TUC Calls For New Asbestos Legislation

Recent coverage from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) highlighted the contentious issue of asbestos safety in public buildings. With a possible 87,000 public buildings containing asbestos, Lucion’s QHSE Director Chris Parr reviews the CIEH recent coverage and emphasises the need for Duty Holders to understand the risk of asbestos.

In 2021, 2,268 people succumbed to mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked cancer, lower than previous years but still significant. Although asbestos was banned in 1999, its effects continue due to the delayed onset of related diseases. 

Existing asbestos regulations call for managing and maintaining undisturbed asbestos, but the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stresses the inevitability of disturbance, advocating for comprehensive removal. 

Highlighting elevated mesothelioma rates among specific professions, Mesothelioma UK's CEO, Liz Darlison, underscores the urgency of collaboration to tackle the UK's high asbestos-related cancer incidence;

“It's paramount that we work with government to address this and avoid the time bomb of future generations with occupational cancers.”

- Liz Darlison, Mesothelioma UK.

Although the number of asbestos-related deaths is declining, effective asbestos management controls and a stronger focus on Duty Holder responsibilities can further reduce these numbers.

The Role Of The Duty Holder

The UK's current policy suggests that well-maintained and undisturbed asbestos is generally not a significant health hazard as long as it's properly managed.  However, the danger arises when ACMs are damaged or disturbed, releasing airborne fibres. 

The role of the Duty Holder is to minimise health risks associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Engaging with asbestos consultants with specialised building knowledge to assess individual premises based on factors like age and construction type is essential. But is also essential for Duty Holders to have up-to-date knowledge about asbestos risk and the current status of their buildings to be able to effectively manage their suppliers.

To properly address asbestos-related risks, it is crucial to follow a structured approach consisting of three key initial steps:

1. Evaluation: Begin by engaging a trusted asbestos service provider to conduct a thorough asbestos survey of the premises. This survey will determine the presence of asbestos, assess its condition, pinpoint its location, and gauge the associated risks.
2. Risk Assessment: Assess the potential dangers posed by asbestos within the premises based on the survey findings.
3. Occupancy Consideration: Depending on the determined risk level, it may be necessary to limit access to the building until asbestos removal or safe management measures are completed, and a reoccupation certificate is obtained.

Following these initial steps, the subsequent actions are crucial to effectively manage asbestos risks:

• Establish and put into action a comprehensive management plan.
• Periodically review risk levels and document your observations.
• Evaluate any tasks that may expose employees to asbestos.
• Share pertinent information with relevant parties, such as other employers (e.g., construction contractors), who might encounter asbestos during their work. Ensure they implement appropriate safety measures when dealing with asbestos-containing materials.
• Implement measures to minimize exposure to the lowest achievable level.

Neglecting proper asbestos risk management can lead to significant repercussions, including:

• In lower courts: Facing the possibility of unlimited fines and up to 6 months of imprisonment.
• In higher courts: Incurring potential unlimited fines and up to 2 years of imprisonment.

Ultimately, mishandling asbestos management not only endangers human lives but also poses a significant threat to the environment.

Partner with Lucion, a UKAS-accredited supplier of asbestos management and consultancy services, for a safer environment for your staff and pupils. We are committed to managing the risk of asbestos in your estates and going beyond compliance to best practice.

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About The Author

Chris has over 12 years of experience specifically monitoring, managing and leading on quality assurance for the Lucion Group, having joined us via Lucion’s acquisition of AOH Ltd in 2011. Chris was integral to the successful creation of a strong QHSE culture at Lucion Services, where he maintained an integrated Quality Management System to include ISO17020, ISO17025 (requirements for asbestos testing, and inspection accreditation by UKAS) and ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 (certified by BSI).

Moving to his role of QHSE Director for the Lucion Group, Chris will utilise his experience gained and integrate our strong culture for integrated quality management across our Lucion Group portfolio of companies, working closely with the Lucion Group Technical Director and our individual business leaders.

Chris Parr

Group Quality and Assurance Director

E: chris.parr@lucionservices.com

T: +44(0)345 5040 303

Linkedin: Chris Parr