The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is proposing to tighten up the law to reduce the risks from the asbestos which remains in workplace buildings throughout Britain in both the public and private sectors. A new duty to manage asbestos will placed on those responsible for such buildings.

Bill Callaghan, HSC Chair, said: "There are 3,000 deaths a year from asbestos-related diseases, all of which could have been prevented. This is an intolerable toll of human suffering and misery. It is a grim reminder of the cost of health and safety failure, and of the benefits if we manage this problem successfully."

Many people now dying were unaware that they had encountered asbestos, but it was installed as thermal insulation and for fireproofing in numerous buildings in the '50s and '60s. It is estimated that there could still be 1.5 million workplace properties with asbestos in them.

Asbestos-containing materials pose no risk if they are in good condition and are left undisturbed. The problems arise if they are not managed properly. The HSC proposals address this situation and will protect, in particular, those in building-related occupations such as electricians, gas installers, plumbers, carpenters, as well as others who visit workplace premises, including the general public.

Those responsible for workplace premises will be required to:

• find out whether asbestos is present in their buildings and where it is located;
• assume that asbestos is present unless they can be sure it isn’t;
• record their findings;
• prepare and implement a plan to manage the risks from the asbestos; and
• provide information to anyone liable to come in contact with asbestos.

At the same time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new video, 'How Are You Today?’ in two parts. The first is aimed at workers in building-related occupations; the second at employers who will have the new duty to manage asbestos. A technical guide – 'Asbestos Essentials' - is also being prepared for buildings workers undertaking minor work with asbestos.

The consultative document can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk/condocs/. The video can be ordered from HSE Videos, PO Box 35, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7EX,
tel. 01937 541 010
or fax 01937 541 083.

Anna Lagerkvist