Health and Safety
Executive / Commission
Freedom of information
1.1 Breathing in asbestos fibres released from disturbed or damaged asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can present a real risk of developing serious diseases, including cancer (mesothelioma and lung cancer) and asbestosis. Since these diseases can take decades to develop the majority of the current cases (including 4000 plus deaths per year) are associated with the very high exposures from past industrial processes and installation of asbestos products. HSE is now primarily concerned about potentially frequent and regular exposure patterns arising from direct work with ACMs, e.g. during maintenance activities. Such exposures could, over time, lead to a substantial accumulation of fibres in the lungs of some workers (such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters). HSE works with employers, trades unions, trade associations, training organisations and others with the aim of ensuring that current work with asbestos is either prevented or controlled to prevent asbestos related deaths in the future.
1.2 Everyone is continuously exposed to a low level of asbestos fibres to some extent because asbestos was such a widely used material within buildings, machinery, vehicle brakes and homes until 1999, when most forms of asbestos were banned. However, working directly with asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can give personal exposures to airborne asbestos that are much higher than environmental levels. Repeated exposures of this type will give rise to a substantial cumulative exposure, thereby increasing the risk of developing an asbestos related disease in the future.
2.1 To avoid additional exposure caused by work place activities, the law requires:
2.2 You can find out more about how HSE enforces relevant legislation via the HSE’s asbestos web pages: Asbestos - Enforcement
3.1 It is often difficult to accurately relate specific asbestos exposures to an increased risk of developing disease in the future. The risk of going on to develop disease will depend on a combination of the following factors:
3.2 The following are examples of uncontrolled activities likely to create a significant concentration of fibres in the air, thereby adding to the risk of developing an asbestos related disease:
Any of the work activities listed in paragraph 3.2 could be regarded as Dangerous Occurrences. Your employer should report them to HSE’s Incident Contact Centre (tel: 0845 3009923) where they take place, or are repeated (without effective controls), for more than the periods of time* outlined below:
*The timescales quoted are related to advice given in the previous version of OC 265/48 which stated that exposure would usually have been insufficient to pose a significant long-term risk to health where Action Levels were not exceeded. The Action Levels at that time were defined in the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 as being 48 fibres per millilitre of air in a continuous 12 week period for all forms of asbestos and mixtures of asbestos, except chrysotile alone, and 72 fibres per millilitre of air in a continuous 12 week period where the exposure was solely to chrysotile.
3.3 You may be disturbing ACMs without knowing it and therefore be more at risk than you think. The pattern of your exposure to asbestos is a significant factor in determining the degree of risk. The following examples illustrate the main patterns of exposure and their relative risk:
Remember that the law requires exposure to asbestos to be prevented as far as is reasonably practicable. When it can’t be avoided strict controls must be in place to reduce exposure levels. As an employee, you must follow the right procedures to protect your family, your colleagues and yourself. Giving up smoking will also reduce your risk of developing an asbestos related disease.
4.1 If you have been involved in an asbestos incident your employer may arrange for you to seek advice from occupational hygienist or an occupational health specialist about the likely exposure levels and associated risks. You are entitled to information about the nature of the incident from your employer and what they have done, or are going to do, to prevent a reoccurrence.
4.2 The law does not require your employer to retain health records for those working with asbestos, unless they carry out work licensed by HSE. Health records for employees of licence-holders should be retained for 40 years.
4.3 You may wish to consult your GP so that a note can be made on your personal medical record of the possible exposure including date(s), duration, type of fibre and likely exposure levels (if known). GP's no longer routinely carry out x-ray examinations in relation to asbestos exposure because they can only be used to diagnose disease once it has become established (usually 10-40 years after the exposure). An x-ray will not show any fibres present in your lungs after an exposure to asbestos.
5.1 For further information about the law relating to asbestos work contact HSE’s Infoline service on Tel: 0845- 345005.
5.2 HSE does not deal with compensation or the claiming of benefits. If you think that you or a member of your family is entitled to benefits relating to an asbestos related disease you should contact Job Centre Plus on tel: 0800 279 2322 or speak to an adviser from an asbestos support group in your area.
5.3 Information about the current asbestos campaign and practical guidance on controlling exposure (‘Asbestos Essentials Task sheets’) can be found on HSE’s website, along with the following guidance leaflets etc:
. For those working in building maintenance, repair and refurbishment (available in priced packs of 10). – A jointly badged leaflet produced by HSE in conjunction with the Trades Union Congress, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, The Federation of Small Businesses, The Asbestos Testing and Consulting Division of ARCA and The British Institute of Facilities Managers. – A new leaflet for maintenance workers.