Document oD3Nmm4rwXo5gdx0oo2vve4Ow

l3T> LETTER OF INTENT FROM THE BRITISH MINISTRY OF LABOUR, CONCERNING THE TYPE OF REGULATIONS THAT THEY ANTICIPATE PUTTING INTO EFFECT IN THE ASBESTOS PROCESSING INDUSTRY. >. Yem'ttftrmct: Ovr rrfcTctict: MINISTRY OF LABOUR SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE DEPARTHE!* fiaynards House, 1*13 Chepstow Place Westbourw Grove, London W.i Telephone: BAYsnaicr 3456. ?\t. Ootober 1$66. Tear Dr.Holmes, Revision of the Asbestos Industry Regulations As you nay already know, we are at present reviewing the Asbestos industry Regulations, 1931 with a view first to extending their eoope to cover occupations in which there is a hssard froa asbestos, but which are not covered by the existing Regulations, and secondly, to Baking their substantive provisions more effective Os have now reached the stage where we are able to put forward certain proposals , snd I on writing to ssek your observations on then, These proposals aro not complete OP' final, Ae they stand they are conoamed solely with the physical precautions to be taken to minimize exposures to asbestos dust. Tltey nay have to be suppleBentel by othor provisions in due course. As you are no doubt aware, UM Senior Modioal Inspector of Factories has set up a panel of experts to advise bin on questions relating to the health risks of asbestos in industry. The panel is considering in particular the question of the easooiaticn of Bosothelioaa with exposure to asbestos, as well ae such Batters as nodical supervision. When we costs to consider what provision to nake in these aattors, there* fore, our nodical oollooguos will have full knowledge of the Boat expert asdioal Opinion on this subject, lleanwhlle, however, eone things are clear. We think that the now Regulations will have to apply to any process in which asbontoj is processed or uood or in which it is appllod to or reaoved froa an article or in which uny article Bade wholly or portly of asbestos ie worked. They should apply to all factories and to all preaitao and plaoos to whioh the provisions of the Feotorlee Act as respects spoolal Regulations apply. The Chief Inspector should be given the usual powers of exonption froa the substantive requirem-.-nta, and duties would he Laid on both employers and workpeople to comply with the appropriate requirements of the .Regulations, e propose a general requirement that no process to which tho Regulations apply * should be carried on unless exhaust draught vontilation is providod to prevent the esoape into tho air of any workplace of asbosto* dust, Thlo requirement would not apply where the process le carried on, either in a total enclosure from which all .persons are excluded, or In sons other equally safe Banner. In an)' case in wnich it is impracticable to ooaply with this requirement, protective equipment should bo provided ,or the uoe of every person employed in a part of the factory into which asbestos duet Bight esoape* This equipment should consist of euitable breathing apparatus and Overalls, headgear, gloves and bsote or overboots which effuctivcly exclude asbestos dust. Suoh protective equlpmont will have to be properly maintained and there will bdL , , a requirement that it should be used hy the persons for whose benefit it was provided* * y> 1 The Regulations will also provide that breathing apparatus-which has previously V.-onv;^i .. . -------* aiBtnfaetod before being used W mwvowa V* propose to require that all mohinsxy, plant, fixtures and internal surfaces Of every part of a factory In which any process to which the Regulations apply is !carried on should be kept Clean by aeons of vacuus* cleaning equipment; air emitted .from this equipment aust not bo discbarged into workrooms, corridors, etc. The olsanfnr of aaehinorv. fixtures and exhaust ventilation equipment muM- be cirri^d out by persona wearing personal protective equipment anl an air-line respirator, and no other person will be allowed in that part of the factory where the cleaning is being carried on, Tbe Regulations will require any buildins used for the first tine for an aabsstos process after the coning into force of the Regulations to have interior walls with saooth impervious surfaces, and fixsd vacuus cleaning aoulpneut. nw Regulations will provide that asbestos must bo siored in suitable Closed containers and 'that it aust no. be brought into, transported within or despatched froa the factory otherwise than in iwpervious containers. hen not in use personal pro tective equipment nu3t bo kspt in lockers in suitable changing ror~n, wtnolly, ww propose that personal protective squipasnt should be laundered at suitable intervals. If laundering is not carried out at the factory the clctMr.- should be trent out in iapenrious containers. It wcul-i be helpful if you could let ae have your ob9ervat.ons on these outline proposals within the noxt six weeks. Copies of tnis letter are going to the organisations shown on the attached list. Yours sincerely, I Br 9, Soloes, Asbestos Research Counoll Turner brothers Asbestos ColLtd,, Boehdala, lanos. . Confederation of British Industry Trades Union Congress The Csps Asbestos Co. Ltd. Turner Brothers Asbestos Co. Ltd, A. A. Broiler A Co. Ltd. Ball's Asbestos A Engineering Ltd, Control Asbestos Co. Ltd. British Belting A Asbestos Ltd,