Asbestos Warning Signs

Summary of Asbestos

Asbestos refers to a group of harmful minerals that are made up of fine, durable fibres and are resistant to heat and many chemicals. Asbestos was once commonly used as a building material, often during jobs such as insulating buildings and laying floor tiles.

Although it’s now illegal for construction workers to use asbestos when constructing or refurbishing buildings, there are many places where it has been used historically and remains to this day.

Though it poses no real threat to passers-by while undisturbed, once these materials are disturbed or removed, asbestos particles can enter the air and become extremely dangerous.

Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos kills – an unbelievable number of people die each year in the UK alone from this silent killer. For this reason, it is imperative that any potential asbestos hazards are identified, so that no further fatalities are caused.

Breathing air contaminated with asbestos dust and fibres can cause you to develop several serious asbestos-related illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural plaques – which commonly lead to death.

Despite its deadly nature, asbestos only poses a threat to your health when it is disturbed and its deadly mineral fibres are released into the atmosphere around you. This means that, provided the correct health and safety procedures are in place and that the guidelines set in the Control of Asbestos 2012 legislation are adhered to, its risk to your health can be massively reduced.

All visitors to your workplace should be warned of any potential asbestos risks through clear, visible signage that complies with regulatory standards. Displaying Asbestos Warning Signs is an activity that every workplace should take some time to consider, and isn’t something that should be taken lightly.

Ensure your premises complies with legislation by fitting asbestos warning signs, but don't forget some of our range may require specific sign fixings to secure them in place.

Asbestos and the Law

To help workplaces meet the required standard, guidelines were set out in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 legislation. These specifically refer to non-domestic buildings, such as commercial, industrial or public premises (including schools, warehouses, offices, hospitals, shops and factories).

These regulations cover the identification of asbestos exposure, asbestos testing and inspection, guidance on performing a thorough asbestos risk assessment and professional asbestos removal (which should only ever be carried out by specifically licenced contractors).

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that employers, landlords and building owners must post signs to identify asbestos-containing and potentially asbestos-containing materials. This includes signage to show exactly where these materials are as well as other literature to shows how to avoid disturbing it.

These signs must be posted at the entrance of all areas that may or may not contain asbestos. Anyone working within these zones must be made aware of its presence and take all necessary steps to safeguard their health, such as wearing Protective Clothing and Respiratory Protection masks.

More Information

If you’re struggling to find the Warning Signs best suited to your needs, or require more information before making a decision, contact a friendly member of our team who will be able to assist you further.

For more hazard warning signs, check out our full range for other hazards in the workplace.