06 Nov - Asbestos exposure is 'absolutely disgusting'

Friday, 6 Nov 2009

A former pipe fitter diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease has backed a new campaign launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Chris Morgan, 58, from Lewisham, is suffering from terminal cancer having been exposed to the deadly material while working in the Hatton Gardens area of Westminster.

He said that joiners liability insurance customers need to learn what asbestos looks like and how best to handle it.

"It is absolutely disgusting that there are people still being exposed to this material. If they come across something that looks like it could be asbestos they should report it and not disturb. It is best to be wrong and live than take a chance and die," he added.

The HSE recently launched its Asbestos: The Hidden Killer campaign, which aims to protect public liability insurance customers and their employees from the material.

Asbestos is commonly used as an insulator, while it also has good fire protection properties and aids against corrosion. However it is commonly mixed with other materials which makes it hard to identify.

Source: ContractorsCompare Nov 09