HSE refreshes asbestos guidance

Asbestos is still the leading cause of work-related deaths in the world, with approximately 90,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.

The Health and Safety Executive has recently updated its guidance on asbestos on its website.

The HSE website section relating to the dangers of asbestos has been simplified to help users easily navigate the page and find the information they need. Also, outdated content has been removed and replaced with up to date, refreshed guidance.

New to the website is “Introduction to asbestos safety” which explains the dangers of asbestos, where it is found, if it is present and how to comply with the law depending on your job role.

The introduction also explains how employers should carry out a risk assessment and what training and information there is for work involving asbestos.

Finally, the introduction also summarises how to decide if a licenced asbestos contractor must do any work.

The guidance has also been updated to make it clearer what your role is as a duty holder. This reinforces the message that you must protect people from the risks of exposure to asbestos.

The refreshed guidance clearly explains your legal duties, what training you are expected to have and what you must do in your role.

There are new templates and examples of an asbestos register, a site plan and an asbestos management plan.

Also, there is a now a useful section aimed at workers which explains what they must do to protect themselves and what they should do if they think they have found asbestos.

Visit the HSE website to find out more: Asbestos – HSE