Asbestos
This section gives advice on what action to take should you suspect asbestos has been identified and or disturbed.
Introductory statement on Asbestos – by Royal Mail Property & Facilities Solutions
Asbestos was banned in the UK from the end of 1999 and it is not uncommon to find asbestos in Royal Mail Properties built prior to 2000. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed. If it is in good condition, safely managed and monitored it doesn’t present a health hazard.
We use specialist asbestos consultants and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Licensed Asbestos Removal contractors to handle any work needed. We also have a database showing the known locations of asbestos in our properties which is checked on an annual basis. The HSE’s advice is that most asbestos in buildings is in a harmless condition, provided it is “not disturbed“.
Suspected Asbestos – what to do
- Suspected asbestos containing material – Discovered by RM staff or Contractor – Inform PiC Immediately.
- PiC to refer to site logbook which contains the current asbestos register and emergency advice.
- PiC to check – Do records indicate damaged material is asbestos ?
- If NO – PiC to report the general damage to P&FS helpdesk
OR
- If YES – PiC to immediately contact P&FS Helpdesk for further advice and restrict access to the area of damaged material
- PiC to also contact Group SHE Advisor (by phone in operational hours or by email outside operational hours)
- If potential impact on the operation PiC/ P&FS to advise CPC
- If Suspected asbestos on an individual contact P&FS immediately for further advice and support
If in doubt at any stage always call Central Postal Control (CPC)
Central Postal Control deals with issues on a regular basis and will be able to talk you through how to deal with any situation.