HSE Asbestos Campaign Re-Launched

Working with asbestos? Know the risks; check you are up to date with your risk management and business insurance.

Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from the 1950’s to the mid 1980’s. Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different premises and materials. Any building that was constructed or had major refurbishment between the 1950’s and mid 80’s is likely to contain some type of asbestos containing material. Use of asbestos peaked in the 60’s and early 70’s – premises built or refurbished during this time are the most likely to contain some form of asbestos.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases which are responsible for around 4000 deaths a year, the single greatest cause of work related deaths in the UK. There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:

• mesothelioma (which is always fatal) 
• lung cancer (almost always fatal) 
• asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating) and  
• diffuse pleural thickening (not fatal).

On 2 November 2009 the HSE re-launch their campaign “Asbestos – The Hidden Killer” and its message is very clear – take asbestos very seriously.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force on 13 November 2006 and affected owners, occupiers, and managers of and those responsible for non-domestic premises. These people are referred to as “the dutyholders”. The regulations require the dutyholders to:

• Manage the risk from asbestos or place a duty on them to co-operate with whoever manages the risk.
• The dutyholder must identify if there is asbestos in the premises, the amount and its condition. (It is to be presumed that materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to the contrary).
• The asbestos risk must be suitably and sufficiently assessed and a management plan prepared detailing how the risk is to be managed.
• All steps needed to put the plan into action must be taken by the dutyholder and the plan and arrangements must be reviewed and monitored.
• Anyone who is liable to work on the asbestos or disturb it must be provided with information on its location, condition and where work with asbestos is being undertaken, the enforcing authority must be notified
• The dutyholder must ensure adequate information, instruction and training is given to employees
• Every dutyholder must prevent exposure to asbestos or reduce it to as low as reasonably practicable and provide adequate personal protective equipment.

In most cases, if you are working with asbestos you will need a licence to do so.

Summing up, any work that may involve exposure to asbestos needs to be very carefully planned and carried out. Penalties for failure can be business threatening with very large fines being imposed by courts.

For more information on risk management and for expert business insurance advice, speak to Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers on 01603 218000, or visit our web site – http://www.alanboswell.com/risk-management/