Asbestos
The
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires
persons who are responsible for the maintenance and repair of
buildings, to manage any asbestos on or in it. This also includes
protecting people from exposure to asbestos fibres.
Asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACM's) could be found
in any building constructed, altered or refurbished before 2000
when asbestos was banned.
Each year approximately 4000 die from asbestos related
illness. That's more than are killed in roads accidents !
Each
week around 20 building trades
workers die from asbestos related diseases. The high risk
trades are those involving builders (4 deaths), joiners (8),
plumbers (4) and electricians/telecommunication engineers
(6).
Mesothelioma is one type of lung cancer caused by asbestos which
may take many years to develop but once diagnosed it can lead to
rapid deterioration and death.
Research shows that one of the main factors is that these workers
and their employers are not as aware as they should be of the
dangers. They see the hazard as not being a significant issue for
them, have difficulty in recognising and then identifying ACM's,
lack proper knowledge on the effective precautions and are not
prepared to seek the answers out for themselves.
The
HSE's
website has more information on asbestos and is freely
accessible. More assistance is available from HSE's
Infoline which can be contacted by phone (0845 345 0055) or by
email (
hse.infoline@natbrit.com)
or by phoning The Environment Service of Perth and Kinross Council
(01738 476476).
