Posted By Ron Hunter
What were the results of the measurements taken to determine if it was safe to re-enter, and who conducted them?
You don't give much in the way of detail in your post. What I would expect and consider 'reasonable' would be very different depending on the type of ACM and the extent of damage/fibre release (e.g. Asbestos Cement versus Asbestos Insulation).
Is there at least an internal incident report you can refer to?

Posted By stephen d clarke
Hi,
In summary I think within the management plan for control of asbestos there should be information detailing what to do if asbestos is found or accidentally disturbed.

Basically work should stop, area evacuated and secured, notice displayed, environmental experts called in.

If someone is contaminated clothing should be bagged for disposal as asbestos waste or specialist cleaning and the person should shower/wash off any dust contamination. Area to be isolated doors/windows locked etc.

Subsequently all those exposed would need advice from occupational health and appropriate health surveillance. Its difficult if you don't know what the levels were I guess a competent advisor could make a judgement. It may require exposed individuals to have medicals/ X-ray as a record to show their current state of health, not if inhaled asbestos fibres are present as one is enough. Records kept for 40 years.
Steve

Posted By Jay Joshi
There is an HSE Local Authority Circular on "The level of risk from occupational exposure to asbestos: guidance for HSE and LA staff when responding to enquiries" following suspected exposure to asbestos at:-


http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/5-19.htm

Posted By David Rodger
I have had a situation in the past where personnel suspected that they had been contaminated with asbestos fibres. Fortunately we had system in place which involved them being taken to the onsite decon unit by ACAD trained operatives and instructed how to decontaminate themselves. There clothing was bagged as asbestos waste however their outer clothing with the suspected asbestos debris was immediately taken to our Analyst and checked for the presence of asbestos fibres. On this occasion it was found that the material was not asbestos. It was important to check the clothing, rather than assume to be contaminated for two reasons. Firstly we were able to alleviate any fears that the personnel had been exposed very quickly and secondly if fibres had been found we would have a least an idea of the amount of exposure. This would be useful in asserting the extent of any medical surveillance, and can also help the exposed person put the potential risk into perspective.

Posted By Ron Hunter
David: Asking an analyst to find asbestos fibres in 'visibly clean' clothing is much the same as asking him to find a needle in a haystack. Seems unlikely to me!

Posted By Dave Wilson
Emergency procedures which would cover the above scenario should be included as part of your Asbestos Management Plan.

Posted By Bob Shillabeer
In response to Gavins input, I suggest that nothing will be done as this will lead to calims cioming in and for those who may be affected put additional stress and worry upon the individual. We live in a real world and most companies would not invite claims. However, the company should undertake a discrete survey iof previous employees to try and identify if there is a problem with previous workers health before undertaking a frightening exercise.