Posted By Annetta Maslen I would appreciate any views on the following: A subcontractor working on an external garage roof disturbed suspected asbestos. Work stopped whilst the material was analysed. Nobody had access to the premises and the waste was disposed of as controlled waste.Only the operative was in fact exposed to the material. Incident investigation revealed lack of training for operatives, control of sub-contractors and monitoring arrangements. All of which are being addressed urgently by the contractor and monitored by the client. My question is, should this be reported as a RIDDOR incident? Opinion is strongely divided - according to whether you are a contractor, sub-contractor or the client employing the main contractor.

Posted By Ken Taylor Good advice from Joe. A question to ask in such circumstances is 'Who was in control or occupation of the workplace at the time?' If the site is clearly ring-fenced to the contractor (in word and deed) it's down to them.

Posted By Robert Woods RIDDOR reg 21 21 Escape of substances The accidental release or escape of any substance in a quantity sufficient to cause the death, major injury or any other damage to the health of any person. The question is was there sufficient quantity to cause death or major injury? Even very low exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma [cancer of the lining of the lung] so it should in theory be reported. The main thing is that the worker[s] that were exposed should make a record of thier exposure [date[s], employer, outcome of any surveys that determine the type of asbestos etc] as asbestos disease latency periods are normally between 10 and 60 years. They should also tell their GP of the exposure. The TUC, UCAT, and UNISON offer free asbestos exposure recording, incase the worst happens in the future. Robert Woods