1. Asbestos Awareness Bradford Area Occupational Health and Safety Forum
Risk Assessment & Web Application

2. Aim of today’s presentation
To provide a (very brief!) introduction to the hazards of asbestos
To provide an overview of the legal framework governing asbestos risk assessment
To illustrate the main principles of asbestos risk assessment
To raise awareness of the HSE Asbestos Web Application

3. What is Asbestos?
Collective name for several types of naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials
Has many useful physical and chemical properties
Historically, has had many applications within industry

4. What are the risks?
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibers are released into the air. When these fibers are inhaled they can cause serious diseases
Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, this is  more than the number of people killed on the road.
Around 20 tradespersons die each week as a result of past exposure

5. Asbestos-Related Diseases
Mesothelioma - cancer which affects the lining of the lungs the lower digestive tract – usually fatal
Asbestos-related lung cancer – usually fatal
Asbestosis - serious scarring of the lung – in severe cases can be fatal.
Pleural thickening - The lining of the lung thickens and swells. Can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

6. Where do I find asbestos?
Sprayed coatings on ceilings and walls
In asbestos cement
In asbestos insulting board
In fire doors, floor tiles and fire blankets

7. Some Relevant Legal Provisions
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2012
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

8. Duty to Manage Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4)
find out whether the premises contains asbestos, and, if so, its location and condition
assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified
make a plan to manage that risk and act on it
provide this information to other employers (eg building contractors)

9. Duty to Risk Assess
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 6)
Duty to Assess:
Before carrying out work likely to result in exposure to asbestos conduct a risk assessment of the work and identify necessary controls
Record the findings
Implement the controls

10. How do I risk assess asbestos?
Specify:
Where asbestos is located and its type
How much there is
What condition it is in
What controls are needed to manage it and protect persons who may be exposed to it
An asbestos survey is NOT a legal requirement but can help you prepare your assessment

11. How do I risk assess asbestos?
Things to consider when assessing risk from asbestos?
Is it likely to be disturbed?
Is there easy access to it?
It is vulnerable to damage?
Is maintenance, repair or other type of work likely to be carried out in its vicinity?
The aim is to identify how the asbestos is going to be managed and how any work on it is going to be managed

12. How do I risk assess work involving asbestos?
Specify:
full details of the work to be undertaken and duration
details of the type and quantity of the asbestos
details of the expected level of exposure
details of the controls to be used to reduce exposure
details on how asbestos waste will be managed
emergency procedures

13. How do I control exposure?
Controls may include:
Local Exhaust Ventilation
Segregation of Work Area
Safe Systems of Work
Training & Supervision
RPE & PPE
The controls will depend on the nature of the work, the condition of the asbestos, and its type

14. HSE Asbestos Web App
What is the web app?
Works like a smart phone app and is adapted to fit a phone, tablet or computer.
Takes the user through a simple decision matrix based upon the type of building, task and asbestos
User then presented with a simple task sheet based on the information in Asbestos Essentials
Aimed at tradespersons

15. HSE Asbestos Web App
Can be downloaded from

16. Further Information
Asbestos section on HSE website

17. Questions and Answers
Comments
Questions, Comments
Questions