September 5, 2003—The UK Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has announced an amendment to the Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1992 that affects the importation of products containing asbestos. The amendment modifies the existing ban on importing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), so that only those where the asbestos has been intentionally added are prohibited from being imported. This brings the importation ban into line with the existing prohibition on supply and use of ACMs, and will ensure that the UK meets obligations under European single market regulations.
Minerals for which specific concerns have been expressed over asbestos impurities include olivine, vermiculite, talc, dolomite, hermatite, iron ore, basalt, marble, chrome ore, magnetite, and wollastonite.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is using this opportunity to highlight the duties on companies that supply or use products containing minerals that could be affected. The advice will emphasize that even quite small amounts of asbestos in a material may give rise to a real risk from asbestos fibers if it is subjected to a high-energy process like sand or grit blasting, which could cause fibers to be released.
The Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2003 are available from The Stationery Office, PO Box 29, St. Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1GN, Tel: 0870 600 5522.
