Asbestos-related work requires careful insurance review because standard Professional Indemnity and Public Liability policies can restrict or exclude asbestos exposures.

What asbestos services can be involved? #

Examples include:

• Asbestos inspections
• Audits
• Sampling
• Asbestos registers
• Risk assessments
• Management plans
• Advice about asbestos-containing materials
• Air monitoring
• Clearance inspections or certification
• Project management of removal work
• Engagement of removal contractors
• Physical removal, transport or disposal

The insurance required depends on the actual activity.

Professional consulting versus physical asbestos work #

Professional Indemnity Insurance may be relevant to allegations involving matters such as:

• Incorrect advice
• Failure to identify asbestos
• Incorrect reports
• Sampling or assessment errors
• Clearance-related professional services

However, asbestos restrictions, exclusions or sub-limits can apply.

Public Liability Insurance can also contain asbestos exclusions.

Environmental Consultants who physically remove, handle, transport or dispose of asbestos may require specialist Asbestos Liability Insurance.

Project managing or engaging asbestos-removal contractors can also create additional exposures even where the consultant does not personally remove the material.

What information may insurers require? #

This can include:

• Detailed asbestos services
• Percentage of revenue from asbestos work
• Friable or non-friable asbestos work
• Qualifications and licences
• Sampling and testing procedures
• Clearance procedures
• Removal activities
• Subcontractor arrangements
• Industries and locations
• Claims history

Do not rely on a general business description such as “environmental consulting” to confirm that asbestos activities are insured.

Contact our team before commencing materially different asbestos-related work.