Are you aware?

What is asbestos?

The term asbestos covers a number of naturally occurring silicate minerals that have crystallised to form various types of asbestos fibres. The three main fibres are Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite – commonly known as white, brown and blue asbestos. The fibres have high tensile strength, and are chemical, electrical and heat resistant. Asbestos fibres only become dangerous when they become air borne.

Asbestos has been widely used throughout the building industry. Since 1930 millions of tonnes of asbestos have been imported into the UK, which have been identified in many various products.

Some of the most commonly used are listed below (in degree of risk, low at top to high at bottom);

• Floor Coverings/Tiles
• Damp Proof Course / Bitumen products
• Textured Coatings (Artex)
• Toilet Cisterns
• Garage/Shed Roofs
• Water Storage Tanks
• Cement Flue Pipes
• Soffits and Guttering
• Wall Boarding
• Ceiling Tiles

• Fire Breaks
• Partitions/Risers
• Fire Door Panels
• Boiler and Pipe Gaskets
• Pipe Insulations
• Spray Coatings to structural steelwork / concrete

 

The video above shows how useful asbestos was seen as in the construction of buildings. As the commentator states: “Rust proof and durable, they are resistant to chemicals, fumes, heat, smoke, steam and weather” and also, impervious to mankind's viral defences too. This is why asbestos kills more people than any other single work related illness, making its professional management critical to every business.

The three main asbestos related diseases are;

• Asbestosis
• Mestheliomia
• Lung Cancer

If you require further information please visit the HSE website.

Health Effects

Asbestos related diseases are currently responsible for more than 4,000 deaths a year in the UK and the number is increasing. In fact, asbestos kills more people than any other single work related illness, making its professional management critical to every business.

There are six regulated types of asbestos, but the 3 main types are: Chrysotile, Amosite and Crocidolite — usually referred to as White, Brown and Blue. Although asbestos is a hazardous material, it is only dangerous when fibres become airborne. Asbestos managed correctly is not considered a health risk.

Legislation

Legal duties under regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 are for those responsible i.e. the dutyholder to:

• Assess their premises for asbestos and its condition to prevent exposure to employees, contractors and the general public;
• Take reasonable steps to find materials likely to contain asbestos;
• Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to suppose they do not;
• Undertake risk assessments of the likelihood of anyone being exposed to asbestos from these materials;
• There is no legal requirement to remove identified asbestos if it is maintained in good condition;
• Make a written record of the location and the condition of the ACM’s and presumed ACM’s, keeping it safe and up-to-date;
• Have a plan made available to any person/s, who may be likely to disturb them during works;
• All asbestos materials must be maintained in good condition;
• Companies must continue to monitor the condition of known ACM’s on a regular basis.

Primary changes to previous legislation was to increase responsibility of the dutyholder to ensure that all persons who may come into contact with asbestos in premises are made aware of the risks and to manage the risks.

Further guidance changes revising asbestos surveys, and air monitoring rules are due to change this year (see News item for details here).