20 August Asbestos: Raising mesothelioma awareness Despite its ban in 1999, the legacy of asbestos exposure continues to affect thousands on lives in the UK. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a long-latency disease, taking anywhere from 15-60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Occupational exposure today could have consequences far into the future, the results of which will not be seen for many years. Therefore, we must protect workers now. According to the HSE, there were 2,218 mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures in 2023. The majority of current fatalities related to asbestos exposure are generally associated with very high exposures from pre-2000 industrial processes (such as the installation of asbestos-containing products). Whilst annual mesothelioma deaths are expected to reduce as time passes, this will only be true if efforts to control asbestos exposure continue. Whilst buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain asbestos, much of the material is still in place in older buildings and people can still be exposed to asbestos fibres if asbestos containing materials are damaged, disturbed, or are not managed properly. What can we do? People who might be more likely to be exposed to asbestos include, but are not limited to, those involved in demolition works, drilling, maintenance, and refurbishment. There are also associated risks to the public, and others working close to high-risk areas. It is important that suitable control measures are in place to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you are in control of a building (e.g. landlord, occupier, employer), measures to avoid exposing yourself and others may include: Understanding where asbestos may be in your property e.g. through undertaking an Asbestos Survey Assessing the risk of asbestos exposure Informing all relevant parties of the presence of asbestos. This could include employees, contractors, maintenance staff. Adhering to Asbestos Management Plans e.g. labelling, encapsulating, removing, and monitoring identified ACMs Ensuring those undertaking works are competent and informed (e.g. that they have been provided with a copy of the Asbestos Management Survey, that they have suitable training and understanding, that their RAMS are suitable) If your work may expose you or others to asbestos, control measures may be to: Undertake Asbestos Awareness training Undertake and adhering to method statements and risk assessments, including considering if the works can be completed without disturbing asbestos Communicate with building occupiers / controllers e.g. obtaining a copy of the Asbestos Survey, verifying construction dates Raise concerns where necessary e.g., with the client, supervisors, building controller, a Principal Contractor etc. Understand when a licensed contractor must be appointed to undertake asbestos-related works Consider and understand who else might be present, and restrict access to the work area Use appropriate PPE or RPE Why mesothelioma awareness matters Deaths from mesothelioma are preventable. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed late due to its long latency period. Raising awareness helps to promote safer working practices, support affected individuals, and stop more people becoming statistics. If you need any support with Asbestos Awareness training, development of asbestos policies or understanding the risk, reach out to LRB Consulting Ltd.