HSE allays fears over asbestos risk at healthcare facilities
Asbestos is present in many old buildings in Ireland.
The HSE has said asbestos-containing materials are present in many healthcare campuses but has moved to allay any fears that staff or visitors could be impacted.
Following concerns raised at the June meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and North West, Niall Colleary, Assistant National Director, HSE Capital and Estates, stated: “Many of our healthcare campuses will have asbestos present. However, it is important to remember that as long as asbestos-containing-materials (ACMs) are not damaged or disturbed and remain in good condition, the risk of exposure from release of fibres is minimal and should not present any threat to the health of those occupying a building containing such materials. In good condition, ACMs do not necessarily require removal.
“Within HSE Capital and Estates we ensure that no refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken, without first ensuring that a detailed refurbishment demolition survey for ACMs is undertaken.
“The requirement for management of asbestos is dealt with under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006-2025. The HSE’s duties under these regulations is to assess the risk to any employee's health or safety resulting from any activity from which an employee is, or may be exposed in their place of work, to fibres arising from asbestos-containing materials and to determine the nature and degree of any employee's exposure arising from such materials, and to lay down the necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of employees.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
