Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s to the mid-1980s due to their fire-resistance, durability, and insulation properties. However, asbestos has since been banned in many countries, including the UK, due to its proven health risks, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, caused by inhaling or ingesting its fibres.

To protect workers and the public from asbestos-related harm, the UK government has introduced strict regulations governing the management, removal, and disposal of asbestos in all non-domestic buildings, as well as in domestic premises built before 2000. These regulations require the dutyholder (such as the building owner or manager) to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their building and ensure their safe removal and disposal by trained and licensed professionals.