What is asbestos ?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials and other products due to its excellent insulation and fire-retardant properties. It consists of long, thin fibres that can easily become airborne when disturbed, and when inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Due to its dangerous health effects, asbestos has been banned or restricted in many countries, and its use is strictly regulated in those where it is still allowed. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos, and its safe removal and disposal require specialized training and equipment.
Why was asbestos used so widely?
Asbestos was used widely because of its unique properties. It is a natural, fibrous mineral that is resistant to heat, fire, chemicals, and electricity. It also has excellent insulation properties and is strong, durable, and flexible. Due to these properties, it was used in a wide range of products, including building materials such as insulation, roofing materials, and floor tiles; automotive parts such as brake pads and gaskets; and consumer goods such as hair dryers, ironing board covers, and even children’s toys.
Additionally, during the early to mid-20th century, when asbestos use was at its peak, the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos were not well understood. As a result, many manufacturers and builders saw asbestos as a cheap, effective, and safe material that could improve the performance and durability of their products. It was not until the 1960s and 1970s, when researchers began to link asbestos exposure to serious health problems, that the risks associated with asbestos became widely known.
What asbestos safeguards are there?
There are several safeguards in place to protect people from exposure to asbestos:
- Asbestos regulations: Many countries have regulations in place that restrict or ban the use of asbestos, or require special precautions to be taken when handling or removing it. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates asbestos under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Clean Air Act (CAA).
- Asbestos inspections: Before any renovation or demolition work is carried out on a building, an asbestos inspection should be conducted to determine if there is asbestos present. This will help to identify any potential hazards and ensure that proper precautions are taken.
- Protective equipment: Workers who may be exposed to asbestos are required to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as respirators, disposable coveralls, and gloves, to prevent inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibres.
- Proper handling and disposal: Asbestos-containing materials must be handled and disposed of properly to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the environment. This includes sealing off work areas, wetting down materials to minimize dust, and using special disposal techniques.
- Training and certification: Workers who handle asbestos must be properly trained and certified to do so. This includes training on safe handling techniques, proper use of protective equipment, and awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure.
- Public awareness: It’s important for the public to be aware of the risks associated with asbestos and how to prevent exposure. This includes information about the proper handling of asbestos-containing materials, and the importance of having an asbestos inspection before any renovation or demolition work is done.
What UK regulations control asbestos?
In the UK, the control of asbestos is regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These regulations cover all aspects of asbestos, from its use in buildings and products, to the management and removal of asbestos-containing materials.
Some key requirements of the CAR 2012 include:
- Duty to manage asbestos: Under the regulations, owners and managers of non-domestic buildings have a duty to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials on their premises. This includes maintaining an asbestos register, conducting risk assessments, and putting in place a plan for managing and monitoring asbestos-containing materials.
- Asbestos surveys: Before any work is carried out on a building, an asbestos survey must be conducted to determine if there is asbestos present. This will help to identify any potential hazards and ensure that proper precautions are taken.
- Licensing of asbestos removal: The removal of certain types of asbestos-containing materials requires a license from the HSE. This includes work with higher-risk materials such as asbestos insulation, asbestos coating, and asbestos insulating board.
- Training and certification: Workers who handle asbestos must be properly trained and certified to do so. This includes training on safe handling techniques, proper use of protective equipment, and awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure.
- Air monitoring: During asbestos removal work, air monitoring must be conducted to ensure that asbestos fibres are not being released into the air. If the levels of asbestos fibres exceed the legal limit, work must be stopped until the situation is rectified.
- Notification: If asbestos-containing materials are identified during work, the HSE must be notified in writing. This applies to all types of work, from minor repairs to major renovations and demolitions.
If I work in construction do I need asbestos training?
Yes, if you work in construction and may be exposed to asbestos as part of your job, you will need to have asbestos training. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires employers to ensure that their workers who are likely to be exposed to asbestos receive adequate training. This includes workers involved in activities such as renovation, demolition, drilling, and maintenance that may disturb asbestos-containing materials.
The training should cover the following topics:
- The properties of asbestos and its health effects
- The types, uses, and likely occurrences of asbestos in buildings and products
- The procedures for identifying and assessing asbestos-containing materials
- The control measures to be taken to prevent exposure to asbestos
- The proper use of personal protective equipment
- The procedures for dealing with emergencies involving asbestos
- The requirements for record-keeping and reporting incidents involving asbestos
There are different levels of asbestos training depending on the level of risk and the type of work being carried out. These range from asbestos awareness training for those who may come into contact with asbestos but are not expected to work with it, to more advanced training for those who will be carrying out work with asbestos-containing materials.