Asbestos

If you own, manage or have responsibilities for a workplace building that may contain asbestos, you need to think about the risk of exposure to workers and others who may use the building. You need to be able to identify, assess and manage any asbestos materials on your premises. Information relating to this can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos/index.htm where you can also download free leaflets and find out how people can become partners.
 

Asbestos - The Dangers

 

Asbestos is the greatest single cause of work-related deaths. Asbestos-related diseases (mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer) are thought to kill up to 3,000 people each year, with these figures expected to rise until around 2010. These diseases take a long time to develop, which means that the people who are suffering and dying today were exposed to asbestos many years ago.

Huge amounts of asbestos were installed in buildings during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and much of it is still in place today. Electricians, plumbers, building maintenance workers, shopfitters and carpenters may still be at risk when carrying out refurbishment, repairs etc. on buildings which contain asbestos. It is also now thought possible that repeated low level exposures, such as could occur during routine repair work, may also lead to asbestos induced cancers.
 
There is no cure for asbestos-related diseases. Blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos are known to be more hazardous than white (chrysotile). In general the more asbestos dust inhaled, the greater the risk to health.
 

Where Is Asbestos Found In Buildings?

 

  • Sprayed/loose packed asbestos - e.g. as fire breaks in ceiling voids
  • Sprayed coatings and laggings - e.g. insulation of pipework
  • Sprayed asbestos & cement mixture - fire protection
  • Insulating boards - fire protection, thermal insulation
  • Some ceiling tiles
  • Asbestos board/paper products in electrical equipment
  • Asbestos cement products - roofing & wall cladding
  • Certain textured coatings

 

In general, the materials that contain a high percentage of asbestos are more easily damaged and the above list is roughly in order of ease of fibre release.

 

Who Are At Most Risk?

 

The people who are responsible for maintenance work for example contractors doing rewiring, fitting alarm systems or anyone whose work involves drilling, cutting or sawing into the fabric of the building.

 

What Law Applies?

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002
Duty to Manage Asbestos as required by The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (effective from May 2004)
 
The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983

The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992

Managing Asbestos

 

Information regarding assessing, removing and disposing of Asbestos is also available.

 

Further Information And Publications

 

Further information and publications are available to download.
Peterborough City Council. Town Hall, Bridge Street, Peterborough, PE1 1QT - (01733) 747474 - DX12310 Peterborough 1