Traders urged to learn about asbestos (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Traders urged to learn about asbestos

12:33pm Thursday 21st February 2008 in Chard By Steve Sowden

ENVIRONMENTAL health officers are urging trades people in the Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne area to find out more about the deadly building material asbestos as part of a new awareness campaign.

Working with the Health and Safety Executive, officers from South Somerset District Council is supporting the campaign, which aims to educate as many builders, plumbers, electricians and other trades people on the dangers of asbestos.

The council's principal environmental health officer, Stewart Brock, said: "I was shocked to learn that 20 tradesmen a week are dying from this hidden killer in the UK.

"Unfortunately asbestos is likely to be found in most 20th century buildings, and it is tradesmen that tend to disturb it, creating the dust that gets into the lungs.

"Trades people need to find out if a building contains asbestos before they start work. They owe it to their workmates, family and themselves to find out more."

Information packs about asbestos are available to trades people by calling 0845 345 0055 or from most electrical wholesalers.

The council's portfolio holder for environmental health, Cllr Ric Pallister, said: "This isn't just about trades people.

"Every business premises is required by law to check if they have asbestos-containing materials in the building, so that trades people can be warned. If in doubt, check, it really isn't worth the risk of an early grave."

But he added: "Asbestos is safe if it is in good condition and undisturbed. I urge all businesses to check out the guidance to make sure that asbestos in their buildings is properly managed.

"If a trades person does disturb asbestos, creating dust, the building is likely to need decontaminating causing huge disruption to the business."

Asbestos can be found in many places within buildings including suspended ceilings, plastic floor tiles, pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, fire protection and insulation boards, and asbestos cement.

For guidance on asbestos log-onto www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos