While the use and import of asbestos were banned in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in buildings, especially those constructed before 2000. It can be found in unexpected places, and sometimes, in recently constructed buildings. If you are working on the fabric of a building, you may be at risk of disturbing asbestos, which, if breathed in, can cause lung disease and cancer.
Thus, it is vital to take the necessary precautions and learn about the key things before working with asbestos. This detailed guide contains all the essential information about working with asbestos to protect your life and livelihood.
A] What Workers are Most Likely to Come Across Asbestos?
There are some trades and occupations where you are more likely to come across asbestos. If you are working on a building’s structure, the following activities might put you at risk –
- Maintenance or repair
- Refurbishment or retrofitting
- Demolition
- Installation
You are more likely to be at risk if the work area is not inspected for ACMs or you don’t have appropriate training to recognise and work safely with asbestos.
Common occupations wherein people are at risk of disturbing asbestos include:
- Electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, shop fitters, heating and ventilation engineers.
- Construction workers, including labourers, roofers, and plasterers.
- Surveyors, general maintenance engineers, painters, and decorators.
- Phone and data engineers, alarm installers.
B] Steps to Take If You Think You Have Found Asbestos
If you think you have found asbestos or uncovered materials that may contain it, you must –
- Stop the work immediately and keep other people away.
- Minimise the spread of asbestos contamination to other areas.
- Speak to your employer or building owner, and get advice on the subsequent actions.
C] Necessary Actions Before Starting Work
Before starting work, it is important to have a detailed conversation with your employer to understand what actions are required for safety.
1. What Your Employer Must Do
Your employer must take the following actions to protect you and others from asbestos risks –
- Check if the building was built or refurbished before 2000.
- Get a copy of the building’s asbestos register, and ensure that you both understand the information and are satisfied that it covers the work areas.
- Plan the job properly to avoid disturbing asbestos and develop a safe environment.
- Provide you and the other workers with asbestos awareness training to ensure you know what to do if you accidentally discover or release asbestos during work. They should train you for non-licenced (lower risk) asbestos work appropriate for the planned tasks.
- Check if an appropriate survey has been done to find the asbestos location and condition in the working area.
- Make sure any asbestos is safely removed or easily protected, which requires licenced asbestos removalists.
Remember, only a licenced asbestos contractor should carry out high-risk work. As an employer, you shouldn’t ask a non-licenced worker to carry out work, like repairing or removing asbestos insulation, working on asbestos insulating boards, or handling large amounts of asbestos-containing debris.
2. What You Must Do as a Worker
As a worker, you shouldn’t carry out high-risk (licenced) work unless you are a licenced contractor. However, if you are carrying on non-licenced work and are appropriately trained, you must –
- Plan your work with your employer and ensure you know what to do if you accidentally release asbestos.
- Follow the control measures put in place by the employer to avoid releasing dust.
- Use proper equipment, like suitable respiratory protection equipment (RPE). Also, ensure you have passed a proper face fit test for the size and model of your respirator.
- Always wear suitable disposable overalls while doing asbestos work.
- Ensure any waste is double-bagged, which should be properly disposed of by your employer.
- Never use power tools without dust control measures, like shadow vacuuming.
- Always use a Type H vacuum cleaner or wet rags to sweep dust and debris.
- Avoid eating or drinking in the work area.
If you are self-employed, you must follow the same responsibilities as an employer and worker.
Follow these tips and take proper responsibility to ensure you and other workers work in a safe environment and are protected against asbestos. If you need help managing asbestos or complying with measures, Scopus Asbestos Compliance is the right partner. We provide various services, including asbestos inspection services, surveys, air testing, awareness training, and removal. We fully understand the complexities of asbestos management and aim to educate clients on reducing asbestos death statistics whilst providing a positive working environment.
Reach out to us for asbestos consultancy, management, and compliance services. Together, we can better protect your business or property from asbestos risks and create a roadmap towards a safe environment.
