Many buildings across the UK still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), particularly those built or refurbished before the year 2000.
For window cleaners and exterior cleaning professionals, this presents a serious safety consideration. While window cleaning does not normally involve direct work with asbestos materials, certain tasks — such as cleaning around roofs, cladding, soffits, and gutters — can create risks if asbestos-containing materials are accidentally disturbed.
To help members stay informed and protect their teams, the Window Cleaners Association (WCA) has created a new Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk specifically tailored to the window cleaning industry.
Why Asbestos Matters in Exterior Cleaning
According to guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos fibres can cause severe diseases including:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
These illnesses often develop decades after exposure, which is why preventing exposure is critical.
For window cleaners, asbestos risks may arise when working near:
- Garage and shed roofs
- Cement roof sheets
- Soffits and fascia boards
- Industrial cladding panels
- Older insulation boards
In many cases these materials appear harmless, but disturbing them can release microscopic fibres into the air.
Activities Window Cleaners Should Avoid
The HSE strongly advises that asbestos materials should never be disturbed without proper controls.
Examples of activities that could create risk include:
- Pressure washing asbestos roofs or cladding
- Scraping moss or debris from asbestos cement sheets
- Drilling or sanding cement boards
- Placing ladders directly on fragile asbestos roofing
- Breaking or disturbing old roof sheets
Even high-pressure water jets can damage asbestos cement and release fibres.
What To Do If You Suspect Asbestos
If you believe a surface or building component may contain asbestos:
- Stop work immediately
- Avoid disturbing the material
- Inform your supervisor or client
- Ensure a risk assessment or asbestos survey is carried out before work continues.
Specialist contractors may be required if asbestos materials need to be handled or removed.
A Practical Resource for WCA Members
The WCA Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk provides a simple, structured briefing you can deliver to your team.
The template includes:
- Key asbestos risks relevant to window cleaners
- What to look for when identifying potential ACMs
- Safe working practices
- Activities to avoid
- A staff briefing record sheet
Members can easily customise the template by adding their:
- Company logo
- Company address
- Business name
Download the Toolbox Talk
You can download the WCA Asbestos Awareness Toolbox Talk below:
📄 Download the PDF
WCA Toolbox Talk – Asbestos Awareness
Important Disclaimer
This document is provided by the Window Cleaners Association (WCA) as a general guidance template for members.
It is intended to support safety awareness but does not replace site-specific risk assessments, professional asbestos training, or formal health and safety advice.
Employers remain responsible for ensuring that their work activities comply with current UK asbestos legislation and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The WCA accepts no liability for injury, illness, damage or enforcement action arising from the use or misuse of this template.
Relevant HSE Guidance
Members should review the following official guidance:
Health and Safety Executive – Asbestos
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm
Asbestos Essentials Guide
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdf