FAO The Baron re. asbestos

Hello 'The Baron'.

Just seen your posting regarding asbestos. I work as a Health and Safety Adviser and while I don't profess to be an expert on asbestos, hopefully I can give you a pointer in the right direction.

While undamaged the asbestos doesn't present a risk. As soon as you start cutting into the building fabric fibres are released.

Depending on the type of work you are doing, the duration, level of exposure and type of asbestos, this may mean that the work should be carried out by specialist, licensed asbestos contractors. Regardless of this fact though, your employers have a duty of care to you which includes providing you with any information on whether the work you are undertaking would expose you to asbestos fibres and putting in place a safe system of work.

This may mean identifying whether controls such as respiratory projection, specialist vacuums, provision of laundry services etc are required.

As a suggestion, I'm not completely sure who would cover this situation but it would be worth contacting your local Environmental Health Officer (via City council) or HSE office and running the situation by them. Further, have a look at the HSE's website www.hse.gov.uk, click on free publications and then asbestos.

One thing that is for certain is that it is unacceptable for you to be working on suspected asbestos containing materials without your employer having identified whether the material is present (or otherwise assumed it is) and put suitable controls in place. If the contractor using your company as a sub contractor knows asbetos is present in areas you will be working on they have a duty to provide this information.

If I was you I'd probably be asking myself is it worth working for a cow boy employer with such a blatant disregard to your health, safety and welfare. I'm guessing your firm aren't approved contractors by the Norwich City council!!

I hope this has been some help. I really feel for you in the respect that it almost feels as though you're balancing your job/career against your health. Tough decision but there can only really be one winner.

As an aside, I don't supposed you have any trade union representation? If they did sack you I think you'd have a fairly strong case for unfair dismissal if nothing else.

I hope this has helped a bit.

Posted By: yarmouthyellow, Sep 17, 11:49:52