Every week on average 20 tradesmen die from the “hidden killer” in the UK!
Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used as a building material in the UK from the 50's through to the mid-80's. It was used for a variety of purposes and was ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Any building built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals etc) can contain asbestos.
What are the main regulations?
Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006.
These Regulations bring together the three previous sets of Regulations covering the prohibition of asbestos, the control of asbestos at work and asbestos licensing.
What do I need to do?
There is duty on those who manage non-domestic premises, the people with responsibility for protecting others who work in such premises, or use them in other ways, from the risks to ill health that exposure to asbestos causes.
There are three essential steps for such duty holders:
1. Find out whether the premises contains asbestos, where it is and what condition it is in
2. Assess the risk
3. Make a plan to manage that risk and act on it
This will include a risk assessment (normally in the form of a survey) and a plan to manage any identified ACMS (Asbestos Containing Materials) - removal is not required if the ACMs are in good condition and no fibres are being released.
And finally:
Did you know the actor Steve McQueen died at the age of 50 from Mesothelioma, a lung cancer triggered by Asbestos exposure.
And that fake asbestos snow was used in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" and the 1942 film "Holiday Inn" (yes Bing Crosby did have a white christmas).
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