What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the term for a group of fibrous silicates, the most common of which are often found in buildings built before the year 2000. The three main types of asbestos are:
- Crocidolite – Blue Asbestos
- Chrysotile – White Asbestos
- Amosite – brown asbestos
These materials were frequently used in both domestic and commercial construction, mainly due to their fire resistant properties. This means that they can be found in a wide array of products such as cement, insulation, pipe coverings, guttering, floor tiles, and Artex Ceilings.
Why is Asbestos so dangerous?
When disturbed, asbestos can release fibres in to the air – the inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to severe respiratory problems such as mesothelioma (an incurable type of cancer), asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring in the lung) and more.
Who is most at risk?
Asbestos is still in millions of homes and commercial properties across the UK, and according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) asbestos kills around 20 tradespeople each week. Tradespeople are particularly at risk due to the nature of their work, for example, plumbers working in properties built before the year 2000 may be exposed to products such as ceiling tiles, pipe insulation and boilers that have been coated in asbestos. Working with these products may disturb the asbestos making the fibres airborne. Asbestos fibres are not visible, and as well as being inhaled they can also cling to your clothes, skin and hair, meaning that you could transfer the fibres to your family, colleagues and friends putting them at risk as well.
What are the benefits of taking a UKATA Asbestos Awareness e-learning course?
UKATA Asbestos Awareness E-Learning is designed to make you aware of what asbestos is, where it is commonly found, what the risks are, and how to avoid and reduce them. Knowing where you may encounter asbestos, and how to avoid or reduce the risks associated with working where asbestos is present may be vital to working safely, and some companies require their employees and contractors to have a UKATA certified Asbsestos Awareness course completed to be able to work on site. Health and safety training online allows you to develop these skills at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home.