Asbestos in the Workplace: A Guide for Construction Workers and Tradespeople

• Asbestos: The Hidden Threat
  • Common Asbestos-related illnesses
  • Workers at Higher Risk
  • Asbestos Hideouts
• Asbestos Handling in the Workplace: The Legal Side
  • Why You Must Avoid DIY Removal of Asbestos?
• How to Protect Yourself From Asbestos Exposure at Work?
  • Make Sure a Survey is Carried Out
  • Use the Right Equipment
  • Do not Disturb Asbestos
  • Do Cleaning Carefully
  • Report Any Incidents
• How Can Professional Waste Management Help?
• Advantages of Hiring a Waste Management Company
• Conclusion (Handle Asbestos Professionally, Carry Out Your Work Safely)

Did you know that Asbestos exposure is the most significant occupational health risk faced by workers in the UK? 

Reports show that about 5,000 people die every year from Asbestos-related diseases. Not only do these diseases develop gradually, but they cannot be cured either. 

Before 2000, Asbestos was widely used in various building materials across the UK. Homeowners and contractors particularly loved it due to its great features, such as durability, strength, affordability, and resistance to fire. 

The mineral was entirely banned in 1999 due to the potential health risks. However, thousands of buildings built or renovated before this time still contain Asbestos. So it can be present in your office or building where you work. 

Construction workers and tradespeople are particularly in danger. As they are involved in repair, maintenance, or renovation work, they have a higher risk of exposure to this toxin.  

Before we guide you about protecting yourself from Asbestos while you are at work, let us first learn about its dangers and where it can be found in the workplace. 

Asbestos – The Hidden Threat 

Asbestos has long been banned, but it has not gone away. As a matter of fact, it is present in around 1.5 million UK buildings, including offices, factories, schools, and hospitals.

One of the biggest problems with Asbestos is that materials that contain this mineral don’t disappear over time. It means that Asbestos stays within the floors, walls and ceilings without being noticed. 

Once these materials are drilled or disturbed in any way, the microscopic Asbestos fibres become airborne. When these deadly fibres are inhaled, they enter the lungs and may lead to fatal diseases that may not even appear until decades later. Common Asbestos-related illnesses include:

• Lung cancer 
• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis

Workers at Higher Risk 

Not every worker is equally at risk of Asbestos. Specific trades are at higher risk than others. These include:

• Electricians
• Builders and labourers
• Plumbers and heating engineers
• Carpenters
• Painters
• Demolition workers
• Maintenance staff

If your work involves renovation or demolition in any form, and you work in buildings that were built before the year 2000, you need to be extra careful. 

Asbestos Hideouts

It is essential to have an idea of where Asbestos might be hiding in your workplace. Here are some general areas and materials that may contain this toxin:

• Roofing sheets and cement panels are commonly used in factories and warehouses.
• Pipe lagging and boiler insulation, Sprayed coatings on walls or ceilings
• Textured coatings that are applied to walls and ceilings.
• Asbestos insulating board (AIB), which is mostly used for ceiling tiles, partition walls, and soffits.
• Vinyl floor tiles in commercial areas or hospitals. 

To cut a long story short, you can be sure that if the building was constructed before 2000, Asbestos may be present in it. 

Asbestos Handling in the Workplace – The Legal Side 

Asbestos management is not only a matter of protecting yourself. In fact, it is about complying with the law. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that anyone liable for non-domestic premises is legally obliged to manage Asbestos. It means you need to get Asbestos surveys, keep records, and also ensure that your workers are well-informed. 

You must acquire Asbestos awareness training if you are likely to handle this material at work. It is a legal requirement so you need to make sure you comply with it. The Asbestos training includes a number of aspects such as:

• Common areas where Asbestos might be hiding 
• Asbestos types and properties 
• Emergency handling of Asbestos in case of disturbance

Why You Must Avoid DIY Removal of Asbestos? 

While many people think that they can handle Asbestos if they come across it during work, it is a terrible mistake. It is never a good idea to remove any suspicious material yourself, particularly when it comes to something with high risk, such as Asbestos. 

Attempting to deal with this hazardous material may lead to serious consequences, including:

• Release of toxic Asbestos fibres into the air
• Exposure to incurable diseases such as lung cancer
• Contamination of the area 
• Hefty fines or legal action 

Asbestos – How to Protect Yourself From Asbestos Exposure at Work?

While you are at work, here are a few essential things to consider to ensure you are safe from this hazard:

1. Make Sure a Survey is Carried Out. Before you start work, make sure an Asbestos survey has been carried out. If it is already executed, you can start renovation or other work as needed. If not, you must stop and request the concerned authorities to get a survey done. 
2. Use the Right Equipment. In case you suspect exposure to Asbestos at work, make sure you wear the right protective clothing and a respirator. 
3. Do not Disturb Asbestos. If you suspect Asbestos in any material, never cut, drill, or disturb it. You must know that this mineral becomes highly dangerous as soon as it is moved, as the small particles are released in the air and enter your lungs. 
4. Do Cleaning Carefully. When you have to clean Asbestos, make sure you do not dry sweep or use regular vacuums. It is recommended to only make use of H-class vacuums. 
5. Report Any Incidents. If you come across or damage Asbestos while working, you must stop at once. Inform the concerned authorities.

How Can Professional Waste Management Help?

A licensed waste management firm can play a crucial role in protecting you when you have to deal with Asbestos at work. They have the expertise, equipment and experience to deal with hazardous materials. They will help by:

• Carrying out Asbestos surveys before work
• Remove Asbestos safely 
• Transport and dispose of at licensed facilities as per law
• Provide training courses for your team 
• Manage all legal issues 

So hiring a professional will help you and your team remain safe. It will also allow you to focus on your work rather than wasting time handling hazardous materials. 

Advantages of Hiring a Waste Management Company 

Whether you are a construction worker or involved in some trade that involves dealing with hazardous materials in any way, always be vigilant. A professional waste management company will help you in several ways when it comes to handling Asbestos:

• Protection from incurable diseases. One of the major benefits of hiring a professional Asbestos expert is that they can save you from potential health threats. As exposure to this material can lead to serious diseases with hardly any chances of cure, you must seek professional help and avoid contact by all means.  

• Save time. In addition to helping you remain safe from the potential threats of Asbestos, a licensed firm will help you save time. As you do not have to deal with this hazardous material on your own, you can contact a professional who can manage it while you focus on your work. 

• Save money. Similarly, a professional will handle Asbestos removal and disposal, saving you from fines that are indispensable in case of mishandling this toxin.  

• Avoid legal complications. As Asbestos handling involves legal concerns and non-compliance can lead to trouble, hiring a waste management company can be the safest way.

Handle Asbestos Professionally, Carry Out Your Work Safely 

Considering Asbestos is the most significant occupational health hazard in the UK construction industry today, you must not ignore it. If you are a contractor or a tradesperson, make sure you seek help from a professional waste management company.

It will not only help you remain safe from life-threatening diseases but also let you have peace of mind by focusing on your work safely. Besides, an expert will manage the removal and disposal of Asbestos as per law, saving you from fines and other legal complications in case of mishandling.