Last Updated on October 31, 2016 by

Asbestos is an airbourne hazard and remains a health risk in 2016

Asbestos is an airbourne hazard and remains a health risk in 2016.  Infact, of all the hazards to be found in the workplace, asbestos remains one of the most insidious.

With around 5000 people in the UK each year dying of asbestos related illnesses (more than the number of people killed on Britain’s roads), the reputation of asbestos as the hidden killer remains intact and will do so until as many people as possible receive the correct training in how to identify and protect themselves and others.

At least half a million commercial properties in the UK alone contain some form of asbestos.  So it is hugely likely that workers will come into contact with the substance in some form.

If asbestos is disturbed it is at this point that the correct PPE and RPE becomes a lifesaver.

PPE and RPE are essential for those working with, safe removal and disposal of asbestos.  Yet these tools should always be regarded as last line of defence and not a solution.

Before commencing work, steps must already have been taken to avoid asbestos fibers being released in the work environment.

It is not possible here to provide more than an overview of the PPE and RPE required to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

UK legislation dictates that employers must ensure that all staff receive adequate information, instruction and training where an employee is liable to be exposed to asbestos.

If you could penetrate the fabric of a building as part of your work, you will need as a minimum, asbestos awareness training to identify asbestos in the various forms, however, asbestos awareness training does not train you to work with asbestos containing materials.

The UK Asbestos Training Association

UKATA includes members who can offer training in awareness of asbestos and at higher levels, the correct and safe use of PPE and RPE.

No work on asbestos should be undertaken unless you have been properly and fully trained by a competent training provider.

UKATA approved licensable and non-licensable courses will train you in the correct use of the equipment required to work with the substance safely.

In all cases, risk assessments should be undertaken to determine in advance the level of training and protection likely to be required on any given project.

There are three categories of asbestos training.

Asbestos Awareness Training should be taken by employees whose activities could forseeably disturb the fabric of a building and expose them to asbestos, or by those who supervise or influence such work.

In particular, training should be given to those workers in the refurbishment, maintenance and allied trades where it is forseeable that ACMs may become exposed during their work.

If you have no intention of working with asbestos but work on buildings built or refurbished before the year 2000, asbestos could be present, so you will need awareness training so you know how to avoid the risks.

Non licensable work requires a higher level of training for those planning to carry out work that will disturb ACMs.

This should take account of whether the work is non licensed; notifiable non licensed work (NNLW); or licensed work and should be job specific.

This will depend on the type of work you are going to do, the type of material you are going to work on and it’s condition.

Identifying the type of asbestos containing material (ACM) to be worked on and assessing it’s condition are important parts of your risk assessment, which needs to be completed before you start work.

Licensable work

Finally, there is the high level training required for those carrying out licensable work with asbestos.

In all categories, workers should be taking responsibility for their own kit and may be able to carry out simple maintenance (eg cleaning), but more intricate repairs should be carried out by a competent person.

As asbestos causes respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma, suitable RPE is essential and the use of a standard dust mask totally inadequate.

Reports of untrained people ‘doubling up’ such dust masks, thinking this gives double protection, when in fact they afford no protection whatsoever from asebstos fibers are always worrying.

When in asbestos environments, only a suitable respirator will suffice.

There are several types of RPE available and the one needed will very much depend on the task and the work involved.

Disposable respirators, half mask respirators and semi disposable respirators may be fine for non licenced work of short duration, EN149 is the basic disposable model.

For anything requiring continuous use, powered non disposable RPE equipment is a must, but situations requiring such a powered respirator are likely to involve licenced work, so only fully trained specialists should be involved.

Under no circumstance should anyone attempt to take on work untrained, and fit testing to ensure RPE fits correctly must be arranged prior to work being undertaken.

Recent cases where prosecutions have been brought involved buildings found to contain friable asbestos in insulation, spray coatings and insulating board – removed by innocent trades people through ignorance and lack of understanding.

People using protective equipment must be fully trained

Anyone using RPE and PPE must be fully trained in its proper use, as it is all too easy to make mistakes when using the equipment untrained that could cost you your life.

A common mistake seen in untrained users is leaving the respirator dangling around their neck before leaving the contaminated area.

In this case, the respirator can collect contaminated dust, making its protection ineffective.

Respirators must be a tight fit and glasses should be put on after the respirator, as it’s essential no gap is created between mask and face and the overall hood must go over the straps.

Employees must check their equipment and clothing is fit for purpose, is working correctly, how to identify and replace worn or defective parts and for certain types of RPE, how and when to change the filters and ensure all seals and valves are in working order.,

If anyone suspects their RPE is not working correctly, they must stop work immediately and leave the area.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website has a full rundown of steps to take when coming into contact with asbestos, while UKATA can advise on approved training providers throughout the UK.

Everyone needs to appreciate the essential importance training in the correct use of PPE and RPE when it comes to asbestos.

Who are UKATA?

UKATA exists to set and verify standards and to emphasise the importance of best practice in training when it comes to the safe handling, removal and disposal of asbestos.

Tasked by the HSE in 2008 for taking on, managing and developing the list of training providers for licensed asbestos work in the UK, UKATA is now the leading authority in all levels of asbestos training in the UK.

Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their building so as not to put employees at risk. Contact our Armco office for asbestos management and refurbishment/ demolition surveys on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Alternatively, to book onto one of our asbestos training courses, please call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/ 

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Published Oct 31, 2016