Health and Safety at Work
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and has been used commercially on a large scale for around 150 years.
It is plentiful, versatile and makes an ideal insulating and fire proofing material. Unfortunately it can also kill.
Asbestos is the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK.
Asbestos inspections in commercial premises|
Asbestos related diseases account for over 3,000 deaths a year in the UK and it is estimated that 50,000 have died from mesothelioma and other conditions since 1968.
Around ¼ of current deaths occur in the building and maintenance trades.
Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and Lung Cancer (asbestos related diseases) are thought to kill at least 3,000 people every year. This figure is expected to rise to 10,000 by 2011.
It can take between 15 and 60 years after first exposure to asbestos fibres before the development of these fatal diseases.
The law
The use of asbestos products, is now prohibited.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 introduce an explicit duty to manage asbestos in commercial and non-domestic premises.
Asbestos in the home 
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Asbestos information websites
For building maintenance work.
Health and Safety Executive asbestos information|
Online request or complaint form|
For Environmental and Enforcement Services.
