The Wonder of Asbestos

What is so wonderful about asbestos?

• It is a naturally occurring material
• It is in abundance in the Earth’s crust
• It is virtually indestructible
• It is fibrous, so it can impart strength and resistance into other materials
• It forms a very good barrier to the propagation of fire
• It is an excellent insulator for heat and sound

So, why isn’t it used any longer?

• It is responsible for the highest number of deaths associated with work activities
• Approximately 250 people die each year as a result of an accident associated with work in the UK
• Approximately 1,000 people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents associated with work in the UK
• Approximately 3,500 people die each year as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres associated with work in the UK
• Asbestos may not be used anymore in the UK but there is still a lot of it around and it is likely to remain that way for many years to come.

We all know what sheets of “Asbestos” look like so what is the problem?

Many common materials can be asbestos or can contain asbestos and they do not look like asbestos cement and are not easily recognisable.

NOTE: Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires every employer to provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training of a specified content to all of his employees who could be exposed to asbestos and those who supervise such employees. He must also provide retraining at suitable intervals.

IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE NOT TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS.