Document zdN7aVxy0212m7KJz6Q1xODY7

FILE NAME: Sprayed Asbestos (SPRA) DATE: 1945 Aug DOC#: SPRA004 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: UK Govt Letter RE Risk & Possible Regulations for Asbestos Insulation and Ships MINISTRY OP LABOUR AND NATIONAL SERVICE ` t i d n * * ay rrply 1 TKK OKIE? INSPECTOR OF FACTORIES, l m 4 ^aow: . r.jMjyi/* - ' , TJ. K. WHIuiUl ( a n a - *" ` . * " ^9 * FACTORY DEPT, ' - ST. JAMES SQUARE, LONDON, S.W.x. ` *- ' ./ - ; August, 19LS Dear Sir* Asbestos Insulation aboard Ships '"I' an concerned by the considerable development during the _ -Tar years in the use of asbestos, either a lme or as part * ndxhxre, in the Shipbuilding and Shiprepaoring Industries rainly S T S ' p S p o s e of heat and sound insulation, and the _accomparing increase in-the number of workers exposed to risk of injury to - health tbrou^i asbestosis. . . ' .. . If the risk is found to continue, the question will arise f Inch idins some statutory requirements on the subject when the . for con,ti*ctd*l d other i* ships ore being revised and extended, or of issuing a , code of regulations dealing particularly with the use of asbestos. I would, however, emphasise that, while asbestos us any apparent effects at first, experience sh^-s that, ^ ^ u ^ - r i y if^the workers are exposed to the dust in substantial concentra ticns, serious results are apt to develop later. It is thereJ fore important that, even if the work will only be reasonably practicable steps should be taken to reauce the risk to a mininnu * '' I suggest that protection can be secured an the following basis?' - ` . ' ' ' ' (l) In some cases preparatory work, c.jg. the making up cf . insulation mattresses, to which the Asbestos Industry - .1'certify that:this is a true copy of a document held on file number P18481/2/K belonging to the Health and Safety Executive. D T EVERETT EM DEPUTY SUPERINTENDING INSPECTOR OF FACTORIES I -- # Peculations, 'l931,'apply is carried on in a shod in the y t shipbuilding yard or near tha dockside; in such cases' .'hose Regulations should, so far as tha provisions are appj__ _^ble, bo carefully observed in practice. ' - (2) On board ship steps should be taken, in accordance with tha spirit of tho Regulations, to prevent unnecessaryccnoan- % t rat ions or accumulations of asbestos dust - far instance by haring good ventilation arrangements in confined spaces, .' damping do>vn dust, and clearing up asbestos debris and . tocucailations of dust a3 soon as practicable. . (5) The provision of a respirator (Hems Office Mark No. - 584C42 or other approved type) for each workman engaged in tho fitting or removal of any dry insulating material ccrv-- taining asbestos, cn board ship. . (4) The provision of a similar respirator far all i"^^ 2 V ) engage^ in the spraying of asbestos or asbestos mixiui'e and ' . ` v ark ancillary thereto which renders them liable to exposure to dust or spray. During spraying, no other person should . park in the i-sme compartment unless also provided with a r respirator. . . . - " (5) No person under 18 should be employed in any process . ' giving rise to asbestos dust or in any ccapartment or enclosed space where such a process is being carried on. . . * . ( 0 Specific arrangements for supervising the maintenance, care and use of respirators. _ ' ' J p-.qy say that these arrangements have been accepted b y the Shipbuilding Employers* Federation and by the Trade Unions .concerned, and I therefore hope you will be prepared at once to accept the precautions suggested. * I am, Sir, - lour obedient Servant, \ H.! Chief Inspector of Factories. I certify that this is a true copy of a document held on file number F18481/2/X belonging to the Health and Safety Executive. D T EVERETT EM DEPUTY SUPERINTENDING INSPECTOR OF FACTORIES '