Asbestos and You New research reveals that nearly half of tradespeople view asbestos as a problem of the past. According to a recent survey, over a quarter of respondents (26%) also stated that they have not followed the correct procedures when they have encountered asbestos. The survey was commissioned by an independent training provider, unrelated to HSE. No matter what safety equipment you have, if youâre not adequately trained, you shouldnât be working with asbestos. It is illegal to work on asbestos containing materials without proper training. Find out more about:Â
Asbestos - Your Duty HSEâsâ¯Asbestos - Your Duty campaignâ¯is calling on your support to share our campaign resources with your networks to keep people safe from asbestos. This now includes the duty to manage asbestos guidance in Welsh. This contains a downloadable PDF to improve understanding of what the legal duty to manage asbestos involves.  The campaign has a range of free resources available to support those with the legal duty to manage asbestos. You can:  HSE has worked with the industry to create guidance that will help protect worktop installers. Stone workers are at risk of exposure to airborne particles of stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) when processing stone, including engineered stone, by cutting, chiselling and polishing. The guidance explains what employers and workers need to do to stay safe from stone dust and covers 3 main areas: - competent staff and effective processes
- pre-installation actions
- on-site installation actions
Read HSEâs detailed guidance: Installing stone worktops: protect against harmful natural or artificial stone dust.
Our Work Right campaign website has further resources and important safety advice. In partnership with the British Safety Industry Federation, HSE has published a refreshed version of a video on the Face Fit Respirator Demonstrator model (FFRED). The video is for tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE). It provides information for workers and their employers on: - why it is important for individuals to have face fit tests for tight-fitting masks, such as disposable filtering face pieces (FFPs) and reusable half-face mask types
- the importance of it having a good seal to the face
- what happens if the respirator does not fit properly
You can watch the video on the FFRED.
HSEâs guidance on fit testing basics for RPE has also been refreshed to provide information of how to maintain the hygiene of face fit testing kit. Wednesday 12 March, 12.00pm Join us for a free seminar to celebrate British Science Week (BSW). Our series of 5 minute 'Turbo Talks' feature HSE scientists talking about the ways science and evidence is being used to help everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Topics include: - reducing work-related ill health: the science and analysis providing evidence in relation to asbestos exposure
- the science and evidence supporting the Building Safety Regulator: understanding building safety hazards unique to âmixed-useâ higher-risk buildings
- enabling industry to innovate safely in the move to net zero with MultHyFuel: inclusion of hydrogen onto multi-fuel stations
Register for the 'Turbo Talks' seminar
HSE will continue to deliver and be involved in a wide range of innovative and relevant training courses and events in 2025. Upcoming courses and events include:
Find out more about HSE's training, webinars and events.
Work at height â steeplejack work
Work at height â use of ladders for moving materials
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