Workers may be exposed to asbestos. Prove your workplace is safe.
Workers in older buildings, industrial facilities, and construction sites face potential asbestos exposure during routine maintenance, repair, and renovation activities. As an employer or safety professional, you must be able to demonstrate that exposure is controlled.
Air monitoring (fibre counting) measures the concentration of asbestos fibres in the workplace atmosphere. This data, combined with a documented risk assessment, is your evidence of compliance and your defence in case of future claims.
Exposure monitoring must be performed by accredited professionals using approved methods, and results must be documented and retained for the legally required period, typically 40 years due to the latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
The Problem
Warehouse and logistics workers in older facilities risk asbestos exposure when roof sheets deteriorate, when maintenance work is carried out on building fabric, or when loading dock areas with asbestos insulation are disturbed during modifications.
The large open spaces in logistics buildings mean that fibre release from deteriorating roofing can affect all workers across the facility. Regular condition monitoring of asbestos cement roofing and awareness training for warehouse staff are essential preventive measures.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if an employee is exposed to asbestos?
The employer must immediately stop work, isolate the affected area, and report the exposure to the HSE under RIDDOR. Exposed workers should be decontaminated, given medical advice, and have the incident recorded on their health surveillance record.
Will 30 minutes of asbestos exposure hurt you?
Brief exposure to asbestos is unlikely to cause disease, as asbestos-related conditions typically result from prolonged or repeated exposure over months or years. However, there is no proven safe threshold, so any suspected exposure should be documented and medical advice sought if symptoms develop.
What jobs cause asbestos exposure?
Occupations most at risk include construction workers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, shipyard workers, and building maintenance staff. Any trade that involves working in pre-2000 buildings may encounter asbestos-containing materials.
What to do if an employee is exposed to asbestos?
The employer must immediately stop work, isolate the affected area, and report the exposure to the HSE under RIDDOR. Exposed workers should be decontaminated, given medical advice, and have the incident recorded on their health surveillance record.
Which two occupations are most at risk from asbestos?
Construction workers and building maintenance staff are historically the most at-risk occupations for asbestos exposure. Plumbers, electricians, and carpenters working in pre-2000 buildings also face significant risk.
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