HSE Issues New "Asbestos Quick Guide - Don't Be An Easy Target"

CWU’s National Health, Safety & Environment Officer, Dave Joyce has issued a letter to all union branches detailing the HSE’s latest guidance on Asbestos.

Writing in LTB557/15 Dave said:

“Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral that was imported into the UK and was used in a variety of products for different industries. Since 1992 it has been illegal to use asbestos in the UK to make any new products and in 1999, the selling and fixing of asbestos containing materials was banned.

But did you know asbestos is still a danger today! It’s in the fabric of our buildings, it’s in homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings and places of work. It comes in many forms from lagging on pipes and boilers, soffit boards, ceiling panels, textured coatings, vinyl floor tiles, asbestos paper on wood fibreboards, putty, asbestos cement, flat or corrugated roofing sheets, gutters, water tanks, rainwater pipes and the list goes on.

Are you a DIY enthusiast, would you be able to recognise it? If the answer is no or you have any doubt then don’t touch it, speak to your local council and look on the HSE website. Take Care and be Asbestos Aware.”

Your Workplace

Are you aware of your work environment? Is there asbestos in your work area? Does your workplace have an Asbestos Managing Policy? Ask the questions, don’t put yourself at risk.

Your Children's School

Remember to ask your children’s schools about their asbestos management.

HSE Website Information

Visit the HSE website for more information on staying safe with Asbestos

HSE New Quick Guide

A pdf file version of the latest HSE "Asbestos Quick Guide - Don't Be An Easy Target" can be downloaded from the
E-Library Database Use the search keywords ‘easy target’ to download the document.

Source: CWU / HSE

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