Key learning points: what asbestos is how asbestos can cause harm how to prevent asbestos-related harm

What is asbestos? the name used for a group of naturally occurring minerals used in many products used to strengthen materials and provide fire and chemical resistance usually mixed with other substances to create different asbestos-containing materials (ACMs); also used on its own

What does asbestos look like? asbestos fibres are microscopic: a thousandth of the diameter of human hair there are several types of asbestos, the most common are:

Where can asbestos be found?

How asbestos can cause harm Asbestos isn’t dangerous until it’s disturbed, then tiny fibres are released. respirable asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye when breathed in they can become stuck in the lungs over time, this can cause serious illnesses, including fatal cancers.  20,000 asbestos fibres 2 grains of rice

The health risks There is no safe level of asbestos exposure Include: Number of deaths in Great Britain from Mesothelioma Include: asbestosis lung cancer mesothelioma cancer of the larynx ovarian cancer There is no safe level of asbestos exposure

The facts approximately 125 million people in the world are exposed to asbestos in the workplace and it claims over 107,000 lives a year each year it is estimated that there are more than 38,400 deaths from mesothelioma around the world asbestos causes lung disease. If the worker is also a smoker, this significantly increases the risk

Which trades are at risk? metal-forming, welding and related trades vehicle shipping and rail metal machining, fitting and instrument-making construction and building electrical There is evidence of asbestos-related diseases in other occupations

How to prevent asbestos-related harm Eight simple steps: Know where it is Record where it is Complete a risk assessment Create a management plan Planning to work on ACMs Inform those who are potentially exposed Train workers Investigate asbestos incidents

Controls to prevent exposure If planning controlled work on ACMs avoid the use of power tools ensure that measures are taken to prevent dust getting into the air Do not work on ACMs unless you are competent have a safe system of work in place are licensed to the level required by the country that you are working in Where it is necessary to make extensive repairs to ACMs or remove them from a building, it is strongly advised to have the work carried out by a specialist contractor

Accidental release of asbestos dust stop work immediately seal off the area and put up signage check for draughts instruct the worker to stay in one place near the point of damage, but not exposed to the dust ask them to take their contaminated clothing off, double-bag it, label it and dispose of it consider any other action to avoid the spread of contamination clean up the contamination Air monitoring should also be carried out

What can I do? Keep an eye on your own health and seek medical advice if you have any of these symptoms: a cough most of the time a cough experienced for a while that gets worse persistent breathlessness coughing up phlegm with traces of blood an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder loss of appetite or an unexpected loss of weight persistent tiredness

A good practice approach

Any questions?

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