Raising Awareness to Lower Risks

Although the first mass circulated report of an asbestos worker’s death took place in 1924, it is apparent that there is still confusion surrounding the health risks of asbestos and asbestos containing materials. In fact, following a survey undertaken by Censuswide in September 2014 that involved interviews with 500 tradespeople, the HSE has launched a new safety campaign with the aim of encouraging tradespeople to think about the dangers of asbestos on every job so they prepare accordingly.

The campaign is in response to a number of worrying revelations, such as the fact one in seven (14 per cent) of tradesmen believe that drinking a glass of water will help protect them from asbestos exposure. Additionally, one in four (a whopping 27 per cent) think opening a window will help protect them from the carcinogenic fibres of disturbed asbestos!

The findings raise serious concerns, particularly considering tradespeople such as construction workers and decorators come into contact with asbestos more than 100 times a year on average. As approximately 20 tradespeople die every week from asbestos‐related diseases, it is imperative to raise awareness and thus lower this number for the 1.3 million tradespeople at risk.

An integral part of the campaign is the creation of a new web app for phones, tablets and laptops, which helps tradespeople identify areas they are at risk of coming into contact with asbestos throughout their day‐to‐day operations. Moreover, the app offers help and advice on how to deal with such risks and the precautions they should take to not only keep themselves safe, but those around them too.To view the app click here: www.beware-asbestos.info

These statistics are indeed concerning and highlight the importance of sharing knowledge on the dangers of asbestos and, more importantly, the best ways to protect yourself from harm. For example, did you know asbestos can be found in many products used in buildings, such as ceiling and floor tiles, textured decorative coatings and toilet cisterns?

The best way to stay protected is to have an asbestos survey of the property before any work takes place. The main purpose of an asbestos survey is to make the duty holder and others aware of the accurate locations of asbestos within a building to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the general public. We at ARG provide two types of survey for asbestos containing materials, a nonintrusive management survey and a full intrusive refurbishment/demolition survey. Should higher risk asbestos containing materials be found, we at ARG can conduct efficient, competent and cost effective asbestos removal services.

Throughout asbestos surveys and removal, ARG ensure we operate to stringent levels of safety by adhering to up to date UK Asbestos regulation/legislation as well as the HSE regulations and guidance for the removal of asbestos. To meet these high standards, our employees that undertake work involving asbestos surveying and removal are not only fully trained, but have a comprehensive knowledge of their health and safety obligations. By operating in this manner, no one is put at risk from their working activity.

Contact ARG today to discuss your survey: 020 8804 8008 or E‐Mail: enquiries@arggroup.org