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QHSE Specialist

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Make no bones about it asbestos is bad; it is the single biggest occupational work-related killer in Britain today. Asbestos related diseases are the cause of around 4000 deaths each year, and it's expected to continue to rise for years, before peaking in around 2020 at approximately 10,000 deaths per annum before eventually declining. (For more advice check out Asbestos Mind-maps )

There is no medical cure for asbestos related diseases some of which are listed below;

Asbestosis or fibrosis - this causes scarring of the lung tissue which reduces the efficiency of the lungs and leads to difficult and painful breathing. Strain on the heart can lead to death by heart failure
Asbestos induced cancer of the bronchus - cancer of the major air passages to the lungs, often occurs together with Asbestosis
Mesothelioma - relatively rare form of cancer affecting the linings of the pleural or peritoneal cavities
Pleural disease - calcification of the lungs and pleural effusion (fluid on the lungs)

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Asbestos itself is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral with good heat / insulating properties, once considered a miracle material, it was widely used during the industrial years before its dark secret eventually saw it's use in almost all applications and trades banned in 1985. Asbestos work in Britain is now largely restricted to its removal.

There were three main types of asbestos in general use;

chrysotile (white)
armosite (brown)
crocidolite (blue)

All three types can cause asbestos related diseases, however brown and blue are generally considered to be significantly more hazardous than white.

Even today asbestos can be found in many places within a workplace or residential property, a few typical examples being;

insulation around boilers and pipes (maybe sprayed or wrapped)
fire protection / insulation boards
asbestos cement products
certain texture coatings, decorative plasters and paints
roofing sheets
floor tiles or ceiling tiles

Because of the wide spread use of asbestos related materials, many building tradesmen not directly associated with asbestos work, and through no fault of their own, will make up today's high death rates; and for years to come many more will be tomorrows grim statistics....

There is much guidance to asbestos, some of which is listed below, but first remember;

if asbestos is found or suspected, leave it alone, and do not disturb it. (suspect material should be strongly assumed to contain asbestos, unless there is strong evidence to prove otherwise)
if in doubt, arrange for a special accredited laboratory to confirm the nature of the suspect material.

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Once asbestos has been confirmed, an assessment of the potential risks must be carried out. Any plan to manage asbestos related material will largely depend upon its condition, for example;

For asbestos in good condition, which is unlikely to be disturbed, damaged or worked (for example drilled through), it is usually considered best to leave alone and managed through sound safety practices and principles, etc. However, for asbestos in poor condition or in locations where it is likely to be damaged or disturbed, it is usual that a decision to remove or seal in-place will have to be made and implemented.

The main UK legislation covering asbestos is The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, some available guidance to assist in meeting the requirements of asbestos control, can be found in;

INDG289 Working with asbestos in buildings
HSG227 A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises,
INDG223 A short guide to managing asbestos in premises,
L127 The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises
L143 Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006,(ACOP)
HSG248 Asbestos: the analysts' guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures,
HSG247 Asbestos: the licensed contractors guide
INDG418 Asbestos kills: a guide to protecting yourself
HSG213 Comprehensive guidance on working with asbestos in the building maintenance and allied trades
HSG210 Asbestos essentials
HSE/TUC (2006) The Control of Asbestos Regulations: a guide for safety representatives.
NetRegs Asbestos