TOOLBOX TALK FORM- Asbestos

Toolbox Topic: Asbestos

HAZARDS/RISKS - Asbestos kills more people in the UK than are killed in road accidents. Every year, around 5,000 people, from all industries, die from asbestos-related diseases. You need to be aware of the hazards of asbestos, where it can be found, and what you need to do, otherwise, it could kill you

WHERE YOU WILL FIND ASBESTOS - The asbestos removal industry estimates there are over 3,000 different types of ACM products. Asbestos can be found:  In insulation and sprayed coatings used for:
- boilers, plant and pipework (some are obvious, but some are hidden in underfloor ducting)
- fire protection steelwork - hidden behind false ceilings
- in thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings  In insulating board used in: - fire protection to doors, protected exits and steelwork - claddings on walls and ceilings, internal walls, partitions and suspended ceiling tiles - fire blankets
 In asbestos cement, which is found as: - corrugated roofing and cladding sheets of buildings - flat sheets for partitions
- cladding and other door facings - rainwater gutters and downpipes
 In other products: - some textured coatings and paints
- friction materials (such as brake linings and clutch plates) - flash guards and components within equipment

HOW ASBESTOS CAN AFFECT YOU - When ACMs are disturbed fibres are released into the air. These fibres can easily be breathed in.
-The fibres penetrate deep into the lungs where they remain, leading to diseases such as asbestosis (fibrous scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung). Mesothelioma is incurable, and is always fatal.
-Smokers are at increased risk of asbestos-related diseases

HAZARDOUS WORK
-People involved in building repair, maintenance and refurbishment, for example plumbers, electricians, Joiners and scafolders are particularly at risk – it is estimated that around 20 workers or former workers from the construction sector in the UK die each week. -There is a legal requirement that requires workers who may be exposed to asbestos (such as those working in existing buildings built before the year 2000) to receive asbestos awareness training. -Prior to undertaking any work in buildings (built before the year 2000) that has the potential to disturb ACMs, employers must ensure that a suitable survey is undertaken and that work is planned to prevent workers from being exposed. This may involve removal or encapsulation of the ACMs, which must always be done by a competent contractor who will often need to hold the appropriate license awarded by the HSE. -Make sure that you are given information regarding the possible presence of ACMs before working in any building built before the year 2000. -If you are not sure what a material is, do not disturb it until you are sure. If you think that you have discovered or disturbed an ACM, stop work immediately and tell your supervisor