Asbestos
Asbestos (see also: What is Asbestos?) is the main cause of work related deaths. Owners, managers and others with a responsibility for premises need to identify whether asbestos is present and if so, take appropriate action.
The most common sources of asbestos found in commercial premises include pipe insulation, insulating boards, certain textured coatings, asbestos cement products, etc.
If you have any product you suspect is asbestos you need to record the type, location and condition and may need to have a sample taken by a competent person.
Not all asbestos has to be removed and this will depend on its condition and whether asbestos fibres are likely to be released into the atmosphere. This is more likely if it is damaged, crumbly, in a situation where it will be knocked or disturbed etc.
If the asbestos is in good condition it need not always be removed, but could be sealed and labelled provided periodic checks are undertaken to assess its condition.
Where fibres are likely to be released and the condition is too bad for it to be encapsulated it must be removed. This can normally only be done by a HSE licensed contractor.
Asbestos cement is widely used in the construction of garages, roofs, fire insulation etc. It is normally 10% white asbestos bonded with cement and quite stable if left undisturbed. However, it must not be drilled, sanded or sawn without taking proper precautions. If it is in good condition it can be treated with PVA adhesive diluted with water to seal the fibres.
Removal of asbestos cement sheets should be done taking great care not to release fibres. Further advice is available from the HSE or the Health & Safety Team.
We also produce an advice leaflet on dealing with Asbestos Cement.
City Contract Services will remove asbestos cement sheets for disposal provided they are double bagged/wrapped in heavy duty polythene and suitably labelled. These can be obtained from White Lund Depot Tel: 582491
New Duty To Manage Asbestos
The new Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 came into force on 21st November, 2002. They create a duty to prevent accidental exposure by managing asbestos in the premises. The main aim is to prevent/reduce the number of deaths from asbestos exposure with particular reference to maintenance workers who make up 25% of those suffering from asbestos related disease.
Employers, occupiers, agents, tenants and landlords have a duty to assess the risks from asbestos in premises in which they have responsibility for repair and maintenance (sometimes with joint responsibilities). This is not a duty to carry out a survey or to remove the asbestos if it is in good condition and not likely to release fibres. It will apply to all non-domestic premises and common parts of domestic premises e.g. stairways in flats etc. and comes in to force on 21st May, 2004.
A free leaflet is available for downloading:
Managing Asbestos in Premises