Understanding asbestos in the workplace

Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems if you are exposed to it. This article will discuss what asbestos is, how it causes health problems, and how to protect yourself from potential harm within the workplace.

According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos can be present in up to 1.5 million business buildings across the UK. This is because asbestos was extensively used during the 20th century as a fireproofing and insulation material, before its health risks became known.

The HSE estimated that 54% of all commercial and industrial buildings in Great Britain contain asbestos, with the highest concentration being found in places built before 2000.

Furthermore, research conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) showed that almost 3 in 5 people were exposed to potentially hazardous levels of asbestos dust in some workplaces due to inadequate safety measures such as lack of signage and proper protective clothing.

It is important to note that even if a building has been refurbished after 2000, it may still contain significant amounts of asbestos which could lead to serious health risks. Therefore, it is vital for employers and workers to be aware of any potential hazards within their working environment and take appropriate action to protect themselves from exposure.

What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment. It is made up of tiny fibers that can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled or ingested. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs), and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease).

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself from potential exposure. If you work in an occupation that puts you at risk for asbestos exposure, make sure to follow all safety protocols and use personal protective equipment. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, seek medical attention right away.

How does asbestos cause health problems?

Asbestos exposure can cause a number of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure has been linked to lung cancer, the most common type of cancer caused by asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can embed in the lungs and cause inflammation and scarring. Over time, these scars can develop into tumors.

Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and has no cure.

Asbestosis: Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that is caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibers. It can lead to scarring and inflammation of the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. There is no cure for asbestosis, and it can eventually lead to death.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure:

1. Follow all safety protocols at work. If you work in an occupation that puts you at risk for asbestos exposure, make sure to follow all safety protocols and use personal protective equipment.

2. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, talk to your doctor right away. They may be able to refer you to a specialist who can help you manage any potential health risks.

3. Educate yourself about asbestos. The more you know about asbestos and how it can cause harm, the better equipped you will be to protect yourself from exposure. If you have asbestos in your business premises then provide staff with relevant asbestos awareness training to help ensure they have the basic knowledge required and what can and can't be done within your premises without consulting a licensed asbestos specialist.

Who can help and advise on asbestos issues

The UK has a number of organisations dedicated to the export and safe handling of asbestos. These organisations are responsible for ensuring that asbestos is safely transported, stored, and disposed of according to legal guidelines.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The HSE is the body responsible for regulating the handling of asbestos in the UK. The HSE sets out requirements for all companies who transport or store asbestos, such as licensing requirements and risk assessments. The HSE also provides guidance on how to safely handle and transport asbestos, as well as advice on disposal methods.

Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA)

ARCA is another important organisation in the UK's asbestos industry. ARCA provides training resources for those involved in removing and transporting asbestos, as well as accreditation for contractors who meet their rigorous standards. They also provide invaluable advice on choosing a qualified contractor for any job involving asbestos removal or disposal.

British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)

The BOHS provides guidance on health issues related to working with asbestos.

Environmental Services Association (ESA)

The ESA provides advice on safe waste disposal; and many others.

United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

UKATA is a leading organisation in the UK dedicated to providing asbestos safety guidance and training. UKATA works with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure that all those involved in asbestos work are appropriately trained and qualified.

Independent Asbestos Training Providers (IATP)

The IATP is an organisation in the United Kingdom dedicated to providing training and guidance for those involved in asbestos work. They are committed to helping ensure the safety of all workers and contractors who may come into contact with asbestos by providing them with training, qualifications, and advice on how to handle and dispose of materials safely.

All these organisations work together to ensure that all aspects of regulated handling of asbestos are met with appropriate safeguards.

When do i need to use an asbestos specialist in the UK?

When dealing with asbestos in the UK, it is essential to use an accredited and licensed asbestos specialist. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can present serious health risks if it is not dealt with safely and effectively.

An asbestos specialist will have the necessary training and experience to identify, manage, and safely remove or dispose of any potential risk posed by asbestos in premises or equipment. They will also be able to provide information on how to avoid future exposure and risk of harm.

These contractors will have undergone rigorous training on all aspects of safe handling and removal of asbestos, including identifying asbestos materials, properly containing and disposing of materials, conducting air monitoring tests, as well as providing advice on how to protect against further exposure in the future.

It is important to always use a certified specialist when dealing with asbestos in order to ensure that all regulations are followed and that everyone involved remains safe from potential harm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asbestos is a dangerous material that can lead to serious health problems if you are exposed to it. It is important to understand the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Be sure to follow all safety protocols at work, talk to your doctor about any potential risks, and educate yourself on the dangers of asbestos exposure. Taking these steps will help ensure that you remain safe from this hazardous material.

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Guidance, Health and Safety, Asbestos SafetyOllie Limpkin6 March 2023