Health & Safety Guides: Working With Asbestos

Health & Safety Guides: Working With Asbestos

When it comes to work-related injury and death, asbestos remains the single greatest culprit. It is therefore absolutely paramount that you are fully protected if you suspect or know you will be working with asbestos. From the dangers and asbestos training to the PPE you need for asbestos-related jobs, we’ve put together an asbestos health and safety guide to ensure you remain protected in the workplace.

What are the dangers of asbestos?

Asbestos is now banned, however any buildings that have been built or refurbished before the year 2000 carry an asbestos risk. Any homes, schools, offices or factories can contain ACM (asbestos containing materials), so heading into these buildings to carry out work can be dangerous. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Around 5000 people a year are killed due to asbestos, with roughly 20 tradespeople a week becoming ill or dying due to past exposure. The risks are real, and they are big. Therefore it is paramount to ensure workers who may encounter asbestos are given full and appropriate training. The onus should be how to avoid disturbing asbestos — even further training will be needed if workers need to carry out work that they know will involve asbestos. Occupations that may carry an asbestos risk include;
  • Plumbers
  • Construction workers
  • Electricians
  • Joiners
  • Gasfitters
  • Demolition workers
  • Building surveyors
  • Engineers

Asbestos awareness training and information

The level of training required for a job that may involve asbestos will depend on the type of work: some asbestos jobs will be non-licensable work, while others will call for licensable work. Double check where you stand at Health And Safety Executive: Asbestos Information and Training. If you are working or suspect you may be working with asbestos, you need to ensure you have as much information as possible. First and foremost, you need to be aware of the building you are entering. If it was built or refurbished before 2000, it is vital to identify whether asbestos is present. Non-domestic buildings such as schools, factories, hospitals or shopping complexes will have a person responsible for the building and its maintenance. It is the duty of this person to provide information on the building to any workers who may be entering, including where any asbestos may be present. If this information is not available, your employer is obliged to find out if ACM (asbestos containing materials) are present. The area should be surveyed and materials analysed for asbestos. Always speak to your employer if you are at all unsure or suspicious about the presence or quantity of asbestos in a building, as the work may need to be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Asbestos protective and respiratory equipment

If you are carrying out work in an area where you know or suspect asbestos may be present, you need to ensure you are taking precautions and are fully protected with asbestos protective clothing and accessories. PPE (personal protective equipment) and RPE (respiratory protection equipment) are vital for work involving asbestos. Following HSE Asbestos Recommendations, you should be equipped with;

Overalls

Disposable overalls are a suitable option, as these can be safely disposed of after use. Ensure they fit comfortably — it may even be worth sizing up to prevent any ripping at the seams. If this means the cuffs become loose, seal them with tape: you need to ensure your under-layer of clothing is totally protected from any dust particles. When wearing boiler suits and coveralls for asbestos work, always wear with the legs over your footwear. If you tuck them in, the dust can get into your shoes. Protective overalls from a trusted brand such as DuPont are ideal for workers who may encounter asbestos. We would recommend the DuPont Classic Xpert overalls, which are specially designed for exemplary protection against dangerous airborne particles. For further information, take a look at the following resource PDF on DuPont and the asbestos protection they offer.

Respiratory Protection Equipment — RPE

RPE is vital if you are working with asbestos or ACM. Dust masks are not a suitable option — you need to be fully protected with a mask with a respirator. When selecting a respirator mask, you need to look at the APF (the UK-assigned protection factor). An APF of 20 or more is needed for dealing with asbestos, Suitable options for short-term, non-licensed work include:
  • Disposable masks. Your disposable respirator should be type FFP3 and meet standards EN148, or, type FMP3 meeting standards EN1827.
  • Half-mask respirators to standard EN140, with a P3 filter.
  • Semi-disposable respirator to EN405, with a P3 filter.
Disposable masks should be properly disposed of as asbestos waste. Any non-disposable RPE or reusable masks should be cleaned thoroughly after use, have the filters changed regularly, and should be stored away from the contaminated area.

Footwear

As with any kind of work, you should opt for boots with a strong grip to prevent slipping. If you are dealing with asbestos, it is important to wear footwear that is easy to clean after use. This means boots without laces, and without crevices that can trap dust.

Gloves

Single-use disposable gloves should be used. If you are using latex gloves, always go for a powder-free option. IMPORTANT: All disposable PPE and RPE should be disposed of appropriately after use: double bag, then dispose of as asbestos waste in a licensed tip.

Working with asbestos do’s and don'ts

Remember, PPE and RPE should be the last line of defence — where possible you should avoid asbestos completely. However, if you are working with asbestos;

Do

  • Ensure you have had the appropriate asbestos training for the job at hand.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area.
  • Clean up as you go — always wash before taking a break, and before going out.
  • Dispose of asbestos waste properly in a licensed tip.
  • Shower and wash your hair immediately after leaving the contaminated area, ensuring your fingernails are cleaned to remove all traces of dust and asbestos.
  • Use PPE and RPE.

Don’t

  • Smoke.
  • Work with asbestos-contaminated areas on a windy day, as the fibres will spread.
  • Consume food or drink in the area in which you are working.
  • Wear your work clothing home.
  • Reuse disposable clothing or masks.
  • Create additional dust by using power tools. Also, don’t sweep up dust and debris as this will spread them — instead, clean with a slightly damp cloth.
For further information on asbestos including training guides, head over to Health And Safety Executive: Asbestos. Alternatively, for all your PPE needs, explore the Personal Protective Equipment and Asbestos and Hazardous Working ranges at MI Supplies.
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