Asbestos? Should I be worried?
Discussion
This type of response from a landlord is sadly too prevalent. It's cheaper to do what he is doing that remove the problem and re-roof it. Asbestos cement is probably the least dangerous of all ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials) but when damaged will release fibres.
The very minimum that should be done now is a full clean of the entire area, with background air monitoring being carried out. The broken areas should be sealed with a barrier type paint at the very least (not just 'oh, we've PVA'd it!')
OP, please report this to the HSE, under RIDDOR 2013 as a 'Dangerous Occurrence'. http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm
To quote RIDDOR...'the accidental release of any substance which could cause injury to any person'. Asbestos certainly falls into that category.
To all those that think this is over the top, it's not your workplace or perhaps you don't value your health so much. I've worked in this industry for over 14 years and the levels of ignorance to the problems asbestos cause still worry me!!
The very minimum that should be done now is a full clean of the entire area, with background air monitoring being carried out. The broken areas should be sealed with a barrier type paint at the very least (not just 'oh, we've PVA'd it!')
OP, please report this to the HSE, under RIDDOR 2013 as a 'Dangerous Occurrence'. http://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/report.htm
To quote RIDDOR...'the accidental release of any substance which could cause injury to any person'. Asbestos certainly falls into that category.
To all those that think this is over the top, it's not your workplace or perhaps you don't value your health so much. I've worked in this industry for over 14 years and the levels of ignorance to the problems asbestos cause still worry me!!
It shouldn't be happening, but asbestos cement products are at the lower end of the scale.
It can be removed by unlicensed contractors, but preferably in complete sections without breakages. Where breakages aren't avoidable, steps should be taken to prevent fibre release.
There most certainly shouldn't be people in the vicinity without correct PPE and training.
Any masks should be FFP3 and overalls should be type 5/6.
It can be removed by unlicensed contractors, but preferably in complete sections without breakages. Where breakages aren't avoidable, steps should be taken to prevent fibre release.
There most certainly shouldn't be people in the vicinity without correct PPE and training.
Any masks should be FFP3 and overalls should be type 5/6.
I can strongly recommend the following company for asbestos surveys and annual monitoring - have used them across a number of UK sites [I have no association with the company]
http://allium.uk.net/
http://allium.uk.net/
Robbo 27 said:
... and take a copy of your Employers liability certificate of Insurance, and keep it.
This is an bit (couldnt spel excerp) from the HSE on what should i do if I think I have been exposed to asbestos dust
If you are concerned about possible exposure to asbestos from work activities, you are advised to consult your GP and ask for a note to be made in your personal record about possible exposure, including date(s), duration, type of asbestos and likely exposure levels (if known). In some circumstances, your GP may refer you to a specialist in respiratory medicine. HSE does not advocate routine X-rays for people who have had an inadvertent exposure to asbestos. Asbestos-related damage to the lungs takes years to develop and become visible on chest X-rays. X-ray examinations cannot indicate whether or not asbestos fibres have been inhaled
In terms of case law, there was a famous case of Dr Chapman who worked at Middlesex hospital which had asbestos dust and died from it. Awarded £1.15 Million.This is an bit (couldnt spel excerp) from the HSE on what should i do if I think I have been exposed to asbestos dust
If you are concerned about possible exposure to asbestos from work activities, you are advised to consult your GP and ask for a note to be made in your personal record about possible exposure, including date(s), duration, type of asbestos and likely exposure levels (if known). In some circumstances, your GP may refer you to a specialist in respiratory medicine. HSE does not advocate routine X-rays for people who have had an inadvertent exposure to asbestos. Asbestos-related damage to the lungs takes years to develop and become visible on chest X-rays. X-ray examinations cannot indicate whether or not asbestos fibres have been inhaled
Edited by Robbo 27 on Tuesday 23 May 17:06
OP just think of those last few days driving a supercar
hyphen said:
In terms of case law, there was a famous case of Dr Chapman who worked at Middlesex hospital which had asbestos dust and died from it. Awarded £1.15 Million.
OP just think of those last few days driving a supercar
I'm not seeking compensation, I'm after peace of mind! Could we have a potential health problem or not? OP just think of those last few days driving a supercar
If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
PoleDriver said:
I'm not seeking compensation, I'm after peace of mind! Could we have a potential health problem or not?
If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
You need to stop and get proper advice. Call HSE and environmental health.If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
Asbestos once broken is serious.
PoleDriver said:
I'm not seeking compensation, I'm after peace of mind! Could we have a potential health problem or not?
If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
We have mandatory asbestos training once a year in our company, it's really not something to muck about with.If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
No way in hell would I be working there.
Just realised you have a picture of the dust! I really, really wouldn't be any near that building.
PoleDriver said:
I'm not seeking compensation, I'm after peace of mind! Could we have a potential health problem or not?
If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
Potential health problem is an understatement. I had to go through training to go into areas with known asbestos contamination, not to work with the stuff but to be in the same area.If we haven't, at least we'll all sleep peacefully. If we do have a problem I want to see it rectified and the persons who buried their heads in the sand should be sacked!
I'm sending a strongly worded email to directors and HR first thing in the morning, that'll get things sorted!
(We, the staff, are actually keeping out of the main working area where possible and wearing masks if we do need to go there)
The training left me with no doubt about the dangers involved, we have to double bag the disposable oversuits and PPE at the end of the job. Even if it's literally been work for 5 mins and I've touched nothing but have been in the area.
Seriously, barrier off the area. Don't go in until it's been cleared. Contact the HSE.
The potential for illness and death is real.
Yes you could very well have a potential problem, it should have been tested and cleared before any work was carried out, wearing a mask is pretty much pointless (if it is asbestos) once broken/disturbed the asbestos fibres will stick to your clothing and anything around you, so once you take your mask off and get changed you are just as likely to breath it in.
Without being blase, chances are you will be fine, however you should not be in that area without all the protective gear, let alone sitting in there for a full working day.
Without being blase, chances are you will be fine, however you should not be in that area without all the protective gear, let alone sitting in there for a full working day.
Its just taken 12 weeks to clear suspected asbestos contamination from the ceiling void in one of our properties. No staff were allowed in the building from the moment the suspected contamination was discovered. We have another office we have never occupied as are in dispute with the landlord over suspected asbestos in it.
In theory the property should have had an asbestos survey carried out and your employer should have a copy, and thats possibly why the asbestos sign is there!
In theory the property should have had an asbestos survey carried out and your employer should have a copy, and thats possibly why the asbestos sign is there!
Chrisgr31 said:
Its just taken 12 weeks to clear suspected asbestos contamination from the ceiling void in one of our properties. No staff were allowed in the building from the moment the suspected contamination was discovered. We have another office we have never occupied as are in dispute with the landlord over suspected asbestos in it.
In theory the property should have had an asbestos survey carried out and your employer should have a copy, and thats possibly why the asbestos sign is there!
I would suggest there is the very high likelyhood there is a management plan in place and the company has ignored it or wasn't aware of their responsibilities In theory the property should have had an asbestos survey carried out and your employer should have a copy, and thats possibly why the asbestos sign is there!
Someone "thinks" a survey has been carried out which stated that there was asbestos present in the roof but there was no hazard as the roof panels were separated from the interior of the building by insulation and plasterboard/hardboard interior ceiling panels. Basically safe unless disturbed.
Until someone started dancing on the roof in safety boots, breaking numerous roof panels and falling through a couple (there were safety nets) causing parts of the broken panels (and dust) to fall into the building! This is when we started to worry!
Until someone started dancing on the roof in safety boots, breaking numerous roof panels and falling through a couple (there were safety nets) causing parts of the broken panels (and dust) to fall into the building! This is when we started to worry!
As previously said were a mask by all means but as asbestos fibres are generally barbed fibres they will stick in clothing and therefore can be a potential danger to anyone coming into contact with your clothing.
They do however also state that for every ten breaths in a busy environment an asbestos fibre will be inhaled!
They do however also state that for every ten breaths in a busy environment an asbestos fibre will be inhaled!
I'm sure it's been posted before, but this explains who is responsible for what legally:--
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/managing/intro.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/managing/intro.htm
v8250]I can strongly recommend the following company for asbestos surveys and annual monitoring - have used them across a number of UK sites [I have no association with the company said:
Well if there's promotion going on here, I'll have some:www.ianchew-asbestos.co.uk
However, one further issue from my point of view is your quote that 'someone 'thinks' there may be asbestos'.
Unfortunately not unusual, the current regulations, that came into force in 2002 state that...all non-domestic premises should hold an asbestos register.
This shows a lack of compliance from the duty holder (can't say if this is the landlord or tenant in this situation) and a lack of knowledge with regards to their responsibilities.
Again OP, if nothing is done, report to the HSE.
I've seen so many companies try and hide things and plead ignorance, it doesn't work!
Not all asbestos products are lethal, but you really must have it properly checked and avoid the area until it is.
It's all well and good putting on dust masks when entering the room, but it's likely you've only got basic DIY dust masks, not the asbestos standard ones.
Also, if you enter the room with dust falling wearing your mask to be safe, what happens when you leave the room? do you safely dispose of the mask, or keep it for next time? what about the dust that might be in your hair or on your clothes?
I've known admin staff who have contracted asbestosis and mesothelioma when repairs have been carried out on the asbestos insulation on the office kitchen sink pipework. It caught up with them 25 years later.
Don't risk it until declared safe.
It's all well and good putting on dust masks when entering the room, but it's likely you've only got basic DIY dust masks, not the asbestos standard ones.
Also, if you enter the room with dust falling wearing your mask to be safe, what happens when you leave the room? do you safely dispose of the mask, or keep it for next time? what about the dust that might be in your hair or on your clothes?
I've known admin staff who have contracted asbestosis and mesothelioma when repairs have been carried out on the asbestos insulation on the office kitchen sink pipework. It caught up with them 25 years later.
Don't risk it until declared safe.
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