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
Mining workers face dual exposure risk: naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in geological formations, and asbestos in the built environment of mine buildings, processing plants, and equipment insulation. Certain mineral deposits are closely associated with asbestos-bearing rock.
Dust control measures designed for general mining dust may be insufficient for asbestos fibres, which require specific monitoring methods and control measures. Workers in quarries, tunnelling operations, and mineral processing facilities need targeted asbestos exposure assessments.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 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.
Can you get compensation for being exposed to asbestos?
Yes, workers exposed to asbestos through employer negligence can claim compensation through civil courts or, in some cases, government schemes. Claims must typically demonstrate that the employer failed to protect workers from known asbestos risks.
Is there naturally occuring asbestos?
Yes, asbestos occurs naturally in rock formations in many parts of the world. Natural weathering and construction activity in these areas can release fibres into the air.
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