1. Explain why asbestos was a problem in the past
2. Explain why asbestos is a problem today
3. Explain why you are at risk from asbestos today
1. How asbestos affected workers in the past
2. Why you as a construction worker are at risk today
Here are some common myths and facts about asbestos. Think about the question below and answer is it a myth, or is it fact? Simply give your answer below.
Here are some common myths and facts about asbestos. Think about the question below and answer is it a myth, or is it fact? Simply give your answer below.
Although asbestos is hazardous, it can only pose a risk to health if the materials which contain it are damaged or disturbed by work activity. This may cause fibres to become airborne and subsequently breathed in.
Therefore, most materials, which contain it, pose little risk unless they are disturbed in some way.
Many workers are now suffering from asbestos-related diseases as a result of exposure when asbestos was used extensively in the past.
These workers were typically employed in the heavy industries throughout the UK, such as shipbuilding, power stations and railways, asbestos materials manufacturing and general construction. Those who installed fire proofing and thermal insulation products were at the highest risk.
Although asbestos is hazardous, it normally poses a risk to health only if the materials which contain it are damaged or disturbed by work activity. This can result in the fibres becoming airborne and being subsequently breathed in.
Many homes or work places still contain asbestos (white asbestos being the most commonly used) and if these materials are identified and managed correctly, they are perfectly safe.
However, disturbance of these materials can release fibres into the work or home environment, which is highly dangerous and should not occur! Action must therefore be taken to prevent this happening.
When asbestos was installed into buildings it was very rarely recorded or logged into plans, making many buildings hazardous for workers to carry out refurbishment or demolition.
Today, the people most likely to be exposed to asbestos are those working in building and maintenance trades, and to a lesser extent those involved in the asbestos removal industries where risks potentially exist unless strict precautions are taken.