Asbestos crackdown looms
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m by Peter Lawton
Suppliers, operators, fitters and distributors are risking unlimited tines by using asbestos brake pad products, says the Health and Safety Executive.
Inspectors for the government agency say they have found widespread use of asbestos products within the Industry, even though alternatives must be used where available, There have been instances of cost-cutting where asbestos products have been retrofitted to vehicles originally supplied with their non-asbestos equivalents. The HSE was not prepared to name the companies involved, but said their response had been swift and positive when breaches were uncovered, stopping the use of asbestos products within an hour.
From 1 October there will be a total ban on the use of asbestos on all vehicles first used after 1972—and this will be seen by the HSE as the cue for a full clampdown on the industry.
An inspector says: The shutters will come down then and I think people will start whistle-blowing."
A Department of Transport consultation document estimates stockpiles of asbestos brake products to be worth about £3.5 million.
But if suppliers continue to push the products or fitters look to save money by using them prosecutions will follow, says the HSE. If the cases go to crown court it could mean unlimited fines.
Current regulations dictate that nonasbestos products must be used where available, safe and practicable. The HSE says there are alternative products available for nearly all vehicles designed for use with asbestos.