Building a Safer Future: The Vital Role of a National Asbestos Register in the UK
Yesterday (13th September 2023) saw another step in the right direction with regards the introduction of a national asbestos register in the UK
Yesterday (13th September 2023) saw another step in the right direction with regards the introduction of a national asbestos register in the UK, with the "Asbestos (National Register) Bill" being approved during the Private Members 10 Minutes Bill in the House of Commons by Andrew Percy MP.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was the material of choice in construction for many decades due to its impressive heat-resistant properties, strength and flexibility. However, in recent years, its adverse effects on human health have become more apparent, leading to the introduction of the Control of Asbestos Regulations, a set of regulations that has developed since its introduction with the latest update coming into effect back in 2012.
In this article, we will delve into the heart of these regulations, exploring their implications, and discussing the urgent need for a national asbestos register in the UK.
Asbestos and its Dangers
Asbestos is a versatile and resilient material, which was widely used in construction throughout the 1950s to the 1980s. It was typically mixed with other materials, making it difficult to identify, and was most commonly found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, flooring, textured paint and boilers.
However, asbestos is one of three materials considered so hazardous that they require their own regulations, the others being radiation and lead.
When disturbed, asbestos fibres can be inhaled, leading to serious health issues like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the UK sees more than 5,000 deaths annually due to asbestos-related cancers, with mesothelioma accounting for half of these fatalities.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 was a significant milestone in the management of asbestos. It provided a robust framework for dealing with asbestos in non-domestic premises, requiring the assessment of the presence, condition and exposure risk of asbestos. The duty holder, usually the building owner or manager, was tasked with maintaining an up-to-date register of asbestos and sharing it with anyone who might be at risk.
Although these regulations marked a step forward, they are not without flaws. One of the main issues is the rising trend of new mesothelioma cases among individuals working in buildings with asbestos, not just those directly involved in the installation of asbestos-containing materials.
The Current State of Asbestos Management
A report by Alpha Tracker highlighted the concerning state of asbestos in schools, hospitals, and homes. More than half of the 1.3 million samples found to contain asbestos were already damaged. In hospitals and healthcare settings, 20% of asbestos-containing materials showed significant damage, and 55% of asbestos in schools was in poor condition.
These findings raise the question of whether the current approach to managing asbestos is working and whether it is sufficient. The introduction of a national asbestos register could potentially solve these issues and is necessary if the management-in-situ approach is to be maintained.
The Need for a National Asbestos Register
The UK National Asbestos Register (UKNAR), a social enterprise co founded by Andrew Paten, was established to help manage asbestos, identified five common failings in the current system:
- Communication failures
- Incomprehensible information
- Outdated or lost information
- Lack of evidence of compliance
- Inconsistent formats of asbestos registers
A national asbestos register would address these issues by providing a standard, common format for all asbestos registers. This would make them easier to understand and use, regardless of the complexities of certain properties. Moreover, it would aid in the stricter enforcement of the regulations by the HSE effectively forcing duty holders who have flouted the regulations for the last 2 decades and more, to finally comply or face prosecution.
The Benefits of a National Asbestos Register
A national register would not only streamline the management of asbestos but would also offer several additional benefits. These include supporting a long-term strategic approach to managing asbestos, increasing public awareness of the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, and enabling the Health and Safety Executive to better target and improve its enforcement efforts.
Combine all of the benefits above and surely, it can only result in the reduction of exposure and a reduction in the needless deaths associated with it.
The Role of Consulo Compliance in Asbestos Management
Consulo Compliance, a leading provider of compliance services, plays a vital role in the management of asbestos. We offer a range of services, from asbestos management plans, surveys and risk assessments to compliance management and training. Our expertise in this area will be instrumental in helping bring a national asbestos register from concept to reality.
The Process of Implementing a National Asbestos Register
Implementing a national asbestos register is no small task. It would require bringing together existing information on buildings with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) into a single, comprehensive database. This would not only make it easier for duty holders to record and maintain asbestos information but also make the information more accessible to those who need it.
UKNAR aim to have at least 80% of public sector buildings in the UK on the UK National Asbestos Register by the end of 2027, a deadline that is fast approaching.
The Hurdles in Implementing a National Asbestos Register
While a national asbestos register is a promising solution, it does come with its own set of challenges. These include the difficulty of collecting and organising vast amounts of data that currently exists in dozens, if not hundreds of different formats, the potential resistance from building owners and managers, and the need for a robust system to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information.
The Future of Asbestos Management
Despite the challenges, the future of asbestos management in the UK looks promising. The adoption of a national asbestos register would be a huge leap forward in the safe and effective management of asbestos in the UK. It would provide a comprehensive and accessible resource of information on asbestos, helping to protect the health and safety of those who live and work in buildings with asbestos.
Conclusion
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 marked a major step in the management of asbestos. However, with the still rising trend of asbestos-related diseases, it is clear that more needs to be done. The implementation of a national asbestos register could be the much-needed solution, providing a more effective and transparent system for managing asbestos.
As we move towards this goal, the role of organisations like Consulo Compliance will be crucial in turning this concept into a reality.
