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There are over 5000 asbestos related disease deaths per year currently in the UK, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

We’d like to give you some basic information on the dangers of asbestos, where it can be found and what you can do to avoid it.

What are the different types?

There are three types of asbestos:

• Chrysotile: Also known as white asbestos, this type was the most commonly used type of asbestos. It was used in many construction products including roofing sheets, flue pipes, floor tiles and textured coatings etc.  
• Amosite: Also known as brown asbestos, second most common type and typically used in Asbestos Insulation Boards (AIB) 
•  Crocidolite: Least common type and also known as blue asbestos, this was frequently used on Sprayed coatings and pipe lagging.

Why is it so dangerous?

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause a range of irreversible damage and diseases. 

One of the most common asbestos related diseases is asbestosis. This causes severe scarring of the inner lung tissue. People usually have pain and severe difficulty breathing. Although this isn’t directly fatal in itself, it can lead to respiratory or heart failure.

Damage may occur in as little as five years, or take as long as 40-50 years after exposure for symptoms to appear. Unfortunately, many people do not realise they have been exposed until it’s too late. 

It is vital you don’t attempt to remove asbestos yourself, unless you are trained, certified where required, and fully competent – we cannot stress the importance of this enough!

Where can it be found?

If you’re planning to renovate or partially demolish a building, have a survey done first to identify if Asbestos Containing Materials are present. If it is, contact a competent removal contractor.

Any building constructed up until the year 2000 has a high probability of containing asbestos. It is useful to familiarise yourself and your workers with the areas relevant to your work. If it is not expected that asbestos would be present and you see unidentified asbestos while working, stop work immediately and arrange for an assessment of the Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) to be carried out. 

Is there a safe way to dispose of asbestos?

Yes, there is. Disposal must meet strict guidelines. Bagging and wrapping asbestos pieces is essential in any sort of removal – and dumping asbestos-containing materials can only be done in authorised locations. It is important to check with your local council for specific disposal locations and requirements. Wherever possible, leave this to the asbestos specialists.

Only a licensed contractor can remove asbestos that poses a higher risk, such as: Sprayed asbestos coatings, Asbestos lagging, Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB), and Large amounts of asbestos-containing debris or material. 

Asbestos Training

Asbestos Awareness (Category A)
This training is designed for employees who may encounter asbestos during their work but do not directly work with it. It covers the basics of asbestos, its health risks, and how to identify materials that may contain asbestos (This is not adequate training for work relating to the removal of Asbestos Containing Materials)

Non-Licensed Asbestos Training (Category B)
This training is for workers who will be involved in non-licensed asbestos work, such as minor maintenance and repairs. It provides more detailed information on procedures and safety measures for handling asbestos safely

Licensed Asbestos Work (Category C)
This training is required for individuals who will be carrying out licensed asbestos removal work. It covers comprehensive procedures for safely removing asbestos, including risk assessments, safe work practices, and legal responsibilities

These training programs are crucial for ensuring the safety and health of workers who may come into contact with asbestos materials.

What more can you do?

Recognition means everything when it comes to asbestos, signage on-site, equipping your team with knowledge of asbestos dangers, using the HazardCo App to assess risks, and educating your workers could be the difference between life and death.

Remember to also undertake health monitoring for any workers who work with airborne contaminants (such as asbestos or silica dust). Need more information?

HazardCo’s Advisory Team can help with any asbestos questions or other health and safety matters – Get in touch.