There are 20 deaths every week due to asbestosis that is more than road traffic deaths. To put it bluntly 6 joiners died this week with asbestos related diseases.

ASBESTOS “The greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK” www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos 4 November 2008

Contents Introduction Where is it found ? Case study Hazard identification from case study Procedure for removal as The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 Good practice Asbestos disposal H&S Regulatory Contraventions Regulations, codes of practice and HSE guidance Prosecutions Further penalties Further case history Method statement Conclusion End statement

Introduction Electron microscopy image at x200 of Chrysotile fibre bundle from a broken segment of asbestos cement sheet (Health and Safety Laboratory www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2007/hsl0711.pdf 5 November 2008 Naturally occurring fibrous material when mined Commercially used since the mid 19th century Known Carcinogen House of commons RESEARCH PAPER 99/81 4 November 2008 3 main forms, Blue (crocidolite) Brown (Amosite) White (Chrysotile)

Source by author

Case Study Shop owner employed Asbestos Solutions to remove asbestos insulation board (AIB) Un-licensed for the removal of asbestos Risked his own life but also members of the public Ignored the law for financial gain (HSE news release COISE/0209, 30th September 2008 Sourced 5 November 2008 Joint prosecution between HSE and Environment Agency Breached seven regulations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7740438.stm

Protect nearby surfaces from contamination. Cover with 500-gauge polythene sheeting and fix with duct tape to non-asbestos surfaces. ■ Can you remove the soffit and panel assembly intact? Or can you remove the panels intact? ■ Remove beading / nails to allow clear access to the panel. Cut beading or prise out nails. Put these in the waste container. ■ If you cannot remove the panel intact, attach duct tape over the surface. Carefully break it into large pieces with the hammer. ■ Lower the pieces to the ground. ■ Place the sheet and debris in the lockable skip. ■ Place small pieces of debris in the waste container. ■ Clean the exposed surfaces with damp rags to collect dust and debris. ■ Fit a non-asbestos replacement panel Why we encapsulate the work space Source by author This sheet describes good practice when you need to remove an AC panel mounted outdoors.

Clean the equipment and the area with damp rags. Put debris, used rags, polythene sheeting and other waste in the asbestos waste container and tape it closed. Put the asbestos waste container in a clear polythene sack and tape it closed. Place the sack in the lockable skip if you have one. Disposal - see sheet em9. HSE doc Don’t sweep up dust or debris use a Class H vacuum cleaner or damp rags. Don’t take used overalls home. Don’t re-use disposable PPE. Don’t smoke. Don’t eat or drink in the work area. Asbestos Disposal video Source by author

Source by author

Conclusion There is approximately 6.000000 tons of asbestos in place in this country If a building was built or refurbished before 2000, it is likely to contain asbestos. As the Control of asbestos Regulations an asbestos survey must be carried out on the premises if suspected asbestos is present before works commence, there are three types of survey; Type 1 – visual survey only Type 2 – most commonly used suspect materials are tested in a laboratory to determine the presence of asbestos. Type 3 – intrusive survey generally carried out on void properties and tested in a laboratory

The victims compensation of £4000 was miniscule compared to the seriousness of the case and future worry the victim will have to endure as asbestos can take 15 -25 years Custodial sentences should be imposed as many are still taking the risk and carrying out unlawful removal of asbestos endangering lives for financial gain. Inadequacy of sentences delivered by the courts in cases involving negligent or malicious intent to working with asbestos places the lives and health of workers or innocent members of the public at risk. In the construction trade there are 1000 people a year dieing from cancer as a result of breathing in asbestos fibres this also effects families through cross contamination. Not only is the company that carrying out the asbestos removal liable but the company that hires the contractor as in the R Maskel (the duty holder) and LCH contacts case If in doubt stop work and seek advice .

www.inkcinct.com.au/Web/CARTOONS/2007/2007-07 Sourced 10 November

References www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos House of commons research paper 99/814 November 2008 Hse news releasecoise/020930 September 2008 Notifications courtesy of Millburn's asbestos www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm) Sourced 10 November 2008 http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2008/coie09108.htmsourced 9 November 2008 HSE news release COISE/0209, 30thSeptember 2008)Sourced 10 November 2008r www.inkcinct.com.au/Web/CARTOONS/2007/2007-07Sourced 10 November With thanks to Bullock construction