What Every Yorkshire Farmer Needs to Know
For many years, asbestos was used on farms across Yorkshire for its durability and fire resistance.
At the time, it seemed like the perfect solution for things like roofing and insulation.
Unfortunately, what was once considered a smart, cost-effective choice has now become a serious health risk, especially for farmers.
Where asbestos hides on the farm
Many of the older buildings on farms still contain asbestos, particularly in areas like:
- Barn roofing and wall panels: Asbestos cement sheets were commonly used for barn roofs and walls because they stood up to the weather.
- Pipework and insulation: You might find asbestos around pipes, especially in milking parlours or heating systems in outbuildings.
- Silos and feed stores: It’s also possible that asbestos is present in silos or feed storage areas.
Most of the asbestos found on farms is chrysotile (white asbestos), which was praised for its strength and flexibility. While it’s not as dangerous as other types of asbestos (like blue or brown), it can still cause serious health problems when disturbed.
Unique exposure risks on farms
Farms are different from urban or industrial sites—there’s a lot of daily activity, with animals, machinery, and weather all interacting with old buildings. This leads to some unique risks:
- Wear and tear: Over time, weathered asbestos roofing can degrade. Small things like strong winds, animal movement, or the shifting of structures can release dangerous fibres.
- Unaware workers: Farmers often do repairs or demolition without realising they’re handling asbestos, putting themselves at risk.
- Animal exposure: If livestock is housed under asbestos roofing, they could inhale fibres, and their movements can stir up harmful dust—putting both animals and people at risk.
- Open-air contamination: Any outdoor work that involves cutting or drilling into asbestos cement can release fibres that travel through the air, potentially affecting nearby homes or workers.
Health implications to be aware of
Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause devastating illnesses, including:
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by long-term exposure.
- Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos.
- Lung cancer – Often compounded by smoking, but also directly linked to asbestos inhalation.
- Pleural thickening – A condition that causes chest pain and breathing difficulties.
The worst part? These illnesses can take decades to show up, meaning farmers in their 30s or 40s might not notice the symptoms until much later in life.
How to manage asbestos on your farm
If you suspect asbestos is present, do not attempt to remove or disturb it yourself. Instead:
- Identify & Survey: Contact a professional asbestos removal service like Othick Property Services to conduct a full asbestos survey. We serve farms across Yorkshire and provide detailed reports on where asbestos is present and what condition it’s in.
- Risk Assessment: Not all asbestos must be removed immediately. If it’s in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it may be safe to monitor. However, damaged or friable asbestos must be dealt with urgently.
- Safe Removal: Our trained technicians follow strict HSE guidelines to remove asbestos without endangering people, animals, or the environment. We use sealed containment systems and approved disposal methods to ensure zero contamination.
- Licensed Disposal: Asbestos waste must be disposed of at licensed facilities. Dumping or burning asbestos is illegal and can carry hefty fines and environmental consequences.
Protect your farm, family, and future
Asbestos is a hidden danger that could be putting your health—and your livelihood—at risk. Whether you’re restoring old barns, replacing roofing, or upgrading water systems, make asbestos safety a priority.
At Othick Property Services, we’ve helped countless Yorkshire farmers identify and safely remove asbestos from their properties.
Don’t leave it to chance, contact us today to schedule your asbestos inspection or visit othickpropertyservices.co.uk for more information.
Take the first step in protecting your farm for generations to come.