asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied that all the necessary precautions are being taken in the manufacture and general handling of asbestos goods to safeguard the health and well-being of the people employed in this industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asbestos Goods Handling.
26.
Inspectors of my Depart-Department test the atmospheres of premises in which the manufacture and general handling of asbestos goods is carried on. This is a continuous operation. The samples so far taken in factory premises have shown counts which are below the levels deemed to cause danger to health.
I have made new regulations entitled the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975, prescribing measures which must be taken to ensure the adequate protection of persons employed in processes involving asbestos. These regulations came into operation on 1st November, 1975, and replace earlier regulations made in 1972. The adequacy of the regulations and of the protective measures being taken by employers and workers is under constant review.