Does Your Employment Expose You To Asbestos?

There is comprehensive legislation covering the management

, removal and disposal of asbestos as well as publicized medical risks, yet the problem of asbestos in the workplace still remains.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion. Often asbestos is mixed with another material so it is hard to know if you are working with it or not. It is possible that some parts of a building built before the year 2000 will contain asbestos. Asbestos is found in many products used in buildings, including ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers and sprayed coatings.

Mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, Asbestosis and Plural thickening are the four main serious diseases that you can get from exposure to asbestos. These diseases will not affect you immediately; but by the time you are diagnosed it is often too late.

It may be years after the exposure to asbestos that serious diseases are noticed. For instance, asbestosis can cause a build up of scar-like tissue in the lungs and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death.

Smokers are at higher risk of developing some asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos fibres associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Whether manufacturing asbestos products or performing brake and clutch repairs, general industry workers may be exposed to asbestos. When construction workers disturb asbestos-containing material during the renovation or demolition of buildings, exposure could occur. Employees in the maritime environment also may be exposed when renovating or demolishing ships constructed with asbestos-containing materials. In addition, custodial workers may be exposed through contact with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials in buildings.

From October 2006 the following trades have to have had asbestos awareness training.

Construction (in fact all building related trades)

Painter/decorator

Electrician/Plumber

Demolition

Maintenance workers

Building surveyors

Property Managers

Health & Safety professionals including CDM Coordinators

Architects

Project Managers

These workers and others are expected to have asbestos awareness training on a regular basis. Failure to comply is against the Law!

Most people are exposed to low amounts of asbestos present in the atmosphere with no ill effects. But, asbestos fibres and dust are potentially very dangerous if inhaled in higher concentrations over a period of time. If this happens, they can cause serious lung diseases including cancer. It is often 30 or 40 years later when you realise that you have an asbestos related disease.

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos fibres, its a good idea to see your GP and let them know, so it can be entered on your medical record.

Attempting to remove asbestos insulation or building materials without proper equipment and professional supervision can result in serious illness and death. If you are not trained to remove asbestos then the advice is not to do it. Your lack of knowledge and experience could end up costing you more financially. You could be breaking the law and could face criminal prosecution.

Always consult a reputable company for advice and help with asbestos removal.

by: kevij1dqmc

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