ASBESTOS AUDIT - September 2023
Asbestos Audit Ltd
Asbestos Surveys | Testing | Asbestos In Soils | Asbestos Removal | Environmental Consultants | Training | UKAS-17020
Welcome to the September edition of our e-newsletter. This month’s edition is packed full of insights from the Asbestos Management and Remediation?section of the Environmental Services Industry.
Read on to learn more.
HSE Report Highlights A Decline In Mesothelioma Deaths: A Positive Shift In The Fight Against Asbestos-Linked Cancer
Latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics reveal a continued decline in mesothelioma deaths across Great Britain in 2021, marking a significant step in the ongoing reduction of this fatal cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma, a cancer known for its lengthy latency period following asbestos fibre inhalation, has been the subject of concern due to its rapid fatality upon symptom onset. The report underscores that annual deaths in Britain related to mesothelioma have surged over the past half-century, predominantly due to past occupational asbestos exposures, particularly between 1950 and 1980.
The statistics reveal a total of 2,268 mesothelioma-related deaths in Great Britain in 2021. This number marks a decline of 302 fatalities compared to the previous year's toll of 2,570. Notably, the 2021 figure is substantially lower than the average of 2,520 deaths per year recorded between 2012 and 2019.
Experts suggest that the considerable decrease in deaths in 2021 aligns with earlier projections, which anticipated a gradual decline in annual fatalities throughout the 2020s. However, fluctuations in the data for 2020 and 2021 might be attributed to various factors associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A Construction Company Has Received A Substantial Fine Of ￡90,000 Due To Its Involvement In An Incident Where The Public Was Exposed To Asbestos While Carrying Out Renovation Activities.
In a recent legal case, Warrington-based Esskay Construction has been charged with a hefty ￡90,000 fine for neglecting the safety of its workers and the public during a renovation project. The company was found guilty of breaching three regulations outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, despite its absence during the trial.
STRONG CONDEMNATION BY HSE INSPECTOR
Asbestos, a known class 1 carcinogen, claims the lives of approximately 20 tradesmen every week - Will Gretton
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector, Will Gretton, strongly condemned the company's carelessness and failure to attend court, deeming it unacceptable. He emphasized that by neglecting straightforward safety measures, Esskay Construction endangered both workers and the public by exposing them to this deadly substance, linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all engaged in similar work that they bear significant responsibilities in managing the risks associated with asbestos.
DISCOVERY OF ASBESTOS AND WORK CESSATION
The court proceedings revealed that the HSE was alerted to asbestos disturbance on August 31, 2021. Council officials investigating the site discovered substantial quantities of asbestos-containing materials both within and around the building. Consequently, an HSE inspector imposed work cessation notices at the site and restricted public access to the street. A licensed asbestos removal contractor was then engaged to conduct a thorough cleanup.
Further investigation by the HSE uncovered that Esskay Construction had neglected to appoint a qualified individual to conduct an asbestos survey before commencing work on the premises. This oversight resulted in the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials, potentially exposing workers and the public to hazardous asbestos fibers.
In response, the company has been fined ￡90,000 and directed to cover costs of ￡6,000, along with a victim surcharge of ￡190. This legal action underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to asbestos safety protocols in construction and renovation projects.
A soffit is a term referring to a portion of a building's roof structure that extends outward, encircling the roof's perimeter.
In the context of asbestos, soffits typically contain one of two materials: asbestos insulation board (AIB) or asbestos cement. But why does the type of asbestos matter? It significantly impacts the associated risks and, consequently, the cost and duration of removal.
WHICH TYPE OF SOFFITS CONTAIN ASBESTOS AND HOW TO TELL IF THEY ARE PRESENT ON YOUR PROPERTY?
The only way to be sure if asbestos is present on your property is by sampling the suspected material or conducting an asbestos survey before any work is initiated. In any case, if a building predates 1999 there is a significant probability it contains asbestos.
This is often indicative that ACM (asbestos-containing materials) were used in the construction of your roofline and could warrant investigation as to whether you have asbestos in the roofline or elsewhere on your property.
WHAT IF YOUR SAMPLE RESULT COMES BACK ‘N.A.D.I.S.’ FOR ASBESTOS?
Happy days, you can continue work as planned assured there is no risk of asbestos.
N.A.D.I.S stands for ‘No Asbestos Detected In Sample’. This is an industry-wide acronym to indicate that the test has returned negative for asbestos
WHAT IF YOUR SAMPLE COMES BACK POSITIVE FOR ASBESTOS?
If and when you get a positive result on your asbestos sample, it is imperative that you commission an asbestos survey to be conducted.
An asbestos survey report will contain the necessary information about all the materials sampled during our visit, including helpful recommendations on managing asbestos materials present in your property.
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To learn more about what an asbestos survey report includes click here
In the case of asbestos soffits, the type of material you will come across in the UK is mainly asbestos cement or asbestos insulation board (AIB).
IN THE CASE OF ASBESTOS CEMENT SOFFITS
Asbestos cement soffits do not necessitate a licensed contractor meaning holding an HSE asbestos removal licence is not mandatory. This is because they fall under the lower-risk category of asbestos-containing material.
Which is why the removal of asbestos cement soffits entails fewer control measures making it quicker and cost effective.
Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still significant risk, although it is comparatively lower.
To ensure safety and compliance with CAR 2012 asbestos regulations it is imperative that the removal work is carried out by trained asbestos professionals.
Removal of asbestos cement soffits varies between 30￡+ VAT/m to 80￡ +vat/m influenced by factors like access, height, installation method, etc.
IN THE CASE OF ASBESTOS INSULATION BOARD SOFFITS
Asbestos insulation board soffits constitute an HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractor, as they are classified as a high-risk material.
The removal process of Asbestos Insulation Board soffits requires a significantly higher number of control measures, extends the duration of completion and consequently incurs a greater cost when compared to removal of asbestos cement soffits.
Removal expenses for asbestos insulation board soffits can range from 100￡+/m VAT to 300￡+VAT/m again depending on the location and condition of the material.
Not Sure What Asbestos Material You’re Dealing With?
Contact Our Experts Asbestos Consultants For Guidance Along With A No Obligation Quote To Sample, Survey And Remove Your Asbestos Soffits
How can Asbestos Audit help?
The?Asbestos Audit?management team can talk you through every step of the survey process ensuring you are compliant with the current Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. We offer practical impartial asbestos and safety advice to clients large and small.
The Asbestos Audit team works in partnership with building owners, duty holders, and site managers for commercial, industrial, and domestic buildings to ensure compliance and safety at all times.
We cover the whole of the UK and further afield where required.
Our asbestos survey costs include all samples, site?inspection?by trained surveyors, full reports to HSG-264, and any associated recommendations and consultancy. All works are fully quoted, and costs are confirmed before we come to the site.
Our teams can assist with any of the following asbestos-related works -
If you would like further information on our range of surveys and consultancy. Please contact your?local office?or click below to get in touch
If you're interested in learning more about Asbestos check out our?blog posts here?or if you're working somewhere where asbestos exposure might be a concern, contact us for emergency response.