Hi all, bit of help here if u guys don't mind. Possible exposure to ACMs has been identified. Damaged materials and debris located in an area that is used regualarly (3-4 times per week) but only available to a few people - Maintenance and Contractors. Areas have been locked and static monitoring completed (below control limit levels) and test tape on debris gave positive readings on debris (amosite & crysotile). We have a plan in plan for actioning and making good but concern is do we need to report to HSE under RIDDOR Dangerous Occurrence (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.) Also, since the static monitoring was below levels my thinking is we do not need to notifiy all potentially exposed staff and not legal requirement to do so for contractors. We do not need to follow medical surveillance and chest x-rays, periodic surveillance. This is not to say we won't, its just we do not have to by law. I have a concern over static monitoring as i cannot see how this represents actual exposure potential and i'm considering getting distrubance monitoring conducted to confirm if there is a likilhood of any exposure. Very concerned and any advice would be great.

I am not an expert in this area, and as steve says u seem to have things in hand. But i would seriously concider a RIDDOR report. If as it seems you have done all that is reasonably practicable then you have nothing to worry about in doing so. If however if you dont and a complaint is made by one of those that may have been exposed then the alternative could cost a few K.

fety Man There does not appear to be a definitive answer on when incidents involving asbestos are reportable as dangerous occurrences. There are no specific listed dangerous occurrences in RIDDOR involving asbestos. However, a release of asbestos may be reportable as a dangerous occurrence under RIDDOR Schedule 2 Part I paragraph 21 - Escape of substances.Paragraph 152 of L73 states: The decision as to whether or not an incident is reportable depends upon factors such as the nature of the substance and its chemical, physical and toxicological properties, the amount which escaped and its dispersal; and whether people could have been present at the time.RIDDOR policy have stated that, in order for an incident to be reportable as a dangerous occurrence, it must be proven that asbestos was present (i.e. not suspected), that the asbestos must have been disturbed in such a way that fibres are released, and that the release of fibres exceeds the action levels and so represents a risk to health. Under these circumstances, it is probably prudent to report this as a dangerous occurrence as a precaution. This will apply both to incidents involving employees working with asbestos and persons not at work who may have been exposed.Reference: L73 A guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. Guidance on Regulations. ISBN 9780717662906 £11.95This can be downloaded online at the following web address: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l73.pdfIf the release is reportable under RIDDOR then this should be reported to the Incident Contact Centre (ICC)." My thought was, surely any exposure to a carcinogen is a Dangerous occurance and should be reported so it can be investigated to prevent further occurance as is the basis behind RIDDOR. Sould there really be a 'grey area'.

Hi Guys, We have received further results on this matter. All static are well below. 3 out 4 distrubance are low and below limit with 1 coming in around the limit. The one reading around the level was in an area that would not be regulary work near. Environmental clean and repairs are being arranged with licensed contractor and we are providing copies of the results to potentially effected staff. I believe we I look at all the information the potential likilhood of exposure is very low and reporting this would not be required. I feel we are managing this situation well.