Description
Effective asbestos management requires understanding health risks, regulatory requirements, and the appropriate use of surveys, monitoring, and training to ensure safe construction practices and legal compliance.
Key Points:
- Health Risks and Regulatory Framework
Asbestos, including white asbestos, is a confirmed carcinogen, linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. UK regulations banned most asbestos types by 1999, with strict surveying, removal, and air monitoring protocols governed under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. - Survey Types and Risk Assessment
There are three main surveys, management, refurbishment, and demolition, each tailored to the level of building intrusion. Proper sampling, risk assessment, and asbestos registers are required for non-domestic buildings built before 2000. - Safe Removal and Compliance Protocols
Asbestos work is categorised as licensed, non-licensed, or notifiable non-licensed, depending on risk. Only trained professionals can handle asbestos, with categories A, B, and C outlining required training. Air monitoring, including personal and clearance tests, ensures fibre levels meet legal thresholds before reoccupation.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the health hazards posed by all six types of asbestos and the importance of early detection.
- Distinguish between types of asbestos surveys and understand when each is required.
- Understand the roles of licensed contractors, surveyors, and waste carriers, and the training and documentation needed for compliance.
