The headline statement is simple enough; if only compliance with Regulation 4 was as simple!  With such a plethora of rules, regulations and guidelines how is asbestos management going to be anything other than complex?

Good question!  So let’s start with the basics.....

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a generic term given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous hydrated silicate minerals, all with similar fibre characteristics. 

Asbestos has long been commercially exploited for its useful properties, including; heat and fire resistance; acid and alkali resistance; flexibility; and high tensile strength.  The raw material was mined then added to other products to manufacture various types of building materials including pipe/vessel insulation, sheet materials, construction products, etc.  There are three main types of asbestos commonly found in asbestos-containing materials [ACMs] in buildings in the UK; amosite, crocidolite, and chrysotile.  These are often referred to by their ‘colours’, i.e. brown, blue and white respectively.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to the developing one of three fatal diseases: Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer.  As there is no cure for asbestos-related diseases, any exposure to asbestos should be avoided, as the risk increases as the level, frequency and duration of exposure increases.

Asbestos is only a risk to health if fibres are released into the air and subsequently inhaled.  If ACMs are not disturbed airborne fibres will not be released and therefore they will not pose a health risk.

 

Now, moving on a bit....

 

What is asbestos management?

In its simplest terms, is all about protecting two distinct groups of workers; those who work in the premises, and those who work on  This can be achieved through the development and promulgation of an Asbestos Management Plan. the premises, by preventing exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

A typical Asbestos Management Plan could address some or all of the following issues, the extent to which would differ from organisation to organisation, and property to property:

• What is the Plan?  Why do we have it?  Who is it for?
• What is our policy on asbestos?
• Do we have asbestos materials in our building(s)?  How do we know?
• What condition is the asbestos in?  What is the risk?  Do we need to carry out repairs/removals in order to remove or reduce the risk?

 

Once any ACMs have been identified, the risk assessed, and any necessary remedial actions have been carried out, the next step is to manage the ACMs to prevent accidental damage, uncontrolled removal, etc.  For example:

• How can we make personnel and contractors aware of our ACMs?
• What about informing the Emergency Services?
• How can we prevent uncontrolled interference with or damage to our ACMs?
• What training might be necessary?

 

Lastly, there could be a need to manage the Asbestos Management Plan itself.

• Is it still accurate and up-to-date?
• Has the condition of any of our ACMs changed?  Could that change have been avoided?
• Is further training required?
• Is the plan actually working?  Have we made it too complicated?

 

That last bullet point could be purely rhetorical, as it takes us back to the initial point - Asbestos Management doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be effective.

Remember, an asbestos survey of your premises is not, in itself, an Asbestos Management Plan, but it can be a good starting point for your Plan.  You may not even need a survey in order to formulate a Plan.

In short, the process is relatively straightforward, so keep it simple.  Establish the best course of action for your organisation, and then implement those actions. 

If, however, even that prospect is too daunting, then Prosol Project Solutions can offer just the right level of support and assistance you need - from just planning your approach, through to Plan implementation, and even total asbestos management if needed.  We have been doing this for over 22 years, for all types and sizes of organisation, in all types and sizes of property. 

So if you don’t want complicated, but do want effective, why not telephone us to discuss your individual requirements.