London Underground workers were exposed to asbestos without required protective masks for nearly two decades, according to internal documents obtained by The Guardian. Emails and meeting minutes show that face-fitted masks were not issued to staff until 2020, despite regulations requiring them since 2002. The documents were disclosed during an employment tribunal hearing brought by Micky Steeds, a former cleaner who claimed he was unfairly dismissed after raising concerns about asbestos exposure.

The findings suggest Transport for London (TfL), which operates the London Underground, failed to comply with safety regulations for years. A manager admitted in 2018 that face-fitted masks were not issued to the team cleaning dust from vents, which included asbestos-sheathed cables. Another manager in December 2020 acknowledged that many staff were not provided with masks, blaming the failure on a lack of training. A 2019 email noted that allowing Steeds to work without a mask was an oversight that would be corrected, but a 2023 email revealed that asbestos dust fibre sampling, required by law, was not conducted.

TfL has recorded over 20,000 asbestos-containing materials across its network, according to data released under freedom of information. The company insists it has controls in place to manage asbestos risks, citing test results that showed exposure levels were below legal limits. However, Steeds and a former colleague pointed out that tests were not conducted while asbestos was being cleaned and disturbed, increasing the risk of exposure. Minutes of meetings also revealed that damaged asbestos, which is more hazardous, was encountered frequently by cleaners.

Catriona Ratcliffe, a solicitor at LeighDay, warned that prolonged exposure to asbestos, even at low levels, could lead to serious health issues. She highlighted that TfL’s failure to provide masks and conduct proper sampling could result in more injury claims. Steeds, who worked without a mask for 15 months, accused TfL of ignoring his concerns and covering up the issue. Rob Donnan, a former cleaner appealing his dismissal, estimated that up to 80 cleaners in the vents department and 300 in the escalator department were unprotected between 2002 and 2020.

TfL has already paid over £7m in asbestos-related compensation and legal fees. A spokesperson stated that the company has strict controls in line with government regulations to ensure safety for staff and customers. However, they declined to comment further due to an ongoing appeal against Steeds’ successful tribunal ruling. The case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure, with many questions remaining about the full extent of the impact on workers' health.