

When asbestos is disturbed — the consequences can be deadly.


Take action today. Get free COSHH and asbestos training, use Sevron for compliant risk assessments, and book your free consultation with a safety expert.

Tags:

#asbestos#coshh#chemical-safety#risk-assessment#workplace-safety#mesothelioma#control-of-asbestos-regulations
Dale Allen
About Dale Allen

CEO & Founder

Dale founded Sevron Safety Solutions in 2007 with a mission to help businesses comply with Health and Safety regulations through innovative, cloud-based solutions. An award-winning author of 'The Book on Chemical Safety' and founder of The Knights of Safety Academy, Dale has dedicated over 19 years to making workplaces safer. His expertise spans COSHH regulations, chemical safety compliance, and risk assessment best practices.

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