ASBESTOS – When am I at risk?

Posted on July 8, 2010 with 3 Comments

 You are mostly at risk when:

• You are working on an unfamiliar site
• The building you are working on was built before the year 2000
• Asbestos-containing materials were not identified before the job was started
• Asbestos-containing materials were identified but this information was not passed on by the people in charge to the people doing the work
• You don’t know how to recognise and work safely with asbestos
• You know how to work safely with asbestos but you choose to put yourself at risk by not following proper precautions, perhaps to save time or because no one else is following proper procedures

Remember, as long as the asbestos is not damaged or located somewhere where it can be easily damaged it won’t be a risk to you.

What is the asbestos risk to Nottingham tenants?

Posted on July 7, 2010 with 1 Comment

ASBESTOS was commonly used in house construction from the 1920s until 1970s when most of the Nottingham’s council estates were built. So the discovery that hundreds of council homes in the city contain the potentially lethal material is no surprise. However, the fact that 13 per cent of Asbestos surveyed properties – roughly 2,200 homes so far – have “high risk” material in them will worry tenants.

Jennifer Deakin, 60, of Brindley Road, Bilborough, where she has lived more than 30 years, has been told that amosite – a form of brown asbestos – is present in the living areas of her home.

Asbestos in Guernsey Hospital

Posted on July 5, 2010 with 1 Comment

The BBC have reported that Asbestos has been found in some areas of Princess Elizabeth Hospital in Guernsey.

Workers have been told to wear protective clothing in plant rooms and service ducts after asbestos was found during an Asbestos Survey prior to refurbishment.

Edinburgh Arts centre in asbestos nightmare

Posted on July 2, 2010 with 1 Comment

The Edinburgh Evening News have reported that a community arts centre has been forced to seal off its basement after asbestos was found around several pipes.

Craigmillar Community Arts on Newcraighall Road has used the basement for storage for several years, with staff going in and out to retrieve equipment. And concerns have been raised that the asbestos has been exposed for several years.

HSG264 – Audio Podcast

Posted on June 30, 2010 with No Comments

The Health & Safety Executive recently issued Asbestos: The Survey Guide (HSG264).  

The new guidance is specifically aimed at surveyors who carry out asbestos surveys and those who commission the surveys. (Client / Duty Holders).  

The client/duty holder has been given more guidance in the selection of the inspection body/surveyor and their own responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 reinforced.