Working Safely in Asbestos Contaminated Environments
Asbestos was used extensively in the construction and shipbuilding industries
for many years. The ability to resist extreme temperatures and offer protection
against corrosion, acids, alkalis and electricity made asbestos an ideal building
material. However asbestos is now known to be a hazardous material when its
fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead
to asbestos related diseases that contribute to more deaths in the UK than any
other work related injury.
Asbestos Related Diseases:
- Mesothelioma
Considered to be caused solely by exposure to asbestos fibres, it is a cancer
of the pleural and peritoneal lining. By the time this disease is diagnosed,
it is almost always fatal.
- Lung Cancer
Is a malignant tumour of the bronchi covering, which often obstructs the air
passage.
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis causes scarring of the lung tissue, this scarring impairs elasticity
of the lungs, which reduces the ability to exchange gases effectively.
- Diffuse pleural thickening
Asbestos fibres can cause the lining of the lung (pleural) to become scarred.
This disease is often chronic without a cure.
Employers Obligations
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) requires employers to ensure that airborne
asbestos fibres are reduced to the lowest possible levels. In addition they
must supply suitable RPE (Respiratory Protection Equipment) for all workers
and site visitors who could potentially come into contact with asbestos. The
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (2002) sets two exposure limits, one
based on an average fibre level over a 4 hour continuous period, the other is
the average fibre level over a 10 minute period. The limit to be applied depends
on the type of asbestos present. If personal exposure exceeds either of the
limits suitable RPE is mandatory. The regulations also require employers to
assess buildings and identify materials that might contain asbestos, if they
are not sure asbestos is present, they should assume it is and provide necessary
protection. Employers must also ensure that control measures are in line with
HSE guidelines HSG189/1 (controlled asbestos stripping techniques) and that
respiratory protection equipment is in line with EN 12021.
Integrated solution
Parker domnick hunter has been supplying industry with air fed respiratory protection
equipment for more than 30 years and is a world leader in the filtration, purification
and separation of compressed air, gases and liquids. To assist employers complying
with current legislation, Parker domnick hunter offers a full range of respiratory
protection equipment from portable systems suitable for single person use to
full facility protection. The Parker domnick hunter RPE range filters compressed
air to remove harmful particulates, odours and fumes providing a safe working
environment. Full support and guidance on system design, product selection and
on site testing to EN 12021 is available to provide the most cost effective
solution for your application. Compliance with International Breathing Air standards
means you can be sure of a safe air supply that provides effective protection
from harmful substances and maintains employee health.
