Why this matters
Asbestos-related diseases (mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis) typically appear 20-40 years after exposure. The trades worst affected are demolition workers, plumbers, electricians, and joiners - because they disturb hidden asbestos in older buildings. There is no safe exposure level for asbestos.
Key hazards and controls
Hazard 1: Asbestos insulation board (AIB) in ceilings and walls
Control: Assume present in pre-2000 buildings. Survey before any disturbance
Hazard 2: Asbestos cement roof sheets and gutters
Control: Trained licensed contractor. Wet methods. P3 RPE. Disposal by licensed waste handler
Hazard 3: Asbestos textured coatings (Artex)
Control: Pre-2000 textured coatings may contain asbestos. Survey before sanding or removal
Hazard 4: Asbestos in pipe lagging
Control: Highest risk type. Licensed contractor only. Sealed enclosure
Hazard 5: Asbestos in floor tiles and adhesives
Control: Avoid breaking. Licensed disposal
Key messages
- 1.Pre-2000 building? Assume asbestos until surveyed otherwise
- 2.Asbestos awareness training is mandatory for all construction workers
- 3.Stop work immediately if you suspect asbestos
- 4.Three types of work: licensed work, notifiable non-licensed work, non-notifiable - know which is which
- 5.There is no safe exposure - all asbestos exposure is harmful
Signs of trouble (for supervisors)
Things to spot during site walks that suggest the message has not landed:
- !Suspected asbestos materials being disturbed without survey
- !Workers attempting to remove asbestos without licensing
- !Damaged asbestos materials with visible fibres
- !No asbestos register present on site
- !Asbestos awareness training not current for workers
Questions to ask workers
Use these in your daily walkrounds and toolbox talks:
- Q.When was this building constructed?
- Q.Is there an asbestos survey for this property?
- Q.What materials suspicious of containing asbestos are present?
- Q.Is your asbestos awareness training current (within 12 months)?
- Q.What is the procedure if you find unexpected asbestos?
UK legislation
- SSControl of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- SSHealth and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- SSCDM 2015 (asbestos surveys must be in pre-construction information)
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