ASBESTOS AWARENESS

Exposure to asbestos can cause serious ill health and it can sometimes be fatal. The health effects include mesothelioma and various lung disorders.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 set the standards to control the risk of exposure to asbestos. The Regulations prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. They continue the ban introduced for blue and brown asbestos in 1985 and for white asbestos in 1999. They also continue to ban the second-hand use of asbestos products such as asbestos cement sheets and asbestos boards and tiles; including panels which have been covered with paint or textured plaster containing asbestos. The Regulations also include the 'duty to manage asbestos’ in non-domestic premises.

Further the Regulations require mandatory training for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work. This includes maintenance workers and others who may come into contact with or who may disturb asbestos as well as those involved in asbestos removal work.

When work with asbestos or work which may disturb asbestos is being carried out, the Regulations require employers and the self-employed to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. Where this is not reasonably practicable, they must make sure that exposure is kept as low as reasonably practicable by measures other than the use of respiratory protective equipment. The spread of asbestos must be prevented. The Regulations specify the work methods and controls that should be used to prevent exposure and spread.

JRL Solutions Ltd provides a two hour course for anyone who may encounter asbestos containing materials whilst at work. The course ensures greater awareness of the issues and the basic steps that can be taken to control the risk of exposure.
The syllabus includes:-

• the nature of asbestos
• why asbestos has been used
• the potential health effects of exposure
• where asbestos is commonly found
• the law and asbestos
• reducing the risk of exposure