How much do you actually know about asbestos?
June 1st 2008

Ask almost anyone about asbestos and they will tell you that it is dangerous. But how much do you really know about asbestos? Many thousands of tonnes of asbestos and asbestos containing products were extensively used in the construction of all types of buildings particularly between 1950 and the mid 1970's. No accurate records were kept at the time, so we can only estimate some of the figures involved, but it is thought well over a million buildings in the UK still contain asbestos materials.

The number of people dying each year of illnesses resulting from exposure to asbestos contamination currently stands at several thousand and still rising, making asbestos the single largest cause of death due to a work related illness.

This is partly due to the fact when someone is exposed to asbestos contamination; nothing is immediately going to happen. It takes many years, often decades, for the symptoms of exposure to become apparent. Asbestos fibres, once they have entered the body, take a long time to show up as damage caused to the body is very gradual, but once there, is irreversible.

The all too frequent result of prolonged or high level exposure to asbestos contamination is Asbestosis, Mesothelioma or lung cancer. Even lower levels of exposure are now known to be capable of being dangerous and exposure can leave the body vulnerable to other respiratory diseases, resulting in a lower quality of life for the unfortunate sufferer.

Asbestos assumes a greater risk when the fibres become airborne, allowing them to be breathed in. This could be due to damage, drilling or cutting, etc. As we have seen, once these asbestos fibres have entered the body, if it results in the person going on to develop an asbestos related illness there are no known cures. Therefore, we must prevent exposure to asbestos from occurring, or if this is not possible then exposure must be reduced to the lowest possible level.

Most accidental exposure to asbestos contamination is as a result of maintenance or building work being carried out where the presence of asbestos has not been realised.

To address this, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires that every employer shall ensure adequate

information, instruction and training is given to those of his employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees.

The Approved Code of Practice, "Work with materials containing asbestos" goes further and gives a list of trades and work that should receive such training.

It is important, once it has been identified your employees require such training, it is delivered by someone competent with sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to meet their specific training needs.

Many people may claim this competency but there are relatively few in the industry who can justify themselves.

Many trainers will not have the necessary experience or background to be able to answer all of your questions or deliver the quality of training required, which may result in a poor experience for your employees, continued risk of accidental exposure to asbestos and the possible implications for claims made against the employer for failure to comply with the Asbestos Regulations.

ACAD is a member of UKATA, the trade association responsible for setting standards for the asbestos training industry and is on the list of organisations accredited to deliver such training. Our trainers have many years experience in working in the asbestos industry and are vastly experienced in developing tailor made courses designed to meet specific training needs. We deliver courses throughout the United Kingdom and beyond and are recognised as one of the leading trade associations, having recently won awards for its ground-breaking initiatives in the asbestos industry. ACAD also works closely with the HSE and other stakeholders and encourages the adoption of best practices throughout the industry. With a growing membership of over 200 members nationwide, ACAD is an association people turn to for advice on any asbestos related issues.

Should you or your business have any queries regarding asbestos or asbestos training, ACAD is there to provide help and information.

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