2.3a Asbestos

Question 1

If the control limit for asbestos is exceeded in the working area, this triggers particular requirements including: 6

Answer 1

 Immediately informing employees and their representatives

 Identification of the reasons for the control limit being exceeded and the introduction of appropriate measures to prevent it being exceeded again

 Stopping work until adequate measures have been taken to reduce employees’ exposure to below the control limit

 A check of the effectiveness of the measures taken to reduce the levels of asbestos in the air by carrying out immediate air monitoring

 The designation of respirator zones

 The mandatory provision of respiratory protective equipment, although such equipment should always be provided if it is reasonably practicable to do so.

Question 2

The Control of Asbestos Regulations requires the person in control of maintenance activities in non-domestic premises, (for example: occupier, landlord, or managing agent) to manage the risk from asbestos in the premises, and to ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out as to whether asbestos is or is liable to be present in the premises.

The duty to manage requires the duty holder to: 8

Answer 2

 Take reasonable steps to find out if asbestos containing materials (ACM) are present and if so establish the amount, its condition and location.

 Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not.

 Make, and keep up-to-date, records of the location and condition of the ACM and presumed ACM.

 Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified.

 Prepare a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed.

 Take the necessary steps to put the plan into action.

 Periodically review and monitor the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date.

 Provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.

Question 3

There are two types of survey for asbestos containing material (ACM):

Answer 3

 A management survey.

 A refurbishment / demolition survey.

Question 4

Work within the scope of licensing includes work with: 3

Answer 4

 Asbestos insulation

 Asbestos coatings (excluding most work with textured decorative coatings containing asbestos)

 Asbestos insulating board.

Question 5

If the work with asbestos is licensed the employer should:

Answer 5

 Notify the enforcing authority

 Provide medical surveillance for employees

 Maintain health records for employees

 Prepare emergency procedures in case of emergencies

 Designate the work area as an asbestos area and, if the control limit is likely to be exceeded, as a respirator zone. Asbestos and respirator zones should be clearly and separately marked.

Question 6

Regulation 3(2) (Application of CAR) specifies that asbestos work will not need to be 
licensed under the following conditions:  6

Answer 6

 The exposure of employees to asbestos is sporadic and of low intensity

 It is clear from the risk assessment that the exposure of any employee to asbestos will not exceed the control limit

 The work involves:
- Short, non-continuous maintenance activities

• Removal of materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix
• Encapsulation or sealing of asbestos-containing materials which are in good condition
• Air monitoring and control, and the collection and analysis of samples to ascertain whether a specific material contains asbestos.

Question 7

Sporadic and low intensity exposure to asbestos: this applies where a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of clearly shows that work:

Answer 7

 Does not expose workers to more than the ten-minute control period (STEL) of 0.6 fibres per cubic centimetre (0.6 f/cm3) in the air.

Question 8

The control limit will not be exceeded (asbestos): this applies where a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of clearly shows that the concentration of asbestos in the air will not: 3

Answer 8

 exceed the 4 hour control limit (LTEL) of 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre (0.1 f/cm3) airborne fibres

 If the work takes less than a total of:

• 1 hour in seven consecutive days by one person
• 2 hours in seven consecutive days by more than one person.

 Materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix

Question 9

Materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix: 4

Answer 9

• Asbestos cement
• Textured decorative coatings and paints which contain asbestos
• Any article of bitumen, plastic, resin or rubber which contains asbestos 
where its thermal or acoustic properties are incidental to its main purpose (for example: vinyl floor tiles, electric cables, roofing felt)
• Other materials in which the asbestos fibres can be firmly linked in a matrix, for example: paper linings, cardboards, felt, textiles, gaskets, washers, and rope where the products have no insulation purposes
• Encapsulation and sealing of materials in good condition or air monitoring and control, and the collection and analysis of samples to find out if a material contains asbestos.

Question 10

Information, instruction and training

Employees and supervisors who work with asbestos should be aware of the following: 11

Answer 10

 The properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including its interaction with smoking.

 The types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos.

 The operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the 
importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure.

 Safe work practices, control measures, and protective equipment.

 The purpose, choice, limitations, proper use and maintenance of 
respiratory protective equipment.

 Emergency procedures.

 Hygiene requirements.

 Decontamination procedures.

 Waste handling procedures.

 Medical examination requirements.

 The control limit and the need for air monitoring.

Question 11

Should asbestos be found in a building, there is a sequence of events to be followed: 6

Answer 11

 Keep people out of the affected area

 Seal it off

 Reduce air flow through the area by shutting down any ventilation and air conditioning systems

 Place signs at the entrance to the area warning of possible asbestos contamination

 If contractors or employees have been contaminated with dust bag up any contaminated clothing

 Take a sample of the material and send it for analysis to check if it contained asbestos:

• If the response is negative, no further action will be necessary.
• If the analysis confirms the presence of asbestos, it might be necessary, depending on the scale of the operation, to engage a licensed contractor to take the necessary remedial action and undertake clean-up operations.