An invisible killer found in over 250 places in the workplace, Asbestos is commonly mis-understood and traditionally underated as a hazardous substance.  Asbestos is able to cause a number of fatal lung and stomach related illnesses.  It is present in one out of every 3 workplaces we visit.

The HSE have just halved the exposure limits for this needle-like fibre that is so small, it passes through a vaccum cleaner bag but so deadly that our body cannot remove it. Once disturbed it is difficult and expensive to decontaminate a workplace.

The regulations changed recently: please view the latest edition here:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm 

• Once found it DOES NOT have to be removed unless it is dangerous by condition or position.

• You are not required  to sample all materials in the workplace or even those likely to contain it.

• You do not have to carry out an Asbestos survey because your landlord asks you to.

• White (Chriysotile) Asbestos is potentially just as dangerous as blue (Crocidolite) or brown (Amosite)  and has identical exposure restrictions and, the UN has tried to pass a resolution to ban Asbestos of all types, acroos the globe so dangerous is it..

• Asbestos is not a man-made product, but forms as fibrous rock around the world.