Asbestos

Asbestos related disease is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, and causes up to a possible 3000 deaths every year. Duty holders that they must act now to protect workers and prevent further deaths from asbestos related disease in the future.

People who control the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises are required to find out if asbestos is present, establish its condition and manage any associated risks.

Asbestos was used widely in buildings. If the building was built before the year 2000, or if you are unsure you need to presume the building contains asbestos unless you know for sure it doesn't.

Asbestos can pose a significant risk to health if not properly managed. Asbestos fibres are highly dangerous and can cause cancer of the lung and surrounding membranes.

What should duty holders be doing immediately?

Make sure their current arrangements for the management of asbestos within their premises are applied properly.
Be cautious when carrying out maintenance work. Until a proper assessment is carried out, assume that all materials being worked on are asbestos, or carry out a mini survey of the material before working on it.
Carry out an initial inspection of the premises to look for damage and disturbance of material and take action as necessary.

What should you do next?

The Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) have produced an online interactive guide for duty holders to help them understand their duties.

It will help you understand whether you are a duty holder and take you through a series of steps to help you decide if there is asbestos present and if so, how to manage it. Click on the link on the right hand side called "managing my asbestos" to access the tool.

Getting work done

The tool will help you decide whether you need a licensed contractor or a trained contractor to carry work on asbestos or presumed asbestos containing materials. It also provides a link to Asbestos Essentials COSHH guidance sheets which are task sheets for unlicensed work with asbestos. Alternatively, you can download a free copy of the Asbestos Essentials Task Manual publication from HSE Books (see the link on the right).

(HSE) and Local Authority inspectors will carry out visits to a number of duty holders and encourage them to take steps to manage asbestos. However, if inspectors find anyone at serious risk of exposure to asbestos fibres, legal action will be taken against the duty holder responsible.

If you would like more information regarding asbestos, you can obtain it either from the HSE's website, or from HSE info-line on 0845 345 0055. Alternatively, you can contact us.