HSE Launch Asbestos Campaign
Figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that every week 20 tradesmen die from asbestos-related diseases,
and this number is set to increase.
Former tradesman and England and Arsenal footballing legend, Ian Wright, has given his support to help highlight the importance of the
Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) "Asbestos:The Hidden Killer" campaign which is running throughout October and November and aims to reduce
the rising death rate by educating today's tradesmen about the danger that asbestos presents to them.
1,000 (25%) of the 4,000 now dying each year are tradesmen and while the number of deaths in traditional industries has plateaued, deaths
in trades continue to rise.
Many workers, particularly tradesmen, think that they are not personally at risk of exposure to asbestos and the diseases it can cause.
They think that since asbestos was banned many years ago, the problem has been dealt with and therefore it is not relevant to them.
The reality is very different.
Even today asbestos presents a real and relevant risk to plumbers, joiners, electricians and many other maintenance workers.
Asbestos may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, and it is estimated that around 500,000
non-domestic buildings could contain asbestos. These buildings all need repair and maintenance work from time to time and when the
asbestos fibres are disturbed e.g. by drilling or cutting, they are likely to be inhaled as a deadly dust.
If asbestos-containing material is in good condition and in a position where it cannot be disturbed or damaged, it is safer to leave it
where it is and ensure that the risks are managed. Those responsible for managing building maintenance and repair of non-domestic buildings,
have a duty to inform tradesmen if asbestos is present in a building they are working in. Depending on the type of asbestos-containing
material, and providing they have been trained and the proper controls are in place, they may be able to work on the project.
Asbestos sprayed coatings, board or lagging on pipes and boilers - should only be tackled by licensed workers.
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