Asbestos is a hazardous material that was used in the construction industry for its fire-resistant properties. We now know that asbestos is a major health risk. But why? What are the dangers of asbestos in construction? And why is the construction industry particularly high-risk?
That’s what we’ll be exploring today. Read on to find out all about the asbestos risk in the construction industry, as well as the regulations surrounding asbestos use in the UK.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Construction?
Asbestos was used in construction materials throughout the 20th century because of its unique properties. Asbestos is:
- Heat resistant
- Sound absorbing
- Durable
This made asbestos a seemingly good choice for a range of construction applications, such as flooring, roofing, insulation, and cement. It also helped to protect buildings from fire and increase the structural integrity of buildings. However, the dangers of asbestos weren't understood until much later.
How to Identify Asbestos Hazards on Construction Sites
Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials, so it can be tough to spot asbestos hazards. However, it has been commonly found in construction products such as:
- Insulation (pipes, boilers, and ducts)
- Floor tiles and adhesive
- Cement sheets and siding
- Roofing materials
- Textured paint and spray-applied fireproofing materials
- Brake linings and gaskets in machinery used on-site
If you suspect that a material might contain asbestos, do not disturb it. This can release toxic fibers into the air, creating a huge risk for anyone in the area.
Why is Asbestos in Construction Dangerous?
Asbestos fibres can be extremely dangerous when inhaled. When these fibers enter your lungs, they can cause scarring and inflammation, which, over time, can lead to life-threatening diseases such as:
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung condition caused by the accumulation of asbestos fibers.
- Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is directly linked to asbestos exposure.
- Lung Cancer – Long-term asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
One of the reasons it’s so dangerous is that it can take a long time to see the damage. These diseases can take anything from 20 to 60 years to develop after you’ve been exposed to asbestos, meaning you may not get the treatment you need until the damage is done.
Another reason why asbestos is so dangerous in construction is that it’s so common. Around 1.5 million buildings in the UK still contain asbestos, including around 75% of schools.
Asbestos is highly prevalent in the construction industry, with construction workers accounting for a staggering 46% of mesothelioma cases among men born in the 1940s.
So to recap, asbestos is one of the biggest dangers in the construction industry because:
- It’s common in older buildings
- It can take decades for damage to become apparent
- It can hugely increase the risk of asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer
What Are The Laws Surrounding Asbestos in the Construction Industry?
Asbestos was completely banned in the UK in 1999. This means that it is illegal to use asbestos in any new construction project - or refurbishment project - as per the Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999.
There are several regulations in the UK for managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and protecting workers, including construction workers.
- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 – this states that non-domestic buildings built before 2000 must have asbestos registers that identify asbestos-containing materials, the condition and their location. Those at risk are required to undergo asbestos awareness training for those at risk of exposure.
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to control the asbestos risk through PPE (e.g coveralls and respirators), and conduct regular risk assessments.
- Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations – States that asbestos risks must be assessed before construction projects start, and asbestos management plans should be reviewed at least once a year.
Construction companies and employers may be fined up to £20,000 or imprisoned for six months for minor breaches. For serious asbestos-related offences, companies face unlimited fines and two years of imprisonment.
Asbestos in older buildings continues to endanger workers. This is why these regulations are so important.
At Beaconrisk, we have a dedicated Asbestos Training Course available for just £20 per licence, and we offer top-tier health and safety consultancy services. Get in touch today to get expert health and safety advice within the construction industry. Call us on 0151 647 8658 to get started.