Menu
21/05/2004
New asbestos legislation comes into effect
New legislation requiring the management of asbestos in non-domestic buildings has come into effect in Northern Ireland.
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (NI), the new duty will require those who have responsibility for maintenance activity in non-domestic premises to assess whether there is any asbestos in their premises.
Depending on its condition it can either be either be removed or managed, making sure that maintenance activities carried out subsequently do not expose workers to any avoidable risks.
Those responsible must record the conclusions of this assessment and draw up a written plan which sets out the measures to be taken to manage the asbestos materials and must ensure that information on the location and condition of these materials is given to anyone such as maintenance contractors who are likely to disturb it.
Billy McClintock, Head of HSENI’s Workplace Health Support Group, said: “Every year in Northern Ireland there are between 80 and 90 asbestos related deaths - half of which are due to mesothelioma. Many of these deaths are due to exposures which occurred many years ago, probably in the shipbuilding or thermal insulation industries.”
However, research carried out in recent years in the UK has indicated that at least a quarter of those people dying from asbestos-related diseases had worked in the construction or building industries.
As the other high-risk activities have now ceased, the building maintenance sector now constitutes the biggest sector currently at risk.
This new legislation is therefore necessary in order to control exposure to asbestos dust of maintenance and other workers who are required to disturb asbestos-containing materials during normal building maintenance work. It also aims to safeguard people who work in buildings in which asbestos materials were used in the construction of the building.
Exposure to asbestos dust can result in lungs becoming stiff and scarred causing shortage of breath, lung cancer, which usually leads to death and mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs.
(MB)
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (NI), the new duty will require those who have responsibility for maintenance activity in non-domestic premises to assess whether there is any asbestos in their premises.
Depending on its condition it can either be either be removed or managed, making sure that maintenance activities carried out subsequently do not expose workers to any avoidable risks.
Those responsible must record the conclusions of this assessment and draw up a written plan which sets out the measures to be taken to manage the asbestos materials and must ensure that information on the location and condition of these materials is given to anyone such as maintenance contractors who are likely to disturb it.
Billy McClintock, Head of HSENI’s Workplace Health Support Group, said: “Every year in Northern Ireland there are between 80 and 90 asbestos related deaths - half of which are due to mesothelioma. Many of these deaths are due to exposures which occurred many years ago, probably in the shipbuilding or thermal insulation industries.”
However, research carried out in recent years in the UK has indicated that at least a quarter of those people dying from asbestos-related diseases had worked in the construction or building industries.
As the other high-risk activities have now ceased, the building maintenance sector now constitutes the biggest sector currently at risk.
This new legislation is therefore necessary in order to control exposure to asbestos dust of maintenance and other workers who are required to disturb asbestos-containing materials during normal building maintenance work. It also aims to safeguard people who work in buildings in which asbestos materials were used in the construction of the building.
Exposure to asbestos dust can result in lungs becoming stiff and scarred causing shortage of breath, lung cancer, which usually leads to death and mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2011
Asbestos Dangers In Focus
There's an increased effort underway to improve safety industry standards when dealing with asbestos. Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its widespread use.
Asbestos Dangers In Focus
There's an increased effort underway to improve safety industry standards when dealing with asbestos. Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its widespread use.
27 September 2011
Asbestos Focus In Maintenance 'Crack Down'
A new campaign will 'crack down' on poorly planned maintenance that has the potential to kill and injure. Amid news that 100 people died from asbestos-related illness in the last few years, the Health Service Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Districts Councils will team up with safety regulators to launch a safe maintenance campaign.
Asbestos Focus In Maintenance 'Crack Down'
A new campaign will 'crack down' on poorly planned maintenance that has the potential to kill and injure. Amid news that 100 people died from asbestos-related illness in the last few years, the Health Service Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Districts Councils will team up with safety regulators to launch a safe maintenance campaign.
29 June 2012
School's Asbestos Building Closed
Part of an east Belfast school has been closed after damaged asbestos was found inside. The affected building at Bloomfield Collegiate was separate from the rest of the school and has now been closed. It was the former Preparatory Department and two rooms were rented out to a private day care nursery.
School's Asbestos Building Closed
Part of an east Belfast school has been closed after damaged asbestos was found inside. The affected building at Bloomfield Collegiate was separate from the rest of the school and has now been closed. It was the former Preparatory Department and two rooms were rented out to a private day care nursery.
17 April 2002
Belfast company fined for unsafe asbestos removal
Belfast-based Brookfield Business Centre Ltd has been fined £3,000 and required to pay £722 costs at Belfast Magistrates Court following a prosecution taken by Belfast City Council health and safety officers.
Belfast company fined for unsafe asbestos removal
Belfast-based Brookfield Business Centre Ltd has been fined £3,000 and required to pay £722 costs at Belfast Magistrates Court following a prosecution taken by Belfast City Council health and safety officers.
10 December 2012
75 NI Asbestos Deaths A Year
Up to 75 deaths per year in Northern Ireland have asbestosis and/or mesothelioma as the primary or secondary cause of death, according to the General Register Office. There are a further 40 lung cancer deaths per year in which asbestosis and/or mesothelioma has played a contributing factor.
75 NI Asbestos Deaths A Year
Up to 75 deaths per year in Northern Ireland have asbestosis and/or mesothelioma as the primary or secondary cause of death, according to the General Register Office. There are a further 40 lung cancer deaths per year in which asbestosis and/or mesothelioma has played a contributing factor.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
