Asbestos Awareness

1. Asbestos Awareness/Update

3.  Glaziers later discovered high levels of more dangerous brown asbestos after most of work been completed. The substance was spread around classrooms during term time, with hundreds of pupils and staff present.

6. HSE Response Difficult case to bring but felt the head had a case to answer Vital that proper records are kept which details where any ACM is and condition it is in. This should be given to anyone who is likely to disturb it. Anyone who approves building work directly needs to ensure it is done safely and understand their responsibilities.

7. Asbestos- What Is It? Naturally occurring mineral fibre ‘White’ - crysotile ‘Brown’ - amosite ‘Blue’ - crocidolite

8. What does it look like?

9. Why is it dangerous If you inhale asbestos fibres they can become lodged in the tissue of your chest and your bodies natural defences may not be able to break them down. Asbestos is only a risk if you disturb or damage it and cause the fibres to be released into the air.

10. Asbestos- What Are Its Effects? Asbestosis- scarring of the lungs Lung cancer- bronchial cancer Mesothelioma- cancer of the lining between the chest and lungs Pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleuritis- impaired lung function Asbestosis condition of the lung and is similar to many diseases which are due to the inhalation of mineral dust such as silicoses and coal miners' pneumoconiosis. It is the result of prolonged exposure to asbestos and/or asbestos dust. The symptoms are gradually developing breathlessness on exertion, often with a dry cough caused by shrinkage and scarring of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a tumour of the pleura (lining of the chest wall) and is the most serious complication of asbestos exposure. The tumour develops many years after the first exposure, many cases developing forty or fifty years after exposure. The symptoms are severe breathlessness that occurs over a relatively short period of time and is usually associated with some chest pain or discomfort. 6000 people a year die from Pleural plaques are localised areas of scar tissue attaching to the outer wall of the lung and are totally benign. They do not cause symptoms or lung disability unless very widespread. They show up clearly on a chest x-ray. The prognosis for uncomplicated benign pleural plaques is excellent. Plaques do not become malignant and turn unto mesothelioma but are often present in patients with mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease. Asbestosis condition of the lung and is similar to many diseases which are due to the inhalation of mineral dust such as silicoses and coal miners' pneumoconiosis. It is the result of prolonged exposure to asbestos and/or asbestos dust. The symptoms are gradually developing breathlessness on exertion, often with a dry cough caused by shrinkage and scarring of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a tumour of the pleura (lining of the chest wall) and is the most serious complication of asbestos exposure. The tumour develops many years after the first exposure, many cases developing forty or fifty years after exposure. The symptoms are severe breathlessness that occurs over a relatively short period of time and is usually associated with some chest pain or discomfort. 6000 people a year die from Pleural plaques are localised areas of scar tissue attaching to the outer wall of the lung and are totally benign. They do not cause symptoms or lung disability unless very widespread. They show up clearly on a chest x-ray. The prognosis for uncomplicated benign pleural plaques is excellent. Plaques do not become malignant and turn unto mesothelioma but are often present in patients with mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease.

11. Asbestos Usage Asbestos was used in hundreds of different products and buildings from 1950s to the mid 1980s. Asbestos cement was used up until 1999 in a variety of different premises and materials. The use of asbestos peaked in the 1960s and early 1970s.

12. Where is Asbestos found?

13. Uses of Asbestos (1) Lagging to boilers Asbestos cement sheeting Fire protection in doors Pipework ducting and flue pipes Roofing materials Sprayed fire insulation Insulation boards Sofit boards Rainwater goods Asbestos rope and string

14. Uses of Asbestos (2) Artex ceiling decoration Cold water tanks Bath panels Floor tiles and coverings Ceiling tiles Fire blankets Brake shoes Cold caulking compound Overalls Boiler rings and gaskets

15. Consumer Goods Oven gloves Oven door seals Fire door seals Asbestos sealing rope Iron rests Simmering pads Wall plugging compound Brake linings Clutch linings Wine filters

16. Asbestos- Who Is at Risk? Main groups - Construction workers Plumbers Electricians Maintenance workers Telecommunications workers Cleaners and caretakers Remember - Asbestos cannot be identified by visual examination!

17. Asbestos and The Law HASAWA 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations Environmental Protection Act

18. Asbestos- Effective Management Identify where it is present Assess the condition Determine likelihood and severity of exposure Management plan Risk assessment Survey report Remove or contain Label asbestos ? Control of work on site Control of contractors Monitor and review

19. Identification Surveys Type 1 - sampling deferred. Suspect material presumed to contain asbestos. Type 2 - selective: samples of suspect materials or specified areas. Type 3 - full access all areas: may be destructive. Pre-demolition or major refurbishment. Mixed surveys at larger premises may be appropriate.

20. Remember! If an item has not been included within the type 2 survey… Asbestos cannot be identified through visual inspection Presume the material contains asbestos unless there is strong evidence that it does not

21. Assess Condition Four parameters for potential fibre release Product type Extent of damage/deterioration Surface treatment Asbestos type Assessment scores of 10 = high potential 7-9 = medium potential 5-6 = low potential 4 or less = very low potential

22. Likelihood of exposure Location of the material (ACMs) Its extent The use to which the location is put The occupancy of the area The activities carried on within the area Likelihood/frequency of maintenance activities

23. Asbestos Management Treatment The alternatives 1. Remove it Gone for good 2. Encapsulate Cheap 3. Leave it alone Very cheap

24. Asbestos Survey Mark old asbestos surveys that they have been superseded Examine survey and plan any removal, encapsulation or repair File records of any work undertaken on asbestos Record any further asbestos discovered not covered by the survey

25. Asbestos Monitoring Undertake six-monthly checks of ACMs Record outcomes on the 1A logbook sheets Report any damaged ACMs Staff are not expected to put themselves at risk during the checks (e.g. ducting, roof voids)

26. Checking for Damaged Asbestos

27. Damaged Asbestos

28. Damaged Asbestos

29. Asbestos Monitoring Any contractor who may disturb the fabric of the building must view latest asbestos survey and sign sheets in Appendix 2 before work is commenced. Responsible person to sign 1B sheets on a monthly basis to confirm procedures are being followed.

30. Asbestos Logbook Ensure 1A logbook sheets are accurate: Relate to the latest survey (others should be filed) Mark sheets where asbestos has been removed Ensure latest plan of building from the survey is held in Section 2.

31. Asbestos Checklist Guidance and Information Sheet # 2, checklist available Available at http://intra.nottingham.gov.uk/safety

32. For Any Further Assistance… Call the Safety Advisers on 91 56766 / 56745/ 56709