Take action this Global Asbestos Awareness Week
Global Asbestos Awareness Week runs from 1 to 7 April. HSE is calling on your support to share our asbestos resources with others to highlight the risks and keep people safe. We are reminding people where they might encounter asbestos and what action to take to prevent exposure.
Despite being banned in the UK 25 years ago, asbestos is still responsible for approximately 5,000 deaths in Great Britain each year. Asbestos-related diseases typically take decades for symptoms to occur following exposure.
Asbestos could be present in any building that was built or refurbished before 2000 and can be hidden within different materials, for example:
- lagging on plant and pipework
- insulation products such as fireproof panels
- asbestos cement roofing material
- sprayed coatings on structural steel work to insulate against fire and noise
These materials become dangerous when damaged or disturbed. For example, during maintenance, remediation or renovation work. That’s why HSE is running two crucial campaigns to raise awareness of the risks, providing free advice, downloadable resources and videos to help prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.
Protect your future
If you’re a tradesperson, you’re likely to encounter asbestos during your work at some point. Our Asbestos and You campaign provides essential advice to help you stay safe. Download our free quick guide for trades today to learn what to watch for, and what to do should you come across it.
For those responsible for non-domestic buildings (including offices, factories, schools, and public buildings), there is a legal obligation to manage asbestos risks. Our Asbestos – Your Duty campaign provides a range of resources to support dutyholders with the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.
Read our recent blogs on the devastating impact of asbestos -related disease.
