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HSE Hidden Killer Campaign
Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related
deaths in the UK.
What is asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been
a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an
insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire
protection properties and protects against corrosion.
Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it's hard
to know if you're working with it or not. Asbestos could be present
in any building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000
so if you work in a building built before then, it's likely that
some parts of the building will contain asbestos.
Asbestos is found in many products used in buildings, including
ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings.
Working with asbestos
It's possible that you've worked with, or disturbed asbestos
before, but knowing how asbestos can affect your life should
make sure you avoid disturbing it, or that you are trained and
always work with it safely.
Always ask if the building has been checked for asbestos,
it's your right to be protected from this dangerous substance by
seeing the asbestos survey and register.
In non-domestic buildings you have a right to be given
information about the condition and location of asbestos by the
person who manages the building before you start work and you
must pass this information on to anyone working for you on the job.
You should ask for this when tendering or quoting for work
as the information about asbestos will help you to cost the
job correctly, plan the work safely and prevent potentially
expensive surprises on site.
So before you start work on anywhere built before the year
2000, check that:
- You are not working on asbestos-containing products
- For domestic premises, you still need to establish if
there is anywhere asbestos can be found on site
- For non-domestic premises, you should have seen the information
on the location and condition of asbestos before you start work by
checking the asbestos register that should be held on the
premises
Don't start work if:
- You are not sure if there is asbestos where you are
working
- The asbestos materials are sprayed coatings, board or
insulation and lagging on pipes and boilers - only licensed
contractors should work on these
- You have not been trained to do non-licensed work with
asbestos. Basic awareness training is not enough
You should only continue to work if:
- The work has been properly planned and the right precautions
are in place (eg. you have the right equipment)
- The materials are asbestos cement, textured coatings and
certain other materials which do not need a licence (listed in Asbestos
Essentials)
- You have had training in asbestos work and know how to work
with it safely
If you need to work with asbestos, make sure that
you:
- Use hand tools - not power tools
- Keep materials damp - not too wet
- Wear a properly fitted, suitable mask (eg. disposable FFP3
type). An ordinary dust mask will not be effective
- Don't smoke, eat or drink in the work area
- Double-bag asbestos waste and label the bags properly
- Clean up as you go - use a special (Class H) vacuum cleaner,
not a brush
- After work, wipe down your overalls with a damp rag or wear
disposable overalls (Type 5)
- Always remove overalls before removing your mask
- Don't take overalls home to wash
- Wear boots without laces or disposable boot covers
- Put disposable clothing items in asbestos waste bags and
dispose of them properly
- Don't carry asbestos into your car or home
Asbestos Essentials task sheets will show you
how to do a range of non-licensed tasks safely. They are free to
download at:
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials
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