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PRO INSTALLER FEBRUARY 2015
FROM THE INSIDE
@proinstaller1
Asbestos Safety
for Tradespeople
With the recent launch of The Health and Safety Executive’s campaign for Asbestos Safety,
aimed at increasing awareness of asbestos related diseases, the HSE has provided guidance to
help installers and tradespeople comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Work should only be
carried out if proper
training has been given
and the right equipment
is available. This guidance only forms part of
a series of precautions
workers need to take to
protect themselves.
Planning and
preparation
Remember:
• Asbestos fibres can cause lung
cancer and lung diseases.
• You must be trained
to work safely with asbestos materials.
• You must be trained to use
PPE and RPE properly.
The information specifies
what personal protective
equipment (PPE) is needed,
and describes what respiratory protective equipment
(RPE) could be used.
Tradespeople should follow the below methods
to avoid fibres being released into the air.
Gloves
• If you wear protective gloves,
use single-use disposable
gloves. If you must use latex
gloves, use only ‘low protein powder-free’ gloves.
• Dispose of used gloves
as asbestos waste.
Footwear
• Boots are preferable to
disposable overshoes which
cause a slipping risk.
Caution: Never use laced
boots; these are very difficult to clean properly.
Overalls
• Disposable overalls. Type
5 (BS EN ISO 13982-1)
are suitable, cotton overalls hold dust and need
specialist laundering.
• You may need waterproof
overalls for outdoor work.
• Wear one size too big –
this will help to prevent
ripping at the seams.
• If the cuffs are loose,
seal them with tape.
• Avoid wearing a longsleeved shirt – these are
difficult to cover properly.
• Wear the overall legs over
footwear. Tucking them in
lets dust into footwear.
• Wear the hood over
the RPE straps.
• Dispose of used overalls as asbestos waste.
Caution: Never take
used overalls home.
Respiratory protective
equipment (RPE)
• Use suitable RPE with an
Assigned Protection Factor of 20 or more.
• Suitable types of RPE:
- disposable respirator to
standards EN149 (type FFP3)
or EN1827 (type FMP3);
- half mask respirator (to standard EN140) with P3 filter;