RESPIRATORY HEALTH
IGNORANCE IS NOT A VIRTUE
Despite a ban on the use of asbestos 20 years ago, thousands still experience the effects of the deadly substance, says Acorn Analytical Services.
More than two decades since the final asbestos ban came into the force in the UK, the toxic substance continues to affect lives.
Originally used for fireproofing and insulating, and also mixed into other building materials, it has been the subject of controversy for decades. Asbestos remains in schools, hospitals, factories, offices and homes that were built before the ban in 1999 which means the health risk posed by asbestos is as real today as when the substance was first put into the buildings.
After 20 years of an asbestos ban being in place, you would think that deaths rates would have decreased. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. There are still thousands of people experiencing the effects of asbestos years after working with it. Today, workers in the construction industry are particularly at risk. There are over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year and over 100,000 worldwide attributed to asbestos exposure.
Tragically, Mesothelioma and lung cancer are common with people who have been exposed to asbestos and there can be a long wait between first exposure and developing a disease. The timeframe can range from 10 to 60 years.
Worryingly, asbestos experts Acorn Analytical Services, based in Northampton, say many organisations still do not realise the legal responsibility they have to manage asbestos in their premises.
Director Neil Munro explains: “It is shocking to see the number of businesses who have no idea about their responsibilities regarding asbestos management – some have never even had a survey carried out. Despite the tough regulations in place, we’re still coming across large multi-million-pound companies who have never touched on asbestos before.
“The latest figures, which were recorded in 2017, showed the number of those who die from asbestos- related cancers is more than double the amount of people who die in road accidents.
“Asbestos may not necessarily need to be removed from premises, but good asbestos management is crucial to keep people safe.”
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, there is a duty to manage asbestos within all non-domestic
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“The latest figures showed the number of those who die from asbestos-related cancers is more than double the amount of people who die in road accidents.”
buildings. This legal requirement is designed to protect everyone who could come into contact with asbestos fibres and puts the onus on the ‘duty holder’ to do so, by taking steps to identify any risk and manage or rectify it. Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines and is a criminal offence which can carry a prison sentence.
Asbestos removal is sometimes necessary because the asbestos material is in a degraded condition and cannot be managed in situ or repaired. Asbestos materials may also need to be removed prior to a planned refurbishment or demolition project that is to take place in the area where the material is located.
Asbestos removal works should only be carried out by a fully competent and qualified contractor who has appropriately trained staff to carry out the works. They also require the correct insurances to work with asbestos in addition to having provision for disposal of the asbestos waste. The removal contractor needs to hold a HSE (Health and Safety Executive) licence for work with asbestos if the works fall within the licensed category.
The asbestos approved code of practice states air monitoring is also required as part of works to reduce risks of the spread of asbestos. All asbestos air monitoring must be performed by an independent analytical laboratory that is UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited.
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