§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What research they have conducted or commissioned to establish whether asbestos fibre dust can be produced by cutting, sawing or otherwise shaping blocks in which chrysotile is encapsulated in a matrix of either cement or resin; and whether they are satisfied that workers engaged in these operations are fully protected from the risk of contracting mesothelioma; and [HL2183]
97WAWhat research they have conducted or commissioned to ensure that products manufactured from blocks of chrysotile fibre encapsulated in a matrix of either cement or resin to not generate airborne chrysotile fibre under any possible conditions of use. [HL2184]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)It is firmly established that cutting, sawing or similar work that disturbs asbestos cement or resins can give rise to significant release of asbestos fibres.
The health of workers is protected by health and safety law that requires employers to avoid work with asbestos. Where this is unavoidable, employers must do all that they can to reduce workers' exposure to the lowest possible level.