§ Miss Wrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what instructions are being issued to ensure that asbestos lagging used on pipes in National Health Service buildings is replaced as soon as possible; and what steps are being taken in the meanwhile to protect employees and patients in those buildings where it is known asbestos has been used.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department does not advocate the wholesale removal of asbestos; such disturbance of the material could create hazards which would not otherwise arise. Guidance was given to health authorities in 1976, and is still extant, that asbestos in good condition should be sealed and left undisturbed. A code of practice was issued to health authorities in 1978 on safe practices when working with asbestos and a safety information bulletin is about to be sent to them drawing attention to new guidance from the Health and Safety Commission introducing more stringent standards from 1 January 1983.
584WCurrent legislation and Health and Safety Commission guidance apply to health authorities and thus premises are subject to inspection by the Health and Safety Executive.