Telephone and interview survey on management of asbestos - Spring 2008

A HSE commissioned research survey by Ipsos -MORI is running this spring. HSE has engaged independent researchers at the Institute of Employment Studies IES, along with Ipsos-MORI to carry out telephone interviews, which may be followed -up by face to face interviews. This research will feed into HSE's evaluation of the requirements in the Asbestos Regulations to manage asbestos in non domestic premises. The duty came into force in May 2004 under the 2002 Regulations and is now contained as regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. All data provided to HSE during this research will be completely anonymised and will not be traced back to any individual or organisations.

If you are contacted it would be very helpful if you could contribute with as much detail as you are able. All data provided to HSE will be completely anonymised, so HSE will not be able to identify anyone who contributed.

Investigation of chrysotile fibres in an asbestos cement sample

The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) have investigated claims that
chrysotile asbestos in asbestos cement products is altered into a
non-asbestos fibrous material called Casitile. The claims also suggested that
this process is 100% efficient and no chrysotile asbestos remains in the
matrix and no release of airborne chrysotile fibres can occur. The HSL
investigation refutes these claims and confirms that chrysotile fibres
are present in the cement matrix, often as quite large fibre
bundles which are clearly visible to the eye and that when asbestos
cement is disturbed, chrysotile fibres are released from the cement into
the air. A copy of the HSL report can be found via the link below:

• Investigation of the chrysotile fibres in an asbestos cement sample (HSL/2007/11) [698KB]

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/2737) came into force on 13 November 2006 and two Approved Codes of Practice providing guidance on complying with the Regulations were published on the same day.

Further guidance on the Regulations can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm

Local Authorities

Duty to manage asbestos enforcement training aims to provide appropriate knowledge and guidance to enable you to promote increased compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (Asbestos Regulations) with your dutyholders. By increasing compliance, we hope to prevent up to 5000 deaths from exposure to asbestos over the next 50 years, and significantly reduce the level of exposure to those working with asbestos in the shortterm, by the implementation of effective asbestos management plans. These training events in England and Wales form part of the Local Authority Strategic Programme (LASP) and Disease Reduction Programme (DRP).

Asbestos leadership events

Currently there are approximately 750 holders of a licence to carry out work with asbestos. ALU is currently reviewing our strategy in engaging with, and then motivating this industry. One of the principal strands of this review is how we can improve communications.

The purpose of the proposed events is to engage directly with the whole industry at a number of events across Great Britain. At these events, we will describe our view on acceptable standards for the industry, how the individual organisations can only bring about further improvements by strong leadership and robust management systems. This series of events is included in the Disease Reduction Programme.