Asbestos Policy
ICNL takes Asbestos very seriously it is a extremely dangerous material. We have made this
policy to protect our employees if they should ever come into contact with asbestos.
What you can expect from ICNL?
We will:
 Conduct risk assessments on any site/premises we are about to conduct work on.
 If asbestos is suspected or found ICNL will stop all work on the site/premises until
either the removal or suspicion is cleared.
 No employee will handle or work with asbestos unless they have had specialist
training.
 If an employee is found handling/working on asbestos, who has not had any training
on asbestos, this will be considered as a gross misconduct and could face instant
dismissal.
 If asbestos is found and airborne ICNL will ensure any employee that may have been
exposed to follow the correct procedure.
What ICNL expects from you?
You will:
 Inform your supervisor/manager and any employees working with you at the time if
you are suspected of asbestos.
 Not try to remove any suspected/actual asbestos.
 Uphold the health and safety for yourself and others is there is any suspected/actual
asbestos.
 Follow the correct procedure is asbestos is airborne.
 Make sure if any training is given from ICNL on asbestos you must attend.
Questions & answers
What is asbestos?
 Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. Because it is strong, won't burn,
and resists corrosion, it became a popular commercial product. The most common
asbestos types are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.
Where would I find asbestos?
 Asbestos was commonly used in many building materials especially between the
early 1900's and into the 1970's. It can be found in thermal insulation, fireproofing,
floor coverings, ceiling tiles, cement pipe, granular and corrugated paper pipe wrap,
and decorative treatment for ceilings and walls.
When is asbestos a problem?
 Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials do not pose a health risk. If the material is
damaged or disturbed it can release fibres into the air. Elevated airborne asbestos
concentration can create a potential hazard for workers and other building occupants.
How is asbestos a health threat?
 The relationship between airborne asbestos fibres and the diseases such exposure
can cause is not clearly understood. Once inhaled asbestos fibres may penetrate
lung tissue and remain in the body. Three illness associated with asbestos exposure
are asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Registered Address: 18 Marine Parade, Harwich CO12 3RA Tel: 0207 613 0000
Created August 2013
Revision 1
How do I know if a material contains asbestos?
 You cannot tell for certain by appearance. If you suspect any materials inform your
supervisor/manager or the environmental health agency.
What do I do with asbestos containing material?
 Again, it is not a health hazard if intact. Drilling, cutting, sawing, such material would
create an airborne hazard and should not occur. If you find any material broken
inform your supervisor/manager, they will assist you on what to do next.
What does asbestos smell like?
 Asbestos is odourless.
When is asbestos material removed?
 It would initially be down to our customers to arrange removal of the asbestos unless
ICNL is contracted to arrange this. However ICNL will not conduct any work with
asbestos present. Its removal will be done as soon as asbestos has identify.
How is asbestos safely removed?
 A containment is constructed which is kept at negative pressure relative to the
adjoining areas. The material is kept wet during the removal to minimize any fibres
becoming airborne. In addition air sampling is conducted inside and outside of the
containment area to ensure the fibres are being controlled.
Who works with asbestos removal on campus?
 Environmental Health agency have trained, certified, and well equipped personnel to
perform the removal and oversight activities respectively.
What are those pumps during removal activities?
 Small pumps are used to pull air across a filter which is subsequently counted for
asbestos fibres. This results in a known airborne asbestos fibre concentration given
in fibres per cubic centimetre of air.
Airborne asbestos
If you are present when suspected/actual asbestos is airborne then please follow the
instruction (your supervisor/manager will always advise you if the situation ever arise):
 Remove yourself of the suspected/actual area immediately.
 Move yourself quickly to a safe area where no one else will be exposed to the dust.
 Remove all of your clothing and any equipment you are wearing.
 Double plastic bag all the equipment and clothing.
 Shower yourself off immediately.
 Either your supervisor/manager will advise if you are able to wash the clothes and
equipment if not it will be disposed of correctly.
Overview
ICNL takes asbestos very seriously and hopes that this policy has given some insight of
what is expected from you. Our manager/supervisor will be happy to answer all questions
and will conduct training at least every 6 monthly.
Who is covered by this policy?
This policy covers all employees.
Registered Address: 18 Marine Parade, Harwich CO12 3RA Tel: 0207 613 0000
Created August 2013
Revision 1
Ownership, updates and query management?
This is ICNL Asbestos policy as at August 2013
The procedure is not contractual and is subject to change at our discretion of ICNL.
Contractual status of this policy
This policy does not form part of your contract of employment.
Registered Address: 18 Marine Parade, Harwich CO12 3RA Tel: 0207 613 0000
Created August 2013
Revision 1