The Importance of Asbestos Training for Construction Workers

The Health and Safety Executive sets out the steps that every employer must take in order to ensure that anyone who may disturb asbestos during their normal work, or those in supervisory roles, receive the correct information and training so that they can work safely and competently with minimum risk to themselves or others. 

The UK has strict regulations in place regarding the management and removal of asbestos in order to minimise the associated health risks. The importation, supply and use of all asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999. It was a commonly used building material in the past due to its fire-resistant properties and durability. Many buildings that were constructed before the year 2000 may still contain asbestos in various forms, such as in insulation, roofing and flooring.

Occupational exposure to asbestos refers to the potential contact and inhalation of asbestos fibres in the workplace. To reduce the risks associated with occupational exposure to asbestos, strict safety measures and regulations have been implemented in many countries around the world. These include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), strict rules around ventilation, containment of asbestos-containing materials, and adherence to guidelines for safe removal and disposal of asbestos.

It is crucial for employers and workers in industries where asbestos exposure is a potential risk to be aware of the associated hazards, to follow safety protocols, and to undergo regular health monitoring in order to detect any early signs of asbestos-related diseases.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that has been used in various construction and industrial applications. It is known for its unique properties as it is resistant to heat, fire and many chemicals, and it is also very durable and flexible. As a result, asbestos was once a widely used material in insulation, roofing, fireproofing and various other common products. 

Asbestos has commonly been used for:

• Construction materials – asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as roofing shingles, siding and cement pipes. It was useful for its durability and fire resistance.
• Insulation – asbestos was widely used for insulation purposes in buildings, ships and industrial facilities. It was commonly found in materials such as asbestos blankets, asbestos paper and asbestos-containing sprays.
• Fireproofing – asbestos-containing materials were used for fireproofing purposes in buildings, especially in the form of spray-applied coatings.
• Textiles – asbestos fibres were used in textiles for their heat-resistant properties. This included fireproof clothing, gloves and other items of protective clothing.
• Automobile parts – asbestos was used in various automobile components, including brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets. It was useful due to its heat resistance and friction properties.
• Flooring – asbestos was present in some vinyl flooring and floor tiles. It was used as it provided durability and was fire resistant.
• Pipes and boilers – asbestos was used in the manufacture of pipes and boiler insulation materials.

There are three main types of asbestos:

• Blue (crocidolite).
• Brown (amosite).
• White (chrysotile).

Exposure to any of the three types of asbestos is hazardous and has been linked to serious health risks. None of the three types of asbestos can be used, sold or imported into the UK. 

Asbestos is not considered to be harmful when in large pieces and undamaged; however, when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, microscopic fibres are released into the air. These can then be inhaled or ingested which poses significant health risks. 

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can occur when asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, releasing microscopic particles into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres can become lodged in the lungs, which can cause inflammation and scarring over time. Breathing in asbestos can lead to a condition called asbestosis which leads to an increased susceptibility to cancer.

There are a number of serious diseases related to asbestos exposure, which include:

• Lung cancer – exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly among people who smoke. Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. The lungs are the respiratory organs that take oxygen in when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the UK lung cancer has high mortality rates. Cancer Research UK found that between 2016 and 2018 there were 48,549 new lung cancer diagnoses.
• Other respiratory diseases – asbestos exposure can contribute to other respiratory problems, including pleural plaques and pleurisy. Pleurisy is inflammation of the sheet-like layers that cover the lungs. The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp pain in the chest when breathing deeply. Sometimes the pain can also be felt in the shoulder.
• Asbestosis – long-term exposure to asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lung tissue, a condition known as asbestosis. This can cause symptoms including difficulty breathing, coughing and permanent lung damage.
• Mesothelioma – asbestos exposure is a well-established cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer which affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. The symptoms are similar to those of many other respiratory or lung conditions. Mesothelioma kills over 2,500 people each year. The symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, a dry cough, fatigue, fever, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, swelling of the face and arms and unexplained weight loss. Symptoms can also vary between people.

The Prevalence of Asbestos

The HSE estimates that between 210,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK contain asbestos. Any building constructed prior to 2000 could still contain asbestos and it is still present in about 75% of UK schools. The HSE also estimates that 1.3 million tradespeople are at risk of exposure, and they could come into contact with asbestos on average more than 100 times every year.

According to RB Asbestos UK, it is estimated that around 13 people lose their lives each day in the UK due to health conditions resulting from past exposure to asbestos. This number is more than twice the number of fatalities caused by road accidents. Asbestos remains a significant concern in the UK, particularly in older buildings and materials. Recent studies show that asbestos is present in about 30% of tested samples nationwide. However, the prevalence varies considerably by region. The East of England has the highest rate.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In the UK, homeowners and landlords have legal obligations regarding asbestos management to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.

• Identification and assessment – homeowners and landlords have a legal duty to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their properties. This usually involves hiring a qualified asbestos surveyor to conduct a survey in order to locate and assess the condition of any asbestos which is present.
• Conduct a risk assessment – once identified, homeowners and landlords must assess the risk posed by the asbestos-containing materials. This includes considering factors such as the condition of the asbestos, the likelihood of disturbance, and potential exposure to occupants or workers.
• Develop a management plan – based on the risk assessment, a management plan should be developed in order to outline how the asbestos-containing materials will be managed safely. This may involve encapsulating, sealing or removing the asbestos, depending on the level of risk.
• Notification and record-keeping – homeowners and landlords are required to keep a record of any asbestos-containing materials present in their properties, as well as any actions taken to manage them. They may also need to notify tenants or contractors about the presence of asbestos and its location within the property.
• Safe handling and removal – if asbestos removal is necessary, it must be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors who follow strict safety procedures. Homeowners and landlords must ensure that proper precautions are taken to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres during the removal process.
• Training and information – those people who are responsible for managing asbestos in properties should receive appropriate training and information in order to ensure that they understand their duties and how to safely manage asbestos-containing materials.
• Duty to manage – the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 imposes a “duty to manage” asbestos on those responsible for non-domestic properties, including landlords. This duty requires them to take reasonable steps to identify and manage asbestos within their properties in order to protect occupants and workers.
• In the UK – Inspection and testing of asbestos are governed by strict regulations to ensure the safety of workers and the public. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) is the primary legislation that governs the management and handling of asbestos-containing materials in the UK. The CAR regulations require duty holders, such as building owners and employers, to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their premises. This includes conducting asbestos surveys and risk assessments and implementing management plans in order to control the risks associated with asbestos. Asbestos surveys are conducted to identify the presence, location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building or structure. There are two main types of surveys. A management survey is used to locate and assess the condition of ACMs that could be disturbed during normal occupancy and routine maintenance. A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey which is required before refurbishment or demolition work takes place. It aims to identify all ACMs within the area of the refurbishment or demolition works.

Health and Safety Benefits

Proper asbestos training for construction workers is crucial for numerous health and safety reasons. Some of the key benefits include:

• A reduced risk of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
• Minimisation of exposure – proper handling techniques and training ensure workers know how to safely handle asbestos-containing materials, reducing the risk of releasing fibres.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) – workers learn the importance of using appropriate PPE, such as respirators and protective clothing, to prevent inhalation and skin contact.
• Improved personal and public health – containment and disposal. If workers are trained to properly contain and dispose of asbestos waste, this prevents contamination of the worksite and surrounding environment.
• Protection of family members – proper decontamination procedures prevent workers from bringing asbestos fibres home on their clothing, protecting family members from secondary exposure.
• Awareness and recognition – training helps workers to recognise materials that may contain asbestos, ensuring they take appropriate precautions.
• Understanding regulations – workers become familiar with regulations, ensuring compliance and avoiding legal and financial penalties.
• Emergency preparedness – spill and exposure protocols. Workers are trained on immediate actions to take in case of accidental asbestos release, minimising exposure risk.
• First aid and medical response – knowing the symptoms of asbestos exposure allows for prompt medical evaluation and intervention.
• Safe work practices – implementing safe work practices, such as wet methods to suppress dust and using HEPA-filtered vacuum systems, significantly reduces airborne fibres.
• Proper use of engineering controls – understanding the use of ventilation systems and other engineering controls to manage asbestos exposure minimises the associated risks.
• Minimised cross-contamination – training ensures proper work area isolation and decontamination procedures, protecting other workers on site who may not be directly involved with asbestos materials.
• Collaboration and communication – workers trained in asbestos safety can better communicate hazards and safe practices to other team members.

Case Study

Alan, a 35-year-old construction worker with over a decade of experience, has worked on various building and renovation projects. His extensive experience includes tasks that occasionally involve materials known to contain asbestos. Recognising the risks associated with asbestos exposure, Alan’s employer decided to implement comprehensive asbestos training for all workers. The training programme Alan attended was a 3-day course covering the identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs); learning to recognise materials that may contain asbestos, such as insulation, tiles and roofing materials; techniques to safely handle and work around ACMs without disturbing the fibres; proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators and disposable suits; steps to decontaminate tools, equipment and clothing to prevent asbestos fibre spread; and protocols for dealing with accidental disturbances of ACMs, including containment and notification procedures.

After completing the training, Alan returned to his construction site better prepared to handle situations involving asbestos. One particular project involved the renovation of an old building known to contain ACMs. Alan was able to identify asbestos risks early, implement safety measures, educate his team, and respond effectively to incidents.

The outcome of Alan’s training was positive. There were no asbestos-related incidents or health issues reported on the site. The team’s adherence to safety protocols prevented any harmful exposure. Proper asbestos handling and prevention measures reduced the potential costs associated with asbestos exposure, such as medical expenses, legal fees and fines. In knowing that their safety was a priority, the construction team worked more confidently and efficiently.

Conclusion

Equipping workers with the knowledge and skills to identify, handle and mitigate the risks associated with asbestos, it safeguards their health and well-being but also protects the wider community. 

Asbestos remains a hazard in many older buildings, and without proper training, workers are vulnerable to its potentially devastating effects. Through comprehensive training programmes, construction workers are empowered to work safely, reduce the likelihood of exposure, and contribute to the preservation of public health. Therefore, investing in asbestos training is not just a legal requirement, but morally it is a crucial step towards creating a safer and healthier work environment for all.