What is asbestos?

History of Asbestos

Asbestos has been used for thousands of years because of its unique properties. Asbestos fibres were woven or mixed with other products such as cement to make products that are strong, repel water are fire and chemical resistant and can also be used for sound proofing. These products were then used in the construction of buildings, planes, ships and vehicles.

But exposure to Asbestos can also be hazardous to your health and is known to cause cancers such as

• Asbestosis – a serious lung condition caused by long term exposure to Asbestos
• Pleural disease – thickening of the lining covering the lungs (pleura)
• Asbestos related lung cancer
• Mesothelioma – Cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos by the time of diagnosis it is usually fatal

Since 2004 If you own or manage a building you are responsible for the asbestos management in the building and have a duty of care for the people working in, or on the building. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) require any asbestos found to be actively managed via an Asbestos register.

Asbestos does not have to become a problem, but it must be managed and informed by accurate and specific risk management information.

Asbestos Risks

Asbestos is a killer. Every week approximately 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases, highlighted by the HSE’s Hidden Killer campaign.  Understanding asbestos risks and knowing how and when to deal with asbestos is crucial.

• Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed.
• If it is safely managed and contained, it doesn’t present a health hazard.
• Removing it can be more dangerous than simply containing it.

Lack of knowledge of the exact location of asbestos has always been a problem. Asbestos was used extensively in buildings and building materials in the past.  Unless you know categorically that asbestos is not present in a building then you should always assume that it is present and proceed with your works accordingly, trust in the advice of asbestos professionals.  The HSE website contains a wealth of information about managing asbestos risks.