Dear Linda - thanks for the web sites. Especially the inadvertent exposure one, which I was pleased to see reflects what we would do in a case of inadvertent current exposure. The issues I was concerned about are subtly different. Firstly, we are an in-house service, so advice to "contact an OH provider" if a level is exceeded should really be different - we want to be more involved than one would expect the external provider for a small company to be. Secondly, I am aware of another large institution which decided to offer a health assessment to a focussed group of workers who may have been exposed to asbestos in buildings in the past. Apparently, this revealed quite a high prevalence of pleural plaques, suggesting significant past exposure, so it was worth picking these people up in order, at the least, to provide them with information and to advise them about not smoking. Thirdly, I think that the OHS is the most appropriate service to deal with people who are scared of asbestos - we can take account of other factors which may increase anxiety, such as their medical history. Anything which supports me would be helpful - or, if you think I am wrong, disabuses me of my erroneous beliefs! Thanks again - Kate
>>> <[log in to unmask]> 27/01/03 15:17:13 >>>
Kate,
There is a useful document 'The duty to manage asbestos - frequently asked
questions' on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos/faqs.htm
There's also guidance for OH services, employers and employees on
inadvertent exposure to asbestos and health surveillance at
www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/5-19.HTM
Regards,
Linda Shelmerdine
Occupational Health Inspector
HSE, Manchester
Kate Venables
<[log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask]
ORD.AC.UK> cc:
Sent by: Occupational Health mailing list Subject: asbestos removal and OH
<[log in to unmask]>
27/01/2003 12:20
Please respond to Kate Venables
Dear colleagues - your advice would be appreciated on a local issue. My
safety colleagues are seeking to persuade our employer to carry out a large
and costly programme of asbestos removal and/or encapsulation. There has
been no written risk assessment or assessment of cost-benefit. There has,
apparently, been a "survey" from an asbestos removal contractor but the
report has not been made available, at least not to the relevent committees
or the OHS. I have argued for more discussion, circulation of written
papers, some involvement by the OHS, without success. I am concerned (a)
that this spending may be ill-considered and unnecessary. I am also
concerned about (b) a complete lack of any consideration that a major
investment in asbestos removal/encapsulation is likely to uncover a need
for health surveillance for longterm workers who may have been exposed in
the past eg during maintenance work, and (c) that this programme is likely
to lead to an increase in self-referrals to the OHS by people who want to
discuss the effects of asbestos and whether it has affected their health or
may do in the future. As well as a complete lack of consultation about the
removal/encapsulation programme, there has been absolutely no attempt to
consult me about the OH implications. Whenever I raise these issues with
the safety team or in relevant committees, I am fobbed off and ignored.
It is particularly galling because, at the same time, the OHS is trying to
build up on several fronts from a small, frankly inadequate, service to one
which is actually effective. The justification and funding of any OH
proposal is scrutinised in the most nit-picking and intrusive way in our
committees - with the safety officers leading the negative and critical
commentary. Needless to say, few OH initiatives have been funded.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated - best wishes - Kate
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