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North EastYou are in: Inside Out > North East > Asbestos - keeping safe  Safe not sorry - working with asbestos. Asbestos - keeping safeThe Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is launching a new campaign to highlight the measures that should be in place to protect employees from asbestos. Inside Out looks at some of the measures workers can take to protect themselves. Help playing audio/video Top safety tipsThe campaign clearly outlines the proper procedures for those working with and around materials containing asbestos. To comply with health and safety regulations, workers should adopt the following safety regulations and practices: * Employers and those in charge of work should find out if asbestos-containing materials are present.  Taking action - safe asbestos removal. * Avoid working with asbestos if possible. If you are not sure if there are asbestos materials where you are working, don’t start work. * Don’t start work if you haven’t been trained to work safely with asbestos. * Do not work with certain types of asbestos as these are too dangerous. * You should only continue work if you've received training in asbestos work, the work has been properly planned and the right precautions are in place. Help playing audio/video Be prepared* Be prepared when working with asbestos. AsbestosAsbestos was used extensively as a building material from the 1950s to the mid-1980s. It was used for a variety of purposes including fireproofing and insulation. Buildings built before 2000 (houses, factories, offices, hospitals) may contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in good condition are safe unless fibres become airborne - this takes place when materials are damaged. A major risk factor in developing an asbestos-related disease is the total number of fibres breathed in. Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of fibres can increase the chances of getting an asbestos-related disease. There are around 4,000 deaths per annum related to asbestos. Related diseases include mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Source: HSE Minimise dust and protect yourself from breathing it in. Ensure you take the following precautionary measures: > Use hand tools – not power tools. > Keep materials damp. > Wear a properly fitted suitable respirator - an ordinary dust mask will not be effective. > Don’t smoke, eat or drink in the work area. > Clean up as you go – use a special vacuum cleaner, not a brush. * Don’t carry asbestos into your car or house. Don't forget to wear suitable disposable overalls and boots without laces or disposable boot covers. * Don’t take work overalls home to wash - instead place disposable items in asbestos waste bags and dispose of them properly. * When you finish work, decontaminate yourself – wipe down your overalls with a damp rag and remove them before taking off your protective mask. Help playing audio/video SourceSource: HSE’s Asbestos: The Hidden Killer campaign, launched October 2008.
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 09/10/2008 at 13:44 SEE ALSOYou are in: Inside Out > North East > Asbestos - keeping safe |
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