Asbestos: Latest News, Guidance and Training
Asbestos awareness and proper risk assessment remain essential. If in doubt, do not disturb materials that may contain asbestos and always seek professional advice.
Fatal Fall During Demolition Work Involving Asbestos Cement
A self-employed builder has died after falling from a garage roof during demolition work.
Following the incident, the Health and Safety Executive’s investigation identified multiple health and safety concerns, including the absence of any assessment to determine whether asbestos was present.
The corrugated concrete sheets that were being snapped and removed by hand were found to be asbestos cement — a material commonly found in buildings constructed before 2000.
Before any demolition or refurbishment work begins, dutyholders must assess whether asbestos is present and plan how work will be carried out safely.
As well as the worker who tragically died, three other workers on site were put at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres as broken sheets were handed down to them. The family whose garage was being worked on were also potentially exposed.
For practical guidance, refer to the Asbestos Essentials task sheets, which provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely carry out non-licensed work involving asbestos. The full case report can be read on the HSE website.
Children’s Products Recalled Due to Asbestos Contamination
A number of children’s play products have been recalled after being found to contain small quantities of asbestos.
This includes:
- Hobbycraft: Giant Box of Craft, Sand and Pom Pom Art Kit, and Easter Bumper Craft Kit
- Colour Forge: Basing Sand
- My Living World: Worm Kit
- Stretcherz: Stretch Squad Assortment and Slammerz Assortment Toy
For full details, refer to product recalls and alerts issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards.
Further Information and Guidance
For more information on asbestos safety, visit the HSE website and review the following campaigns:
Asbestos – Your Duty
A simple overview of the legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic buildings, including templates and practical guidance on how to complete them. Resources include:
- Campaign website
- Podcast: Duty to Manage Asbestos in Buildings
Asbestos and You
Designed for workers in skilled construction and building trades, this campaign provides guidance on how to stay safe on site by avoiding fibre disturbance and understanding when to involve asbestos professionals. Resources include:
- Campaign website
- ‘Quick Guide for Trades’ download
- Video: Be Asbestos Aware – An Introduction for Workers
Contact Us
For enquiries or to book an asbestos survey, contact us today.
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