As we have been reiterating in the last few articles, there are some occasions where anyone working on asbestos materials will need to show that they have been granted a license from the HSE.
Not all work requires this authorisation, but there are certain types of asbestos that requires that anyone wishing to work on this project to go through the licensing application process.
There are many procedures and requirements in place for those that undertake licensed work, with contractors expected to be under constant medical surveillance.
These employers also need to ensure that they hold health records of their employees, with details kept for 40 years following the last dated entry. Any person working for a contractor that is exposed to asbestos will have an entry in this record noting the time, date and duration of asbestos exposure, as well as the levels and type of asbestos they were exposed to.
It must be stressed however that asbestos removal specialists have strict guidelines in place for all their workers to ensure that any risk is kept to a minimum. With the latest breathing equipment and work gear, they can work in these situations and be protected from the asbestos they are working on.
