What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring microscopic fibres. Before people became aware of the dangers of asbestos it was used for insulation, roofing and flooring in buildings. It is now banned in many countries including the UK but buildings that were built before the 2000s may still contain asbestos. It’s only if the materials are damaged or disturbed that they pose as a risk and can cause serious damage and lung disease to humans.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
When exposed to asbestos that is disturbed or damaged, when these materials are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. The diseases don’t show immediatley but begin to develop over a long period of time. Once the disease is found it is usually too late to do anything to get rid of it which is why it is important to be aware and able to protect yourself.
- Mesothelioma – A cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and the lining of the lower digestive system, this disease is mostly exclusive only to the exposure of asbestos and by the time it is found and diagnosed it is almost always fatal.
- Asbestos related lung cancer – This type of cancer is similar to lung cancer caused by smoking and other factors, but obviously caused by being exposed to asbestos. Estimations show that there is one lung cancer for every death by mesothelioma disease.
- Asbestosis – is a serious scarring condition on the lungs that usually stems from exposure of asbestos over many years. This condition may cause a slow progression of shortness of breath and in many severe cases it is proven to be fatal.
- Pleural thickening – Caused by heavy asbestos exposure, this causes the lining on the lungs to swell and thicken. If this worsens the lung can be squeezed and then causes shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Who is Most At Risk?
You are more at risk if you have been exposed to asbestos to a long period of time, job roles where you would be at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos includes:
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Painters
- Builders
- Construction Workers
What is asbestos awareness training?
Asbestos Awareness training is intended to give employers and employees that may be dealing with asbestos the right understanding and information to avoid work that may disturb or damage asbestos. Asbestos awareness does not prepare a worker to be able to work with asbestos materials, for this further training would have to be carried out.
who should take part in asbestos awareness training?
According to the control of asbestos regulations 2012 all employers have a legal duty to organise and provide the correct training for any employees that may be exposed to asbestos materials during their work to ensure they are competent.
Tradespersons – 20 tradespersons are killed every week which is why it is important that self employed individuals, contractors and workers are appropriately trained, understand how to protect themselves and others from the exposure of asbestos.
Licensed Contractors – Whilst employees are taking part in high risk exposure to asbestos they must hold a license granted by the HSE before being able to legally take part in any work involving asbestos.
Building Owners – Being a building owner means you have a duty of care to control and manage asbestos in the building. This duty applies to all non domestic properties including: factories, warehouses, offices, shops and other public buildings.
Why is Asbestos Awareness Important?
Asbestos Awareness is important to ensure all persons dealing with asbestos are correctly trained and understand how to protect themselves. As an employer, it is your responsibility to look after your employees health whilst at work and ensure they complete any training required. Being aware of asbestos helps to reduce the risk of contracting diseases when working with asbestos. It is also important that alongside asbestos training you should have the correct risk assessments in place for employees when they are dealing with asbestos at work.
By reading reading this blog hopefully it has helped with your understanding of asbestos and what training is required before commencing work where there may be asbestos.
Gaskell safety offer Asbestos Awareness (CITB) classroom training and also Asbestos Awareness E-learning.
