Pollution control - Asbestos

Description

 

Around 3,000 people a year in Great Britain die from diseases caused by past exposure to asbestos and the figure is expected to rise to nearer 10,000 by 2010

 

Eligibility

 

All businesses, employers, the self-employed, employees or members of the public who are concerned about the presence of or potential exposure to asbestos either at home or in the workplace

 

Procedure

 

Asbestos is present in many buildings both commercial and domestic. Exposure to asbestos fibres can result in serious health effects.

Owners of businesses and people in control of premises have a duty under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations to prevent employees and others who visit their premises from being exposed to these fibres. This duty is more fully explained under "Dangerous Substances" (see related link).

Home owners and tennants can also be exposed to these fibres during such activities as DIY.

Both employers and homeowners should make every effort to identify if asbestos or materials that contain asbestos are present on their premises and ensure that activities, such as drilling, sawing or sanding, that may result in the release of fibres that could be breathed in are prevented.

Where asbestos is identified the following should be considered

• What condition is it in - Asbestos in good condition - enclosed or in a solid sheet - poses little risk to health unless it is worked on.
• Where is it located - Is it likely to be disturbed or damaged
• Can it safely be left where it is
• Does it need sealing to prevent fibres being released
• Should it be removed - If it is to be removed this may need to be done by a competent contractor under a licence and disposed of to an appropriate disposal site.

 

Helplines

 

Regulatory Services Helath and Safety Team: 01226 773860/1

Health and Safety Executive: 0114 291 2300

 

Charges/Fees

 

Organisations carrying out surveys, sampling and testing will apply charges. This authority does not offer these services.

 

Opening Times/Locations

 

Opening times and location map, click link for further information.

 

How the customer can help

 

What to do if you have asbestos in your home:

• The general rule is to always leave asbestos alone, it's usually safe unless it's damaged or disturbed
• Paint door materials with an alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion, and never sand, drill or saw asbestos materials
• Always seek advice before thinking of removing asbestos and follow the basic rules if carrying out asbestos lagging, spray coatings or large areas of insulation board by yourself as these materials can only be safely removed by a licensed contractor
• Sometimes it will be neessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos. There is a cost for this service.

Alternatively, if you are worried about a business or factory that might be secreting asbestos into the air, please use the contact details provided.

 

Leaflets

 

HSE Free Leaflets:

• Managing asbestos, your new legal duties
• A short guide to managing asbestos in premises
• Asbestos dust: the hidden killer! Are you at risk?
• Asbestos alert for building maintenance, repair and refurbishment
• Asbestos Dust Kills: Keep you mask on
• Working with asbestos in buildings
• Fit testing of respiratory protective equipment used for controlling exposure to asbestos fibres
• Selection of Suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment

 

Distribution Points

 

Acts and Regulations are available from:

The stationary Office (HMSO) (see associated links)

Tel: 0870 600 5522; Fax: 0870 600 5533

Approved Codes of Practice, Guidance Notes are available from

HSE Books (see associated links)

PO Box; Sudbury; Suffolk; CO10 6FS

Tel: 01787 881165; Fax: 01787 313995

European Standards are available from:

British Standards Institute (see associated links)

Tel: 0208 996 9001

For other enquiries:

HSE Info-line (see associated links)

Tel: 08701 545500 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm); Fax 02920 859260

 

Legislation

 

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983

Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002

 

Owner Officer Contact Details

 

Head of Consumer Protection and Licensing: (01226) 772482

 

Additional Notes

 

Around 3,000 people a year in Great Britain die from diseases caused by past exposure to asbestos and the figure is expected to rise to nearer 10,000 by 2010.

People who work with asbestos are at risk, particularly those who are involved in the refurbishment, repair or maintenance of buildings like plumbers and carpenters. Research undertaken in 1995 by Professor Peto and HSE epidemiologists showed that 5% of those 3,000 people who die each year from asbestos related diseases worked in the building industry at some point in their working lives.

Asbestos was used extensively as a building material in Great Britain from the 1950's through to the mid 1980's. Although some of this material has been removed over the years, there are many thousands of tonnes of asbestos still present in buildings. It is estimated that over half a million non-domestic premises currently have some form of asbestos in them. There is extensive repair and removal work, which will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q What is Asbestos?

A Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material and has been used for about 150 years on a large scale. It is versatile, plentiful and ideal as a fireproofing and insulation material. But it can be deadly.

The three main types of asbestos that have been used commercially are:

• Crocidolite (blue)
• Amosite (brown)
• Chrysotile (white)

Important: All are dangerous, but blue and brown asbestos are known to be more dangerous than white. You will need a laboratory to properly identify the different types of asbestos

Q Why is it dangerous?

A If you inhale asbestos fibres (which are long and thin) they can become lodged in the tissue of your chest and your body's natural defences may not be able to easily break them down. This can lead to lung disease (mainly cancers), particularly if you are repeatedly exposed to fibres over a number of years.

Important: Generally, asbestos is only a risk if you disturb or damage it and cause fibres to be released into the air. If asbestos containing materials are in good condition and in a position where they are not going to be disturbed or damaged then it is safer to leave them where they are and ensure that the risks are managed.

Q What are the likely health effects?

A Exposure to asbestos can cause three main diseases:

• Asbestosis: irreversible scarring of the lungs;
• Lung cancer: increased incidence, particularly if you smoke
• Mesothelioma: cancer of the lining of the lungs or stomach

Important: all of these diseases have no cure - mesothelioma and lung cancer are both fatal diseases. Typically, there can be a 15-60 years gap between first exposure and diagnosis.

Q Where is it normally found?

A Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from the 1950's to the mid 1980's. Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different premises and materials. Any building that was constructed or had major refurbishment between the 1950's and mid 1980's is likely to contain some type of asbestos material. Use of asbestos peaked in the 60's and early 70's - premises built or refurbished during this time are the most likely to contain some form of asbestos.

Q Why worry about asbestos in your home?

A If your property is more than 15 years old, it's possible that it contains materials made from asbestos.

Common locations are listed below but there may be others in your home - so if in doubt leave well alone and seek expert help. Use the contact details provided for further assistance.

Common locations of asbestos:

• Asbestos cement on garage or shed roofs
• Asbestos cement shed and garage wall panels
• Asbestos cement drain pipes
• Asbestos cement or insulation board soffit, infill panels and partitions
• Asbestos cement on the side of both panels

If your home is rented, your landlord may have relevant information

Q What if I have asbestos in my home?

A The general rule is to leave asbestos alone, it's usually safe unless it's damaged or disturbed

• Paint indoor materials with an alkali resistant paint such as PVA emulsion, and never sand, drill or saw asbestos materials
• Always seek advice before thinking of removing asbestos and follow the basic rules below before carrying out asbestos cement removal work. Do not attempt to remove asbestos lagging, spray coatings and large areas of insulation board by yourself as these materials can only be safely removed by a licensed contractor
• Sometimes it will be necessary to take a sample, for example to identify the type of asbestos. There is a cost for this service

Safe Asbestos Cement Removal

Asbestos cement can be safely removed by remembering these basic rules:

• Prepare the work area - remove any unecessary items, cover the floor and surfaces with disposable polythene sheeting
• Wear protective clothing - disposable overall with hood, disposable paper face mask (for use with asbestos) and rubber or disposable gloves
• Damp down - use a plant sprayer or hosepipe but don't soak the area as this will make cleaning up more difficult
• Remove the asbestos without breaking it up, wrap in polythene sheeting or bags and seal with tape
• Visually inspect the area and clear any debris by hand - wipe down with disposable damp cloths. Never use a vacuum cleaner as this will just spread dust around
• Pick up polythene sheeting and remove protective clothing and dispose of both as asbestos waste
• Wash hands and face after the job is completed

Disposal of Asbestos Waste

Asbestos cement can be disposed of free of charge by householders at the Worsbrough Waste Disposal Centre, West Street, Worsbrough. However, please note that you must telephone on (01226) 243376 beforehand, as appointments are required.

If as a house holder, you intend to transport asbestos cement waste in your own vehicle, you do not need to be a registered carrier provided that it is your own waste. However, you should take the following steps to ensure that asbestos does not contaminate your car:

• Spray sheets of asbestos cement with water
• Double wrap or double bag the asbestos cement with heavy duty polythene
• Ensure the wrapping is secured with tape
• Make sure vehicle occupants do not have access to the asbestos waste

Asbestos Do's and Don'ts

Don't panic if you think you have asbestos in your home - it's usually only a problem if it's disturbed

Do treat asbestos with respect

Don't drill, saw or disturb materials that contain asbestos

Do seek advice if you think you've got a problem with asbestos in your home

 

 

Related Links:

• HSE free leaflets
• HMSO
• HSE Books
• British Standards Institute
• HSE Info-line
• Dangerous substances PID 149 (13)

Last modified on 15/9/2008