Asbestos and Demolition

When it comes to demolishing buildings, taking precautions for the potential risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibres is essential. Asbestos fibres are known as the "invisible killer" in the construction industry because they are too small to be seen with the naked eye and can be quickly released into the air if Asbestos asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed. Inhaling these fibres can lead to serious health issues, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory illnesses. Therefore, it is imperative to properly understand the risks and take all necessary measures to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air during demolition or renovation projects. This includes wearing protective gear, using proper equipment, and hiring licensed professionals trained in handling asbestos-containing materials.

Due to its unique properties, asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral widely used in various industries, including construction and manufacturing. It is known for its exceptional fire-resistant and insulating capabilities, making it an ideal component of building materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring tiles. However, over the years, it has become apparent that asbestos poses significant health risks, particularly when inhaled.

Although asbestos and ACMs have been banned in the UK since 1999, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that over 5000 people still die every year due to asbestos-related diseases. For this reason alone, licensed contractors must remove asbestos, and all staff should be trained in Asbestos Awareness.

For more information on training your staff in Asbestos Awareness, please visit our online course section.

If your company has under five employees, you are not legally required to have a written Company Health and Safety Policy. However, it is worth considering that some principal contractors and local authorities may not be willing to work with a company that doesn't have such a policy in place. A Company Health and Safety Policy outlines your approach to health and safety and explains how you, as an employer, will manage it in your business. It should clearly outline who is responsible for what, when and how to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

RAMS

RAMS, which stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statements, refers to all the H&S documents that are not part of a Company's Health and Safety Policy. In the early days of Health and Safety, the primary documents submitted were Risk and Method Statements, and hence, the term RAMS came into existence. These documents are prepared to identify potential hazards and assess their associated risks. They also outline the methods or procedures that will be followed to mitigate those risks. RAMS is crucial in ensuring the safety and health of employees and visitors at the workplace.

However, RAMS now covers three main types of documents incorporating COSHH Assessments and any additional policies or starters that are part of a company-sponsored H&S Pack.

The three documents covered are:

Method statements:

A Method Statement is a document that provides a detailed explanation of safe working procedures that should be followed to complete a task safely. The primary objective of these documents is to prioritise safety in any demolition project. The Method Statement outlines the safe work systems to carry out tasks, helping demolition workers work safely and avoid accidents. This document includes a step-by-step guide on performing the demolition tasks safely and effectively and information on the necessary tools and equipment required for the job.

Surprisingly, a method statement is not a legal requirement but a requirement by most principal contractors. This is because it provides a clear and concise plan of action to ensure that the demolition tasks are carried out efficiently, effectively, and safely. It helps eliminate confusion, misunderstandings, and potential hazards that may arise during demolition.

Therefore, a well-written and detailed Method Statement is an essential document that must be prepared before commencing any demolition task. It ensures that the workers know the potential hazards and risks associated with the job and have the necessary information to perform the task safely and effectively.

Risk Assessments:

When it comes to safety in the workplace, it is crucial to assess risks and take steps to eliminate or minimise them to safe levels. This involves identifying potential hazards and implementing control measures to mitigate their associated risks. For example, if you are a demolition worker, using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a control measure that can significantly reduce the likelihood of harm. Taking such precautions and implementing effective control measures can substantially reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries and ensure everyone involved's safety and well-being.

COSHH Assessments:

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, and it’s about identifying which products or substances may be hazardous to people's health. Where possible, a product found hazardous will be substituted with a non-hazardous product that achieves the same results. An example may be swapping brick acid for a non-acidic brick cleaner.