1 April Understanding and Managing Asbestos Risks Why Managing Asbestos Risks is Important Asbestos remains a significant health risk, particularly in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000. Despite its widespread use in the past, asbestos is now known to cause serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos is still the biggest workplace killer in Britain, causing around 5,000 deaths every year. Therefore, asbestos awareness and management are critical for ensuring the safety of building occupants and workers. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and inhaled, which in turn can lead to severe health problems. The dangers of asbestos exposure cannot be overstated, as it poses long-term health risks that can be fatal. Even a single asbestos fibre can cause cancer, with symptoms potentially appearing 30 to 40 years after exposure. Ensuring the proper management of asbestos is essential to prevent these risks and protect everyone who may come into contact with it. Who May Be Affected By Poor Asbestos Management? Anyone who occupies or works in a building constructed before 2000 could be at risk. This includes: Contractors: Those involved in renovation, maintenance, or demolition work. Occupiers: Individuals living or working in the building. Visitors: Anyone who spends time in the building, either regularly or as a one-off. Asbestosis in Women: A Historical Perspective Historically, women have also been significantly affected by asbestosis, particularly those who worked in industries where asbestos was prevalent or lived in environments with high asbestos exposure. Women often also faced secondary exposure from asbestos fibres brought home on the clothing of family members who worked with asbestos. Putting clothes in a washing machine can exacerbate the risk. When asbestos-contaminated clothing is washed, the fibres can become airborne and spread to other garments, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Asbestos fibres are durable and difficult to remove, making home washing machines ineffective at eliminating them. Consequently, washing asbestos-contaminated clothes can inadvertently expose individuals to harmful asbestos fibres, potentially leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural disease. This exposure has led to serious health issues historically, and we should ensure lessons are learned from this. Ensuring Legal Compliance When Managing Asbestos If you occupy or manage a building built before 2000, you are legally required to manage asbestos risks. This involves conducting an asbestos survey, maintaining an asbestos management plan, and ensuring all relevant personnel are aware of the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Compliance with these regulations not only avoids legal repercussions but also ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Peace of Mind Proper asbestos management provides peace of mind. Knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to identify and mitigate asbestos risks allows you to focus on other aspects of building management without the constant worry of potential health hazards. Conducting an Asbestos Survey: The First Step Conducting an asbestos survey is just the first step in managing asbestos risks. Instruct a professional contractor to carry out this survey. This will help ensure it is thorough and legally compliant. It is essential to: Refer to the survey results regularly. Ensure that all relevant personnel have access to and understand the importance of this information. Review and update the asbestos management plan. Regularly update the plan and communicate any changes or findings to all relevant parties. Additionally, consider the following steps to enhance the process: Conduct regular training sessions: Ensure that all staff members are trained on the latest asbestos management practices and understand the importance of adhering to the plan. Implement a monitoring system: Set up a system to regularly monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials and promptly address any issues. Maintain detailed records: Keep comprehensive records of all surveys, updates, and communications related to asbestos management. This documentation can be crucial for compliance and future reference. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safer environment and maintain compliance with legal requirements. Looking for Asbestos Awareness training, or help ensuring compliance with managing asbestos ? Get in touch >> This week is Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025 (01-07 April 2025). Find out more about the Asbestos and You campaign here. 01 April 2025