Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous natural minerals based on silica and mined throughout the world including Africa, Canada, and Russia etc. It is a remarkable fibre having excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties, in addition to being chemically inert with extremely strong fibres. Their are Serpentine and Amphibole asbestos the common types illustrated below, viewed under a microscope:
Working with asbestos is one of the most regulated activities in the UK; work with asbestos insulation, coatings and insulating board mostly requires a license issued by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 06) came into force on 13/11/06; these consolidated the old Control of Asbestos Regulations 2002; Asbestos Licensing (1998)Regulations 1983 & the Prohibition (1999) Regulations 1992 into a single set of regulations. This continues reg 4. "Duty to Manage Asbestos" requiring Dutyholders (persons that have responsibiility for maintenance & repairs inc access/egress to the property) in non-domestic premises to manage their asbestos i.e. carry out an asbestos assessment / survey, record the findings and pass this information to anyone who is liable to disturb asbestos.
Asbestos use & reuse was banned in the UK from 24 November 1999 & was followed by all European countries in 2005.
Autumn 2008 the HSE launched an initiative on asbestos awareness targetted at tradesman to be more aware of the risks associated when disturbing or working with asbestos; the main thrust was to ensure these trades (electricians, plumbers, joiners etc.) always check before disturbing any potential asbestos containing materials with the responsible person(s). These tradesman now make up approximately 25% of all the UK deaths attributable to asbestos exposure; currently the total UK death toll for asbestos related diseases is in excess of 4,000 persons per year & continuing to rise!
October 2009 HSE relaunched the asbestos campaign recommending anyone likley to disturb asbestos to undergo UKATA minimum "asbestos awareness training"; we are a UKATA registered member with courses run on Wed & Thur every month, see our latest training dates with a downloadable PDF.
The government is encouraging a culture of informed decisions to avoid asbestos exposure.
This starts with identifying where the asbestos is present, recording its condition and carrying out a risk assessment to decide on the best option in the circumstances detailed in the New HSE "Asbestos Surveying Guidance" published early 2010 (replaces MDHS 100) eg:
- Decide on the appropriate asbestos survey to identify where asbestos is in the building(s) or structures to meet your requirements e.g.
1. Management Survey (old MDHS 100 combination Type 1 = Visual, or a Type 2 = Sampling Survey)
2. Pre Demolition or Major Refurbishment Survey (old MDHS 100 Type 3 = Invasive Survey)
- You must keep a record of its location and condition, if practicable (in good condition & unlikely to be disturbed) leave it where it is.
- Segregate, protect, encapsulate, and carry out regular inspections
- If the asbestos has to be removed ensure you use competent contractors; high risk asbestos invariably needs a licenced asbestos removal contractor
- We can we help you to make the right choices with scoping documents, contractor selection and management.
- Finally you can download a document detailing New HSE "Asbestos Surveying Guidance" (replaces MDHS 100) issued by the HSE 24/12/08 (see our useful information section)
