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Is it safe...
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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to work on the first floor of a building where asbestos has been found on the ground floor? The workmen / H&S dudes have informed us a team that we are safe because they area that’s being worked on is contained and harmful stuff cannot just ‘float’ up through our windows etc. How true is this? I’m just putting it all together with my recent decline in physical health and diagnosis of asthma... and starting to slightly freak out  |
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Has long as the workmen have sealed the area they are working tightly and removing the asbestos in a controlled manner u will be safe .. all ventilation from the contaminated area must be sealed and removed professionally  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there? "
It’s an NHS building, I’m not sure... we’ve just been told as a team that we’re fine as we’re on the first floor not the ground floor, and they’ve contained the area. I know exposure to asbestos can cause breathing problems and I’ve been recently diagnosed with asthma. But I also thought it only developed several decades after exposure. Taking the two things together is just starting to slightly freak me out. I’ve working in the building for 3 years ... |
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By *uciyassMan
over a year ago
sheffield |
Wherever asbestos is found no matter how safe they say it is. It isn’t. The material will have already penetrated and will be just lying around
I’d be very wary of working in any environment where asbestos is found no matter how well the H and S people say it is safe to be. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there?
It’s an NHS building, I’m not sure... we’ve just been told as a team that we’re fine as we’re on the first floor not the ground floor, and they’ve contained the area. I know exposure to asbestos can cause breathing problems and I’ve been recently diagnosed with asthma. But I also thought it only developed several decades after exposure. Taking the two things together is just starting to slightly freak me out. I’ve working in the building for 3 years ... "
Different sets of safety standards between countries. That's ridiculous. Here - would have been warned, would have had meetings, would know the results of airborne readings. Has to be full transparency. Has to provide other options for those with lung/heart related illnesses. They dont take that stuff lightly here. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there?
This who the fuck works in a building with asbestos"
Hmmm. Right. I’m now very worried... we were told it was safe so long as the directly affected area is contained  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Has long as the workmen have sealed the area they are working tightly and removing the asbestos in a controlled manner u will be safe .. all ventilation from the contaminated area must be sealed and removed professionally "
^ This ^ . Other than a few specific types of asbestos containing materials all asbestos has to be either sealed or removed in a controlled manner under strict regulations by specialists. |
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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago
Bristol East |
Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I think exposure to asbestos takes years - decades - to show up as a condition.
And the ones with most to worry about will be those working closest to it, if it is the type that is a health worry. |
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They found it in the basement of my school and just sealed it off and the school continued to operate. They removed it when the school was closed for the holidays I think.
It's definitely too soon for any issues related to it though. My grandad got compensation from ICI for asbestos exposure and that happened before I was born but he only had issues relating to it for about a year before he died a few years ago. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there?
This who the fuck works in a building with asbestos
Hmmm. Right. I’m now very worried... we were told it was safe so long as the directly affected area is contained "
It's your employer that follows the legal guidelines, sets and standards the make your workplace safe by law in your country. You can only follow that. That's crazy though. What a safety hazard.
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It will be a specialist company employed to remove the asbestos.
You and any other people should not have any access to the area they are removing the asbestos from.
A safety audit will have been performed well before the work started.
If you think it may be unsafe or a risk to your health speak to someone directly rather than asking randoms on a swinging site.
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"They found it in the basement of my school and just sealed it off and the school continued to operate. They removed it when the school was closed for the holidays I think.
It's definitely too soon for any issues related to it though. My grandad got compensation from ICI for asbestos exposure and that happened before I was born but he only had issues relating to it for about a year before he died a few years ago."
I did think this too - I thought it took decades to develop problems as a result of exposure. So working in the building for the past 3 years seems unlikely to be linked in any way to my developing asthma... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"
It will be a specialist company employed to remove the asbestos.
You and any other people should not have any access to the area they are removing the asbestos from.
A safety audit will have been performed well before the work started.
If you think it may be unsafe or a risk to your health speak to someone directly rather than asking randoms on a swinging site.
"
Wow; rude.
I *have* asked the relevant people at work; thank you. I wasn’t sure if what I am being told is correct.
And I see people asking a variety of life related questions on here, seeking views and advice of the general public who may have expertise and personal experiences to advise them. The fact that they are “swingers” has no bearing or relevance on my decision to seek their views.
But thank you for your input |
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I know you posted about asthma earlier this week. I strongly advise you tell your doctor about the asbestos connection so they can run any tests available.
Don't worry too much. I had asthma come on later in life. It's often brought on by the cold when I'm running outdoors. From what you described it could be exactly the same for you.
Just make sure you inform the GP who diagnosed your asthma.
Luke |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe"
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can."
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part."
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part."
Ok... so if that’s the case, why would they bother removing it at all from the ground floor? Surely if they left it be, all would be fine...? Or no? |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I know you posted about asthma earlier this week. I strongly advise you tell your doctor about the asbestos connection so they can run any tests available.
Don't worry too much. I had asthma come on later in life. It's often brought on by the cold when I'm running outdoors. From what you described it could be exactly the same for you.
Just make sure you inform the GP who diagnosed your asthma.
Luke "
I didn’t think of the asbestos issue tbh when I was talking to my GP about my asthma. I just didn’t make the possible connection until now. But I’ll mention it. Thanks  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know you posted about asthma earlier this week. I strongly advise you tell your doctor about the asbestos connection so they can run any tests available.
Don't worry too much. I had asthma come on later in life. It's often brought on by the cold when I'm running outdoors. From what you described it could be exactly the same for you.
Just make sure you inform the GP who diagnosed your asthma.
Luke "
No test available for asbestos in the body. The fibres are in the lungs and an irritant leading to development of tumours. Still wise to get your asthma checked out by the GP though and not the asthma nurse.
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By *ara JTV/TS
over a year ago
Bristol East |
"
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part."
That's my understanding, too. Asbestos left intact isn't a problem - it's the removal that has to subject of special controls to prevent the spread of pores.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part.
Ok... so if that’s the case, why would they bother removing it at all from the ground floor? Surely if they left it be, all would be fine...? Or no? "
Depends where is is but may have to be removed for maintenance/repair of services like heating or plumbing systems, rewiring. Building owners don't have to remove asbestos if it's safe and encapsulated and it is very expensive to remove. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part.
Ok... so if that’s the case, why would they bother removing it at all from the ground floor? Surely if they left it be, all would be fine...? Or no?
Depends where is is but may have to be removed for maintenance/repair of services like heating or plumbing systems, rewiring. Building owners don't have to remove asbestos if it's safe and encapsulated and it is very expensive to remove."
Ah ok. So no doubt they’ve decided to remove it for good reason then. It’s an old building and the ground floor hasn’t been used for a number of years but the powers that be are planning to move our team down there. These plans have been ongoing for at least 12 months because they keep finding more asbestos. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part.
Ok... so if that’s the case, why would they bother removing it at all from the ground floor? Surely if they left it be, all would be fine...? Or no?
Depends where is is but may have to be removed for maintenance/repair of services like heating or plumbing systems, rewiring. Building owners don't have to remove asbestos if it's safe and encapsulated and it is very expensive to remove.
Ah ok. So no doubt they’ve decided to remove it for good reason then. It’s an old building and the ground floor hasn’t been used for a number of years but the powers that be are planning to move our team down there. These plans have been ongoing for at least 12 months because they keep finding more asbestos. "
Before they do an upgrade they have to carry out a much more in depth asbestos survey and that probably found asbestos that has to be removed for the alteration works. That's very common especially in older buildings. |
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"They found it in the basement of my school and just sealed it off and the school continued to operate. They removed it when the school was closed for the holidays I think.
It's definitely too soon for any issues related to it though. My grandad got compensation from ICI for asbestos exposure and that happened before I was born but he only had issues relating to it for about a year before he died a few years ago.
I did think this too - I thought it took decades to develop problems as a result of exposure. So working in the building for the past 3 years seems unlikely to be linked in any way to my developing asthma... "
You were likely already predisposed to asthma and something has triggered it. Pollution possibly. My brother developed asthma after a chest infection. That was years ago now though and it's been a long time since he's needed an inhaler and he smokes and has done a triathlon. |
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By *eeBee67Man
over a year ago
Masked and Distant |
Asbestos is normally safe until disturbed.
If they are a recognised licensed asbestos removal company following very strict guidelines. Then all particles should be contained. As all works must be done in a hermetically sealed zone.
If you are worried insist on seeing the method statement and risk assessments. |
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Asbestos was used up to the mid 70’s so any schools, council buildings office blocks etc that where built back then will still have it in,
I think they made them safe when they stuck the little A stickers on them  |
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"Asbestos is normally safe until disturbed.
If they are a recognised licensed asbestos removal company following very strict guidelines. Then all particles should be contained. As all works must be done in a hermetically sealed zone.
If you are worried insist on seeing the method statement and risk assessments."
Exactly this.
Thousands of UK schools, hospitals and countless other buildings contain asbestos. (I grew up in an asbestos pre-fab)
When discovered, it has to be identified, logged and marked, so no one inadvertently disturbs it, or safely removed and replaced by a non acm.
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By *r MoriartyMan
over a year ago
The Land that time forgot (Norfolk) |
No need to panic, too soon for any asbestos related symptoms. It sounds like it's being dealt with properly and as it's an NHS building it should be.
Lots of unnecessary panic when it comes to asbestos, unless it's broken or airborne so it can be inhaled it's pretty safe generally. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"No need to panic, too soon for any asbestos related symptoms. It sounds like it's being dealt with properly and as it's an NHS building it should be.
Lots of unnecessary panic when it comes to asbestos, unless it's broken or airborne so it can be inhaled it's pretty safe generally."
Yeah this is my boss’ view as well - lots of panic over nothing in the team. But she has a more relaxed approach to risk issues and H&S in general so I didn’t want to take her word for it .... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Asbestos was used up to the mid 70’s so any schools, council buildings office blocks etc that where built back then will still have it in,
I think they made them safe when they stuck the little A stickers on them "
Unfortunately some cheap imported building materials post 1970's have been found to contain asbestos. Russia and some other countries are still mining asbestos. Generally building built post 2,000 have no asbestos products but still no guarantee. |
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By *r MoriartyMan
over a year ago
The Land that time forgot (Norfolk) |
"No need to panic, too soon for any asbestos related symptoms. It sounds like it's being dealt with properly and as it's an NHS building it should be.
Lots of unnecessary panic when it comes to asbestos, unless it's broken or airborne so it can be inhaled it's pretty safe generally.
Yeah this is my boss’ view as well - lots of panic over nothing in the team. But she has a more relaxed approach to risk issues and H&S in general so I didn’t want to take her word for it .... "
I had asbestos all over my old house, didn't bother me one bit I just stayed away from doing anything to damage it. My Dad has Asbestos scarring on his lungs from years working as a carpenter but fortunately it's never caused him any issues. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know you posted about asthma earlier this week. I strongly advise you tell your doctor about the asbestos connection so they can run any tests available.
Don't worry too much. I had asthma come on later in life. It's often brought on by the cold when I'm running outdoors. From what you described it could be exactly the same for you.
Just make sure you inform the GP who diagnosed your asthma.
Luke
No test available for asbestos in the body. The fibres are in the lungs and an irritant leading to development of tumours. Still wise to get your asthma checked out by the GP though and not the asthma nurse.
"
It takes 20+ years as a bare minimum to develop symptoms from asbestos exposure. Usually longer. As someone that deals with asbestos related deaths I very occasionally deal with someone in their 40s or 50s but most if not almost all are in their 60s 70s or older.
Ongoing asbestos work will not be linked to a current illness. And if in the very unlikely event ou have been exposed to fibres there's no way of knowing until symptoms develop |
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By *ovebug12Couple
over a year ago
Portsmouth |
Luciejo seeing you work for the NHS all public building's will have a asbestos register and on your induction you should have been shown it to make you aware of were the asbestos is in the building so you do not disturb it ie walls putting pins to hold pictures up, the contracts removing it are registered asbestos removal contractors, when they have removed it there will be air test done by independent testers if any readings they will have to clean again till it is safe |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
|
"White asbestos unbroken is relatively safe.
Broken not safe
NO!!!
... No asbestos is safe. White asbestos has longer fibre so more difficult for it to enter the lung linings but it still can.
If undisturbed asbestos is unlikely to cause any harm as it fibres won’t be released and inhaled. Asbestos is normally encapsulated into another material. Removing it is the most dangerous part.
Ok... so if that’s the case, why would they bother removing it at all from the ground floor? Surely if they left it be, all would be fine...? Or no?
Depends where is is but may have to be removed for maintenance/repair of services like heating or plumbing systems, rewiring. Building owners don't have to remove asbestos if it's safe and encapsulated and it is very expensive to remove.
Ah ok. So no doubt they’ve decided to remove it for good reason then. It’s an old building and the ground floor hasn’t been used for a number of years but the powers that be are planning to move our team down there. These plans have been ongoing for at least 12 months because they keep finding more asbestos. "
Any old building they will remove the asbestos when doing any significant work. Undisturbed it is no danger but you can't work round it. It will be heavily risk assessed and removed by professionals. The fact it has taken over 12 months is testament to the caution being demonstrated in removing it |
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If I was still concerned, I'd probably speak with a union representative, so that an independent appraisal can provide guidance that's specific to your work environment.
Try not to post anything here that might help others to identify where you are working etc. |
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"to work on the first floor of a building where asbestos has been found on the ground floor? The workmen / H&S dudes have informed us a team that we are safe because they area that’s being worked on is contained and harmful stuff cannot just ‘float’ up through our windows etc. How true is this? I’m just putting it all together with my recent decline in physical health and diagnosis of asthma... and starting to slightly freak out "
There are three or four different types of asbestos, can’t recsll them all, brown is one..
But here’s the interesting fact only in 2001 did building regs prohibit the use of asbestos in buildings, so houses built before then may have some asbestos used in their construction, asbestos is in artex ceilings, suspended ceiling tiles, lots of things as it has excellent insulation properties..
Sorry if this panics you, but it’s all fact, had to know to pass basic civil engineering project management |
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"to work on the first floor of a building where asbestos has been found on the ground floor? The workmen / H&S dudes have informed us a team that we are safe because they area that’s being worked on is contained and harmful stuff cannot just ‘float’ up through our windows etc. How true is this? I’m just putting it all together with my recent decline in physical health and diagnosis of asthma... and starting to slightly freak out
There are three or four different types of asbestos, can’t recsll them all, brown is one..
But here’s the interesting fact only in 2001 did building regs prohibit the use of asbestos in buildings, so houses built before then may have some asbestos used in their construction, asbestos is in artex ceilings, suspended ceiling tiles, lots of things as it has excellent insulation properties..
Sorry if this panics you, but it’s all fact, had to know to pass basic civil engineering project management "
1999 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there?
This who the fuck works in a building with asbestos"
A huge amount of people, any building built prior to the 80's probably has some inside of it. |
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"Jaysus cripes no.
Who the fuck is the occupational health and safety inspector there?
It’s an NHS building, I’m not sure... we’ve just been told as a team that we’re fine as we’re on the first floor not the ground floor, and they’ve contained the area. I know exposure to asbestos can cause breathing problems and I’ve been recently diagnosed with asthma. But I also thought it only developed several decades after exposure. Taking the two things together is just starting to slightly freak me out. I’ve working in the building for 3 years ... "
Not sure what type of NHS building but anyways ... in the NHS there are risks I’m sure you are aware of and controls in place to mitigate the risk. Similar thing. I would all but guarantee the HSE has been notified and are aware, and satisfied with, the controls in place! ( assuming it’s a licensable activity) I wouldn’t worry! |
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