asked the Minister for Labour if he is satisfied with the existing regulations to prevent illness associated with the asbestos industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Asbestos Industry.
225.
The current relevant regulations are the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975, which are made under the Safety in Industry Acts, 1955, and 1980. These regulations apply to workplaces within the scope of the Acts where asbestos goods are manufactured as well as places such as construction sites where asbestos cement sheets and pipes are used. They also relate to the application or removal of asbestos insulation in relevant premises.
In their time the regulations provided a standard of safety that accorded with the general level of protection provided in other countries in accordance with the current knowledge of the subject. In the area of occupational safety and health, the statutory provisions are kept under regular review to meet the requirements that come to light as a result of research and the on-going development of scientific knowledge.
As part of this process, the EC Council adopted a Directive 83/477/EEC on 19 September 1983, on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. The directive, which must be implemented by member states by 1 January 1987, will apply to all activities, other than air and sea transport, in which workers are or may be exposed in the course of their work to asbestos dust. Regulations are being drafted by my Department to give effect to the provisions of the directive.
I should also mention that the European Communities (Dangerous Substances and Preparations) (Marketing and Use) Regulations, 1986, which give effect to Council Directive 83/478/EEC of 19 September 1983, prohibit, with certain qualifications and exemptions, the use of crocidolite (blue asbestos) or products containing crocidolite.