From mesothelioma to lung cancer, the dangers of asbestos exposure have been known for more than 40 years. The government introduced a license for carrying out asbestos work back in 1983, with the most dangerous subtype, amphibole, being banned in 1985. A complete UK ban on the import, supply and use of all asbestos was made in 1999.
Despite the ban, there are still more than 5,000 asbestos-related deaths in the UK each year.
To help raise awareness and make change, earlier this year, the IOSH (Institution of Occupational Health and Safety) renewed its call on the UK government. It emphasises the need for greater education, with the asbestos warning that ‘lives depend on action’.
Let’s take a look at the campaign and how asbestos safety can be improved with Label Source products here.
Warning! Asbestos is Dangerous
With high levels of heat resistance, electrical insulation, and strength, asbestos has traditionally been used to keep buildings warm and reduce fire risks. However, alternatives have had to be found, as research shows that the inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause cancer and other serious lung diseases. Undetectable by sight and smell, the fibres can become lodged in the lungs, with serious medical conditions only emerging years later.
2,500 people are recorded as dying from mesothelioma (which can only be the result of asbestos exposure) each year. The HSE has stated a figure of one lung cancer death per mesothelioma death. However, Charles Pickles, Lead Campaigner and Founder of the Airtight on Asbestos campaign, has pointed to research suggesting as many as 20,000 deaths per year may be the direct result of asbestos inhalation.
As mentioned, asbestos might only be identified as the cause of serious medical conditions many years after exposure. This has been the case for thousands of tradespeople, including carpenters, insulators, and mechanics. And there’s a continuing risk, with more than six million tonnes of asbestos still being contained within 1.5 million UK buildings. The asbestos could be disturbed during retrofitting and maintenance work, with staff and visitors also in danger of breathing it in as building structures deteriorate.
What Does IOSH and the HSE Say?
The IOSH has raised concern over the refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings constructed before 1999 that still contain asbestos. HSE asbestos guidance has also been released to raise awareness, particularly among Gen-Z tradespeople, who are unlikely to have been impacted by asbestos-related deaths. This highlights the importance of checking the asbestos register and understanding the measures that can be taken to avoid exposure.
As Ruth Wilkinson, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at IOSH, said:
“We know that about 5,000 people a year die from asbestos-related diseases in the UK. While the cause of their illness was likely exposure from decades ago, we believe that people are still being exposed today, putting them at risk of terminal cancers such as mesothelioma in the years to come.
“What we’d really like to see is a collective effort by policymakers, government, regulators, employers and worker representatives to address this. Such a plan must therefore have a focus on duty holders, the duty to manage asbestos, and the competence of individuals and include the development of clear guidance around managing asbestos.
“Also essential is improved training for employees which raises awareness of the dangers of exposure, informs them how to deal with asbestos, and what to do if they come across it. Nearly two years have now passed and there hasn’t been any progress. Action is needed now. People’s lives depend on it.”
Improving Asbestos Safety with Label Source
The importance of giving an asbestos warning has been highlighted in UK legislation, such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012). This specifies the need to place clear, concise, and easily understandable signage in a prominent area, where building users and tradespeople could be affected.
The asbestos signage requirements include:
- Featuring the word ‘Asbestos’
- Warning that there is a risk of asbestos inhalation
- Specifying that the area shouldn’t be entered unless it is safe to do so
- Including the name and contact details of the individual responsible for asbestos management.
Asbestos warning signs must also be kept in good condition and replaced if they become damaged or ineligible.
You can ensure compliance with the range of asbestos safety signage available from Label Source. From the Danger Asbestos Tag to the Asbestos Sampling Point label and Asbestos Free Safety Tape, we have your needs covered.
Order directly on our website or give us a call us on 0800 3761 693 for the arrangement of bespoke asbestos safety signage.
