An Argos store in Plymouth has reopened after health and safety chiefs shut it down following the discovery of asbestos. The Argos store, as well as a construction site next-door were both closed suddenly after the Health and Safety Executive discovered the asbestos. The construction site - a former Derry's department store, which is currently being converted into student flats - was where the asbestos was found, and Argos was closed as a safety precaution.
The Argos store was closed for a week, and work had stopped on the construction site as a precaution in case there were any airborne asbestos fibres. After extensive monitoring, all areas of the site was cleared and wok recommenced on Monday (20th February), and the Argos store re-opened the next day (Tuesday).
Asbestos is a natural fibrous rock that was widely used within buildings until 1999. It was widely used from the 1950s to the mid-1980s, due to it being a good insulator and having good fire protection properties. You will find asbestos in buildings built before the year 2000. Asbestos materials present a risk to your health when the fibres become airborne. This will happen if you cut, drill or break materials containing asbestos. It's the biggest occupational disease risk to construction workers; and therefore, safety precautions need to be put in place.
Safety signs and labels need to be put in place to warn workers of the presence of asbestos and that suitable safety precautions are made. Here at Label Source we stock an excellent range of Asbestos Safety Warning Labels and Signs to ensure your workers are aware of the substance, reducing the risk to their health and safety. If you wish to view our range of Asbestos safety labels and signs please click here.
