ASBESTOS

Information for Engineers

Asbestos - Introduction

• What is asbestos ?• What products may

contain asbestos ?• Why is asbestos a

problem ?• What you should do• Safe System of Work

What is Asbestos?

• A group of naturally occurring minerals that can be separated into fibres

• Fibres are strong, durable and heat resistant, 30 million tons have been used in the UK

• Fibres are also long, thin and flexible and have been woven into cloth

3 Main Types of Asbestos

1. White asbestos from Canada

2. Brown asbestos from Africa

3. Blue asbestos from Africa and Australia

All types are equally harmful, but there have been more illnesses reported from

handling Blue Asbestos than any other

What Products may Contain Asbestos?

• Pipe covering• Insulating cement• Insulating block• Gaskets• Floor tiles• Ceiling tiles• Board

• Ships hulls• Packing materials• Adhesives• Sound proofing• Brake/clutch

assemblies• Thermal seals

Why is Asbestos a Problem?

Thousands of people die each year because they breathed asbestos

dust.

There is no cure for asbestos related

diseases.

What You Should Do

Ask if asbestos is present

Be aware that asbestos could be present

If you are suspicious of a substance:

stop work and seek advice

Safe System of Work -Information Only

DO

keep all materials damp

use hand tools only

wear a suitable respirator

double bag waste

label waste

wash before eating or leaving site

DO NOT

disturb suspicious dust

use power tools

breath in dust

use brushes or brooms

casually remove waste

take protective clothing home

Recap

• Asbestos kills 30,000 people a year in UK

• Millions of tons are present in buildings

• It is safe until disturbed

If unsure - STOP WORK & SEEK ADVICE