Exposing the hidden dangers of asbestos

During the months of February and March 2012, Health and Safety Executive campaign targeted inspection visit more than 3,200 sites in the UK repairs. Here in the North East, a total of 215 inspectors visited the site and had to take formal enforcement action at 56 sites with a better enforcement of the notice given to inhibit the activity of work, or to get things to put right. Worryingly 30 of this notice is related to the issue of asbestos. Ten prohibition notices to stop work provided a place where they have conducted asbestos surveys, or surveys are not adequate for the level of work performed. An additional 20 improvement notices provided requires workers trained in asbestos awareness. Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry until 1999 for a variety of uses. Furthermore, we have a legacy of buildings where asbestos-containing materials are present. Given that the material is in good condition, and not corrupt, it may be better to leave it. However, it became clear during the campaign hotfix, a number of these sites are evaluated, they are not aware of the work controlling their legal duties relating to asbestos and their businesses are not aware of the potential risk of work that they are exposed. Even where the whole obtrusive survey was done, was not found to contain asbestos materials can survive and become exposed only during work activities. It is a fact that exposure to asbestos fibers is the primary cause more than 4,000 premature deaths each year. It is also a fact that the number of newly diagnosed cases of asbestos-related disease in those who work in the construction industry. Therefore it is extremely important to reduce the possibility of personal exposure, widespread contamination and potentially exposing others to asbestos when doing work can release the asbestos fibers. Is not surprising then that there is a legal requirement for asbestos awareness training given to anyone who works could foreseeably expose them to asbestos. Asbestos awareness training should be provided to all demolition workers, trade workers repair, maintenance and allied suspect where their work will disturb the structure of the building. Training with the nature of asbestos, its effects on health, the type of asbestos, such as what, which can be used, emergency procedures must be disrupted and how to avoid the risk of exposure. Course asbestos awareness training is available locally and only take half a day to attend.