Asbestos- Still Cause for Concern in the Workplace

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have expressed caution, following a significant statement from MP’s regarding the future of asbestos.

Between the 1930s and the 1980s asbestos was found in everything; boilers, insulation, floor tiles, cement, roofing materials. It was used in everything because it was very good at what it does, protecting vital fixtures within our houses, offices, schools from fire and improving thermal efficiencies.

This, of course was before the realisation that asbestos exposure could have fatal consequences.

Despite blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos being banned in 1985 and the use of asbestos in any form being banned in 1999, asbestos is still very present in our society. While it cannot be used or replaced anymore, most buildings built before 1999 are likely to have some form of asbestos in them.

In fact, a recent report estimated that asbestos can still be found in some 300,000 non-domestic buildings.

How serious is the risk?

Put simply, the fibres from asbestos-containing-materials (ACMs)can be released easily, especially when a material is disturbed and when made those fibres become airborne, can easily be inhaled or ingested which become permanently trapped within the body. Over time, these fibres can cause inflammation, scarring, genetic damage as well as an aggressive form of cancer called mesothelioma.

The risk levels presented by different types of asbestos can vary, so while certain items may present a less immediate risk, asbestos in any form, of any type, and in any condition can cause mesothelioma.

 In a recent interview, Dr Mavis Nye, a campaigner for Asbestos and Mesothelioma Awareness spoke about her experience.

After a holiday in Spain in 2009, Mavis’ breathing had become laboured. After investigations with her doctor, an X-Ray showed that she had ‘a huge mass’ on her lungs. She was promptly sent to A&E where seven litres of fluid were drained from her lungs. Mavis recalls: “That was the first time I knew about it. Everyone who has Mesothelioma can tell you the same story.”

It is likely that Mavis had developed Mesothelioma in the 1950s, when she met her partner Ray, aged just 15. When they would meet, the fine asbestos dust coating Ray’s clothing would be inhaled by Mavis, causing damage that would not be realised until decades later.

Four years of chemotherapy, then immunotherapy was successful in Mavis case. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, “There were three of us that went on the first trial,” Mavis continued. “Sadly, the other two people died, but I sailed through, and they didn’t know why. They don’t know what it is that’s in my DNA that has helped me through.”

Mavis was given a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, with a prognosis of about 3 months to live. Despite this, Mavis is still alive today. Though her mesothelioma has returned on several occasions, she still continues to campaign for increased awareness on the risks surrounding asbestos, as well as supporting others suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.

“People think asbestos is not in today’s society, but just because it’s banned, doesn’t mean it went away…there is a huge lack of knowledge. I cannot believe how many people, particularly DIY enthusiasts working on their own homes, don’t understand the need to have a survey done before carrying out work…I keep repeating that they have to get it tested, but you should have a survey first and you can’t get that through to people that they must have surveys."

2022 Governmental Review

Following the recent report conducted by the Work and Pensions Committee, the government is set to consider a review of the current Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The current regulations state that asbestos that is in good condition, well protected and unlikely to be disturbed, can be left in place in buildings.

However, the committee warns that these buildings will not last forever and ‘a policy of waiting for materials containing asbestos to deteriorate before removing them is not sustainable in the long term’. For this reason, it says a stronger and proactive programme of asbestos removal is required.

Based on the report, their recommendation is that the government commits to removing all asbestos containing materials from commercial buildings by the year 2062.

“Removing asbestos is something which is fraught with risks, so any decision to do so is something which cannot be taken lightly,” said Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Health and Safety at IOSH. ‘Full consideration must be given to how the people removing it are protected and where the asbestos goes from there, including its packaging, transportation and final disposal – particularly when considering the large number of buildings this plan will relate to. So, we would expect to see any such plans will include detailed information on how these risks will be managed to prevent significant exposure during this process.”

The full extent to which this plan will be implemented will be revealed once a full review of the report has taken place within the government. The government has two months to respond to the report and its recommendations.

What does this mean for you?

Until the review is complete and any recommendations have been published, it may be difficult to predict exactly how your business will be affected by these changes. So what should be done in the meantime?

Asbestos remains a risk that should be controlled and removed wherever possible. If you have a building that may contain asbestos, you need to confirm four key points in line with current legal requirements.

These are to establish:

1.      the location of all known ACMs

2.      the type of the asbestos

3.      the quantity

4.      the current condition.

If you are unsure about any of the above, a survey of your buildings may be needed to confirm these points. Once the survey has confirmed the above, the condition can be maintained by means of ongoing inspections and recorded in an Asbestos Management Plan.