Asbestos management - Waltham Forest shows how

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Another good example on asbestos management (see front page) was set by Waltham Forest council with an information day in European Week for Health and Safety, with the help of the Centre.

Advice worker Mick Holder spoke to workers from various sections of the council about asbestos-related disease, the biggest occupational killer ever. While the UK finally banned all imports in 1999, there are still six million tons in our workplaces, hospitals, schools, homes etc. Time and effort must be spent on managing it safely, to prevent workers being accidentally exposed. At high risk are building and related workers who maintain properties and install electrical, telephone or computer cabling. But any worker in the vicinity may be at risk if asbestos is disturbed.

The event was organised by the asbestos sub-committee of the safety committee and was fully supported by council unions who are part of the drive to ensure compliance with the new regulation. Members of the sub-committee gave an overview of plans to survey council properties, compile and update records and decide between removal and safe management in place.

Sue Manning, Union Safety Officer said: "We have been aware of the forthcoming new regulation for a long while now and we have been instrumental in taking this issue to the safety committee, getting a commitment from the council and moving them forward."

• London Hazards Centre Factsheet: Management of asbestos in non-domestic premises (Daily Hazard no 77, March 2003, and www.lhc.org.uk)

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