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With asbestos being the biggest work-related killer in the UK, it’s important to know how to protect you and other employees from being harmed by asbestos, as it causes cancer. Asbestos is present in a lot of buildings, particularly in those built before 2000. Those most at risk from asbestos are those who work within the building and maintenance trade, i.e. electricians, plumbers, joiners and heating engineers. 

The HSE says that the most important thing to remember is: 

Make sure that asbestos is not present before working in a place; if you’re at all uncertain, then ask your boss, the customer or your safety representative whether it is.

If you’re unsure at any point in time, stop work immediately and seek advice.

If asbestos is present in the building but you haven’t been trained to work safely with it yet, then do not work on it, as only licenced contractors should work in these buildings.

After you have received your asbestos training, it is imperative that the work to be carried out is properly planned and that the right equipment is provided at all stages.

When working with asbestos, it is important that you:

• minimize the amount of dust around
• keep your materials and equipment damp, but not too wet
• Use hand tools instead of power tools
• Use a special vacuum cleaner to keep up after yourself, NOT a brush, as this will spread dust.
• Double-bag asbestos waste and label it clearly.

 

You should wear

• Disposable overalls and boots without laces.
• A suitable mask that fits properly.

 

Afterwards:

• Wipe down your overalls with a damp, not wet, rag.
• Remove your overalls first, then your mask, into asbestos waste bags- dispose them properly.

 

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