Asbestos Dangers Still Lurking In Office Buildings
Asbestos, once hailed for its versatility and fire-resistant properties, has now become synonymous with danger and health hazards.
Despite its banning in many countries, asbestos remains a lurking threat in countless buildings worldwide.
The HSE recently launched a new campaign to keep people safe from Asbestos.
They recognise that buildings that are used as part of our daily lives, such as offices, schools and hospitals still have Asbestos dangers.
Where is Asbestos Found
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, found widespread use in construction materials due to its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties.
From the late 19th century until the 1980s, Asbestos was a common component in various building materials such as insulation, roofing, flooring, and even in decorative finishes.
As a result, numerous residential, commercial, and industrial structures erected during this period, contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
What Are the Health Risks
Exposure to asbestos fibres poses severe health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
These diseases often have long latency periods, making diagnosis challenging and treatment options limited.
Inhalation of asbestos fibres, released when disturbed or damaged, can lead to irreversible respiratory issues.
Furthermore, secondary exposure through contact with contaminated clothing or materials presents risks to occupants and workers alike.
According to the HSE, Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths due to exposures decades ago.
Asbestos in Buildings Statistics
There are no exact records of how many buildings still contain Asbestos, but one estimate given to a parliamentary debate in 2023 from the Health and Safety Executive, is that they believe between 210,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK contain Asbestos.
However, other sources say that there are about 6 million tonnes of Asbestos, spread across approximately 1.5 million buildings—the most Asbestos per capita in Europe.
Legal Duty to Manage
Recognising the dangers posed by asbestos, many countries have implemented stringent regulations to control its use and ensure safe handling and removal.
These regulations typically mandate asbestos surveys, management plans, and proper abatement procedures during renovation or demolition activities.
Additionally, occupational safety standards enforce protective measures for workers involved in asbestos-related tasks, including training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and exposure monitoring.
Challenges in Management
Despite regulatory efforts, managing asbestos in buildings remains a complex challenge.
The sheer volume of structures containing asbestos, coupled with varying degrees of degradation and accessibility, complicates identification and prioritization of mitigation efforts.
Additionally, inadequate awareness among property owners, contractors, and tenants perpetuates the risk of inadvertent exposure during maintenance or renovation activities.
Updated UK Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wants anyone with responsibilities for buildings to do everything they must do to comply with the law and prevent exposure to this dangerous substance, which was widely used in post-war construction before it was completely banned in 1999.
The legal duty to manage asbestos covers a wide range of public buildings such as museums, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, as well as workplaces like offices and factories.
Businesses and organisations responsible for premises built before the turn of the century, and especially those between 1950 and 1980 when the use of asbestos in construction was at its peak, must carry out the necessary checks and understand their legal responsibilities.
People who visit or work in these buildings will not be exposed if asbestos is properly contained. But it can become dangerous when disturbed or damaged.
Updated information, new templates (including an asbestos management plan template), and explanatory videos can be found on HSE’s website to help anyone who is unsure of their legal duties or just need to refresh themselves on what they need to do. ‘Asbestos: Your Duty’ aims to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.
Conclusion
The legacy of asbestos in buildings poses a significant public health challenge that demands concerted action.
While regulatory measures aim to mitigate risks, effective management strategies are crucial to safeguard occupants, workers, and communities from the hazards of Asbestos exposure.
Arinite have been assisting our customers with health and safety information for some time and produced an Asbestos Factsheet AF0020 to provide simple information about health risks, where asbestos is found and the legal requirements relating to the management of Asbestos.
Note: Arinite published a blog in March 2023 in relation to asbestos and the fears at the time of a ‘Bonfire’ of H&S Laws post Brexit. It is pleasing to see that common sense has prevailed and asbestos continues to be a key area for safety regulation.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. Our team of health and safety consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple. If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.com/contact-us/.
Derek McStea
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