Facilities managers watch out - asbestos kills 3000 a year

If you own or manage a workplace building which may contain asbestos, you need to think about the risks of exposure.

In a move that was welcomed by the Health & Safety Commission, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today that a ban on the importation, supply and use in Great Britain of white asbestos will be implemented on 24 November 1999.

There are three types of the 'killer' material. Two of these, blue and brown asbestos, have been prohibited since the mid 1980's. However, white asbestos has been widely used in buildings and even in brake replacements. Asbestos can be found in a variety of materials including sprayed coatings and laggings, thermal insulation of pipes and boilers and some ceiling tiles.

According to the Health & Safety Commission, 3000 people die every year from exposure to asbestos, and the figure is expected to increase over the next few years. Sufferers contract lung cancer, asbestosis or cancer of the chest cavity after being exposed to asbestos dust, and there is no cure. Most of the victims suffering from asbestos-related illnesses are electricians, plumbers, building maintenance workers, shopfitters and carpenters.

These may still be at risk if they work where white asbestos (chryostile) is used, and added to the list are computer installers, cable installers, fire alarm installers, window blind fitters and telecommunication engineers.

White asbestos can be found in any building constructed or refurbished between 1950 and the 1980's. The HSC publication Managing Asbestos: Workplace Buildings says that asbestos is likely to be present if:

• the building has a steel frame, or
• oilers with thermal insulation

A spokesperson told i-FM that asbestos could cover cabling or be used as insulation, so electricians and carpenters needed to be especially careful when drilling holes in case they come across the material.

Sir Frank Davies, chairman of the HSC said: "It makes absolutely no sense at all to continue using chrysotile products when we know that safer substitutes can be used in most situations."

For further information about asbestos, contact the Health and Safety Executive on 0114 289 2345.

Julie Crisp