§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will issue a circular to all regional health authorities reminding them of their duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act to inform trade union representatives whenever regional health authorities have reason to believe asbestos dust is present in any of their premises;
(2) if he will issue instructions to all regional health authorities that all alterations to health authority premises where asbestos may be present be undertaken only by personnel properly qualified and equipped to deal with asbestos.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe Department referred to the need for training and suitable equipment for asbestos work in guidance issued to health authorities in 1976 and 1978, and a "Safety Information Bulletin" issued in December 1982 drew their attention again in general terms to that guidance. A further "Safety Information Bulletin", which is being prepared, will remind health authorities specifically about the requirement for training and use of suitable equipment and also about the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act requirement to advise safety representatives of hazards, including asbestos dust, in their premises.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will ensure that all regional health authorities draw up inventories of asbestos present in the fabric of health authority premises.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe value of surveys to identify asbestos is under discussion by the health services advisory committee set up by the Health and Safety Commission. However, there are practical difficulties in compiling comprehensive inventories with confidence, because materials which may include asbestos are often incorporated inaccessibly in buildings and reliable identification of all asbestos could not be made without destroying parts of the premises. Safety can best be assured by the constant vigilance of those working or planning work in circumstances where asbestos may be present and the investigation of any suspect materials which are encountered.
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§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will call for a report on the recent release of asbestos into the atmosphere at St. Catherine's home, St. Mary's road, Bradford; and if he will ensure that all those exposed to asbestos dust, whether staff or those employed by private contractors, are offered examinations and X-rays.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe incident at St. Catherine's home, Bradford took place in a small boiler room from which all asbestos was believed to have been removed in 1976. It involved a small amount of residual asbestos amongst a majority of non-asbestos material. The Health and Safety Executive has already conducted an investigation into the incident and all health authority staff involved have been offered examinations and X-rays. The same facilities are being offered to the employees of the private contractor.