Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

163 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is concerned at the dangers posed by asbestos in the workplace with reference to health and safety regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23055/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt):

The potential dangers posed to persons through exposure to asbestos fibres, or materials containing asbestos fibres, is well recognised.

In the European Union, including Ireland, the placing on the market and use of any asbestos fibres and of products containing them intentionally added is now prohibited, other than in respect of a limited number of derogations, operative up to 1 January 2005, in the case of certain products containing chrysotile.

Comprehensive European Union derived legislation also exists for the protection of workers exposed to asbestos at work. Those provisions are transposed in Ireland through the European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations, 1989, as amended in 1993 and 2000. Those regulations are designed to provide protection to those workers involved in activities which may lead to possible exposure to asbestos fibres. Examples of such activities include removal of asbestos-containing materials, demolition and construction work or maintenance work.

Also under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 1995, a preliminary health and safety plan must be drawn up by the project supervisor for design stage – PSDS – on most projects. This plan must specify, among other items, any particular risk that exists at the premises, including the presence of asbestos-containing materials. The PSDS should be aware of the age of the building and the typical construction materials used at the time of its construction and should be conscious of the possible presence of asbestos products. Where buildings are not being renovated or refurbished and it is thought that they may contain asbestos, occupiers have a duty under current legislation to identify.

Question No. 162 answered with Question their workplace.