New research findings by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) confirms, that a license will not longer be required for asbestos containing textured coatings (TC's), as the risks are much lower with this type of asbestos than was once thought.
A recent consultation of draft amendments to asbestos Regulations by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) include the lower single limit of 0.1 fibres per cm3 for all asbestos types.
Comments received from stakeholders during the consultation, prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to commission the HSL to carry out further work into TC's, resulting in a low risk conclusion.
Kevin Walkin, Head of Asbestos Policy at HSE, said:
"The research shows that the risk from asbestos-containing textured coatings is comparable to the risks from work with asbestos cement, which does not require a licence.
"We're not saying this work is no-risk - it still needs to be carried out by trained workers using appropriate controls. Licensing is an additional check on high-risk work and should reflect changing knowledge about risks to remain credible.
"This new research shows that the level of asbestos fibres in the air from work with textured coatings will not exceed the proposed new control limit when carried out using good practice and that clearing up all the visible debris will be sufficient to ensure that premises are safe for reoccupation."
The HSE presented the findings of the new research to the HSC at a meeting yesterday 14 March. However, no decision was taken to change the asbestos Regulations as yet.
A further meeting will take place in April this year, where HSE will discuss the new research with stakeholders representatives.
Final recommendations from the HSE will be made at a meeting with HSC in May with a view to introducing revised asbestos Regulations on 1 October 2006.
Furthermore, HSE intend to publish a single ACoP which will include requirements for TC's work.
The new research can be accessed, in pdf format, from the HSL by clicking the following:
Article by Alexandra Johnston
