Member Article

Asbestos in the workplace regulations – what employers need to know

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into effect on 6 April 2012, and updated three prior sets of rules and regulations regarding the control, licensing and prohibition of asbestos.

Under these regulations the use, supply and importation of all types and forms of asbestos is prohibited – continuing the different bans for blue and brown asbestos (which came into effect in 1985) and white asbestos (1999).

The use of second-hand asbestos products – such as asbestos cement sheets and boards/tiles – is also banned under the regulations.

What does this all mean for employers?

It is important to note first of all that the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 refers only to the new use of asbestos products. If your place of work has existing asbestos containing materials that are in good condition, then they can be left as they are and their condition monitored to make sure they are not disturbed.

The duty to manage asbestos on the workplace falls on those who manage and are directly responsible for non-domestic premises e.g. those with the responsibility of protecting other workers in the premises from ill health.

Usually this is the responsibility of the employer who, under the Control of Asbestos Regulations must:

• Take all reasonable action to ascertain whether there are any materials used within the premises that may contain asbestos and, if so, to assess what condition it is in
• Always presume materials contain asbestos until it has been proven beyond a doubt that they do not
• Assess the risk of any employees becoming exposed to the dangerous fibres from asbestos related materials

What is asbestos?

Asbestos was used a lot in the building trade up to the 1980’s, and was considered a ‘super-product’ thanks to its ability to deal effectively with heat and noise insulation as well as being odourless, insoluble and fire resistant. It was used as insulation in walls, boilers, ceiling tiles and much more.

Unfortunately, those using asbestos were at the time unaware of it’s other more harmful properties and of the effects it would have on their health in the years to come.

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause a variety of different respiratory conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Therefore it is important that employers are fully aware of any potential asbestos risks in the workplace, and put an effective plan together to deal with the danger.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cute Injury .