Have read this thread with a great deal of interest.
Since I started in the industry I have seen a few changes in attitudes to asbestos. When I started it was only blue asbestos that was the problem and white and brown could be worked on (drilled into etc) and removed.
The next change was that if white or brown was removed it had to be removed of site seperately. Then it had to be removed by specialist companies. Now it has been reclassified.
I too have followed specialist teams into these sites (you go in with them at the start to make the site electrically safe for them) and then go in after the removal process is complete. White suites, masks, shower off area, polythene sealing of the entire site etc.
Now, compared with when I started, slightest doubt, check it out.
Industrial, commercial generally no problem with the customer, domestic (if local authority) again no major problem although can be a delay. Private domestic, if I am not sure and the owner "could not care" I walk away. I do try to explain the risks, with the little knowledge I have.
If you ever work on Wimpey Nofines properties, built in the sixties the porch ceiling can be white asbestos and heres a scarey one, the water storage tank can be made of a mixture of concrete and asbestos cast into shape.
You can work in areas where there is asbestos as long as you do not disturb or drill it but make sure you wear a mask. If running cables use self adhesive trunking. This should only be done as a last resort and only if the material is the type with the smoothed or polished finish.
My advise, leave the stuff alone, any doubts get it checked. As Cirrus says it's not just your life you're playing with.
And what of the future, fibreglass and (the concern of several chippies I know) MDF and the fine particles that produces when it's cut.