New research on asbestos has confirmed that risks from asbestos containing textured coatings (TCs) are much lower than previously thought. The findings support the proposal that work with textured coatings will no longer require a licence.
Asbestos risk from textured coatings defined
Textured coatings contain only small amounts of asbestos and this is bound in a matrix that does not readily release asbestos fibres when removed. In response to early comments received during consultation, the Health and Safety Executive commissioned the Health and Safety Laboratory to carry out further research into work with TCs. Kevin Walkin, head of asbestos policy at HSE, said: "The research shows that the risk from asbestos-containing textured coatings is comparable to the risks from work with asbestos cement, which does not require a licence. "We're not saying this work is no-risk – it still needs to be carried out by trained workers using appropriate controls. Licensing is an additional check on highrisk work and should reflect changing knowledge about risks to remain credible. "This new research shows that the level of asbestos fibres in the air from work with textured coatings will not exceed the proposed new control limit when carried out using good practice and that clearing up all the visible debris will be sufficient to ensure that premises are safe for reoccupation."
