Asbestos- Are you protected?

With reports of asbestos cases continuing to emerge around the country, the toxic fibres banned in 1999 are still continuing to plague our nation. It is estimated that over 86% of schools currently are contaminated with this carcinogenic substance. However as asbestos use can be dated back over 4,500 years, is it surprising that we are still feeling the wake of the damage caused?

Asbestos has been relied upon for a variety of different uses, so it’s going to take time to find suitable replacements, but it is however certain we cannot continue down this path. Creating greater awareness and educating the public, particularly workers who risk exposing themselves each day to the harmful fibres, is the best way of preventing and eventually reversing the damage we have caused.

Currently asbestos, if found in a building, should be tackled promptly and accordingly. Often if left undisturbed it may prove to be harmless, however it’s usually when renovation and repairs are needed that issues emerge. Anyone working with or around asbestos should be given the correct training and equipment to be able to carry out the required work without risking harm to themselves. All operatives carrying out work where they are exposing themselves to harmful toxins should have the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes; Disposable overalls with hood, boots without laces, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and Latex Gloves.

Workers are unable to completely feel at ease, because even with taking precautionary measures, unless their protective equipment is certified and used correctly they may still find themself at risk. These should be checked, maintained and cleaned after use, extra precautions (hooded ventilation) may also need to be taken if you have facial hair or stubble. These all need to be fitted to the individual and be regularly maintained.

Failing to provide these puts workers at risk of, most notably, Mesothelioma and other asbestos related lung cancer, as well as Asbestosis and Diffuse pleural thickening. These diseases may not be noticeable immediately however, as some can take as long as 15 to even 60 years to fully develop.

If your company has asbestos removal taking place you must have exclusion zones established around the work area and marked clearly with suitable warning signage. Any building work where hazardous waste is removed as a byproduct, has a legal duty to register with the Environmental Agency, if over 500kg is to be removed. Each premises registered will be given a unique registration number known as a ‘premises code’. Many companies are failing to do this still and putting both employees and the public at risk.

A poorly carried out asbestos clearing has recently seen a 74 year old retired U.S policeman facing $35,000 fine and has now been convicted of 3 charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. His breaches included the use of hand tools to break up the asbestos material, not wearing masks or approved protective clothing and failing to restrict access to the site. Although he had received sufficient training and qualifications allowing him to carry out the work his negligence has put others at risk but cost him too dearly.

Managers of sites dedicated to asbestos removal have to ensure they carry out thorough risk assessments and accurate tests to establish the best individual course of action for a property. There are four different types that can be carried out depending on the stage of the remediation the properties currently in, these include; personal, background, leakage and reassurance air testing. Although current equipment is fairly accurate there is definitely development and advancements needed.

This years Contamination show running alongside RWM helps to bring together the leading heads of the industry who provide the best solutions for dealing with asbestos around the world. They will be showcasing the latest equipment for asbestos removal and keeping your employees safe from the harmful exposure. This does provide a real range of options for companies looking to keeping their employees safe.

After the 2017 ban on asbestos production and use in Brazil it now means only Russia, China and Kazakhstan are still mining asbestos. For the rest of the world we are trying to move forward into an asbestos free future, if we can now effectively manage the contamination left behind.

If your company offers the latest asbestos equipment, and are interested in exhibiting to over 3,000 decision makers attending Contamination 2018, contact me now on 01179902005, [email protected], or simply message me on LinkedIn.