Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Asbestos – “The greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK” (Source:HSE).
What is asbestos?
A mineral fibre that can pollute air or water and cause cancer or asbestosis when inhaled.
Where is asbestos found in buildings?
- Sprayed asbestos and asbestos loose packing –generally used in ceiling voids
- Moulded or performed lagging – thermal insulation of pipes and boilers
- Sprayed asbestos – ducts, firebreaks, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and structural ceilings
- Insulation boards, thermal insulation, partitions and ducts
- Some ceiling tiles
- Mill board and paper used for insulating electrical equipment
- Asbestos cement products
- Certain textured coatings
- Bitumen roofing material
- Vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles
Please note that although these are the most likely uses and places where asbestos will be found, asbestos was used in many other materials.
Who has the duty to manage asbestos?
The Control Of Asbestos Regulation 2012 states that the person or organisation that has a clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises through a contract or equivalent agreement has the duty to manage.
How do I manage asbestos?
- Find out if premises contains asbestos, and, if so where it is and what condition. If in doubt, materials must be presumed to contain asbestos.
- Survey premises to assess risk.
- Make a plan to manage risk.
Who can test samples for asbestos?
Asbestos Facts or Awareness
The three most common types of Asbestos found in buildings:
⦁ Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos), typically found in sprayed coatings, pipe insulation and cement based products.
⦁ Amosite (Brown Asbestos), is usually found in asbestos insulating board (AIB).
⦁ Chrysotile (White Asbestos), Often found in cement based products, artex and floor tiles, Chrysotile can also be found in insulation materials and insulating board (AIB).
Asbestos can be found within:
Who Is at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?
- Miners
- Millers
- Insulators
- Boilermakers
- Auto mechanics
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Firefighters
- Construction workers
- Industrial workers
- Shipyard workers
- Power plant workers
