Frequently asked questions

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral used in many aspects of the building trade prior to the year 2000.

Before the fatal health risks of asbestos were understood; the material was used widely in structures exposed to human usage today including; houses, offices, schools, factories, hospitals, warehouses, vessels, swimming pools and many, many more building types.

As many are aware, asbestos exposure carries many severe health related risks. These risks are elevated when the asbestos is disturbed and the asbestos particles disperse into the air, thus inhaled by humans.

When inhaled by humans, asbestos causes many respiratory issues such as:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the official title of what’s more commonly known as cancer of the lining of the lungs. This form of cancer is very aggressive while the recovery rates are alarmingly low. This form of cancer is recognised to almost always be caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos related lung cancer

Asbestos related lung cancer is a common result of asbestos exposure and is usually fatal.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is where prolonged asbestos exposure causes scarring of the lungs. This health issue isn’t always fatal but does affect ones quality of life and breathing once symptoms start to progress.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening

Diffuse Pleural Thickening is a condition which affects the lungs causing a thickening around the membranes of the lungs resulting in severe breathlessness amongst patients and sufferers.

Surprisingly for many, asbestos related illnesses takes between 15-60 years to come into affect, by which time, the illnesses are commonly fatal.

Since the effects of asbestos are cumulative, its important; if you’re likely to come into contact with the material, you partake in extensive precaution methods and install preventative measures to asbestos contact.

If you suspect you’re at risk of asbestos exposure, contact Malrod today for information, advice, guidance and asbestos removal services.

Asbestos is often mixed with various materials; hence why it’s often difficult to physically see. If your structure was built before the year 2000, it’s likely your building does contain the material. It’s important to know that undisturbed asbestos is not known or believed to cause any health risks as the fibres are secure and not released into the air.

If however, the asbestos is disturbed, it’s important asbestos removal services are sought and carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors to avoid any fatal health implications the material poses threat to.

Asbestos in the workplace is a common occurrence, one which is commonly treated by licensed asbestos removers here at Malrod.

It’s important, for the productivity of your workplace, that asbestos removal services are sought if and when you feel your workplace poses potential asbestos threats.

Contact Malrod today for information surrounding asbestos removal services on 01942 811591.

In regard to health and safety regulation, it’s important adequate PPE wear is provided at every interaction: this includes work carried out around asbestos.

There is no legal obligation to hold a certificate which certifies your training and inductions to asbestos. Having said this, many training providers do provide a certificate to indicate course completion.

When completing any form of treatment or removals on asbestos, it’s imperative a health and safety risk assessment is completed. This is a core health and safety requirement and, if disregarded could cause liability issues if an employee faces health implications as a result of exposure to asbestos.

Working with asbestos cement doesn’t legally require a certificate. If however, you’re required or you require your employee(s) to work with material such as this, you must ensure full training, information and instruction is communicated soundly to avoid any health risk or liability issues.

If you have an issue in the workplace surrounding asbestos health and safety issues, it’s important, on a matter of public safety that you ensure this issue is appropriately reported.

You can report any issues regarding asbestos health and safety issues by filling out the HSE online complaints form, or alternatively, email: concerns@hse.gsi.gov.uk

Asbestos training must be completed yearly if the employer is required to work directly with asbestos. If however, you’re referring to awareness training, then there is no reason to complete this course yearly, however, a refresher course should be given. This can be delivered in conjunction with other health and safety awareness courses.