Plumbers, carpenters and electricians carrying out refurbishment work on older buildings (pre 1987) are considered to be most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Cable installation engineers/technicians for telecoms and computer systems are also deemed to be at risk.
The six types of asbestos fibres that you need to be aware of are: Crocidolite, Amosite, Chrysotile, Anthophyllite, Tremolite and Actinolite.
- Crocidolite fibres are blue in colour and were commonly used to insulate steam engines. You can also find them in some spray-on coatings, pipe insulation, plastic, and cement products.
- Amosite fibres are brown and were most frequently used in cement sheets and pipe insulation. They can also be found in insulating board and insulation products and ceiling tiles.
- Anthophyllite fibres are grey, dull green, or white in colour, and can be found in insulation products and construction materials.
- Chrysotile fibres are white, flexible, and curly. They can be found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Tremolite and Actinolite fibres are similar chemically and range in colour from brown, milky white, grey, transparent, and green. They cannot be found commercially but can be found as contaminants in chrysotile asbestos, vermiculite and talc.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012 require employers and controllers of (non–domestic) buildings to ensure that employees are not exposed to asbestos. If materials containing asbestos are in good condition and are not likely to be damaged, then they may be left in place or their condition monitored and managed to ensure it is not disturbed.
If you are doing building or maintenance work on premises where asbestos is present, or using equipment that contains asbestos, then you must identify where it is, its type, and its condition. A risk assessment must be conducted to assess, manage, and control these risks.
In most cases, work with asbestos needs to be done by a licensed contractor. If work is being carried out by a non-licensed contractor, effective controls must be used.
Training is mandatory for anyone likely to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work. This includes maintenance workers and others who may come into contact with, or disturb, the asbestos, as well as those involved in asbestos removal work.
Where are you likely to find asbestos?
- Insulation and sprayed coatings used for boilers, plant, and pipework.
- Fire protection to steelwork hidden above false ceilings.
- Thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Textured coatings and paints e.g. Artex.
How can Asbestos harm you?
Asbestos breaks down into tiny long sharp fibres that can scar the lungs causing asbestosis or fibrosis. They may also cause lung cancer and this risk is increased if you are a smoker.
The most common disease that is contracted is mesothelioma, a cancer which is incurable. These illnesses can take decades to appear, so you may not know you have been affected until many, many years after working with asbestos. This is why the prevention of exposure to damaged asbestos is the best course of action.
