Frequently asked questions - Asbestos-containing gauzes in schools

Why are the metal mesh gauzes a problem?

The samples tested by HSE have a white heat pad material on them which in some cases has been found to contain asbestos. Asbestos use and supply is prohibited in the EU/UK but not everywhere in the world. HSE understands these are imports and is investigating the suppliers.

HSE is investigating that. There is legislation prohibiting import, supply and use of asbestos in the EU (REACH).

The gauzes will need to be taken out of use and disposed in accordance with relevant published guidance on hazardous waste. Where non-asbestos-containing gauzes are stored directly alongside asbestos-containing gauzes, these should be treated as contaminated waste. Other equipment which has been stored with asbestos-containing gauzes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth if there is any visible dust present. The cloth should be disposed of as contaminated waste.

The work to dispose of asbestos-containing gauzes and waste items is a low-risk activity, but it still needs precautions and controls in line with legal requirements. The work should only be done by people who are confident that they can follow the relevant guidance and have access to the right equipment. Assistance can be obtained from a specialist asbestos contractor (eg a contractor holding an asbestos work licence from HSE) but this is not a legal requirement in this situation.

Where possible, the gauzes stored in a container should be disposed of in that container to prevent further handling of individual gauzes. The container and gauzes should be treated as asbestos-containing waste.

Where this is not possible, gauzes should be carefully wetted using a hand-held spray bottle containing water with a small quantity of detergent (eg washing-up liquid) and handled carefully to prevent any further damage. They should be placed in a suitable heavy-duty polythene waste bag which is then placed in a second bag (ie double bagged) and labelled accordingly, in line with HSE's Asbestos Essentials Guidance EM9 Disposal of asbestos waste.

Use caution as the corners of the gauze may be sharp and could penetrate the polythene, so it may be more suitable to place the gauzes into a container such as a rigid, sealable plastic container before placing into suitable waste bags.

Any excess water (from spray) and dust/debris from the gauzes should be wiped up using a damp rag and the rag should be disposed of in the same manner, in line with the Asbestos Essentials guidance EM7 Using damp rags to clean surfaces of minor asbestos contamination.

As this is low-risk and short-duration work, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), ie a mask or respirator, is not legally required. However, dutyholders may wish to adopt a precautionary approach regarding the use of RPE and personal protective clothing. Where gauzes are damaged and/or there is resultant debris, a disposable coverall and a suitable dust mask (eg FFP3 or half mask with a P3 filter) could be worn. If a mask is used, the person should be face-fit tested and trained in its use. Full details are in Asbestos Essentials Guidance EM6 Personal protective equipment (including RPE). There is also advice at http://fit2fit.org/ for face-fit tests.

Analysis of the gauze material by HSE has identified that it is fibrous in nature and contains some asbestos, which is a known hazardous substance. Any risk from asbestos depends on the extent of asbestos fibre release and inhalation of these very fine fibres.

The risk from asbestos in the gauze material from normal tripod use will generally be extremely low for several reasons including the following:

• the material is predominantly non-asbestos
• there is very limited physical contact with the material during use (eg essentially placing items on top)
• any contact is light and momentary

As a result, any free fibre release into the air will be minimal for normal use. However, the material is soft and crumbly and some small particles or fragments may detach on occasions including during use. Particles and debris may also break off over time through abrasion or impact in storage. These particles and fragments do not represent an airborne risk.

As a precautionary measure, and in line with the general legal requirement to prevent exposure to asbestos, the gauzes should be disposed of. Any debris in containers or boxes should be carefully cleaned up and also disposed of - see the FAQ below 'How do I dispose of the gauzes and waste items?'.

No, the risk is low. An X-ray will not indicate anything.

HSE has carried out limited quantitative testing on the gauze materials. The results indicate that, where asbestos was detected, it is in the range of around 20-30%. Asbestos was not detected in all samples.

The asbestos found within the gauze material was identified as tremolite asbestos. This is one of the six regulated asbestos types and is similar in appearance and properties to amosite asbestos. Tremolite is a relatively rare type of amphibole asbestos and may be found as a natural contamination in a range of industrial minerals.

You cannot visually identify asbestos on the gauze mat. You can either assume they contain asbestos, stop using them and dispose of them safely following the requirements of environmental legislation or you can use a laboratory accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to analyse samples to see if asbestos is present.

If you decide to have samples analysed you would need (by law) to use a UKAS accredited laboratory and should look for local asbestos testing laboratories on the UK Accreditation Service website.

No. The risk involved is not considered to be high-risk asbestos work. Licence holders often do lower-risk non-licensed work. HSE's advice is that the methods in Asbestos Essentials guidance EM7 Using damp rags to clean surfaces of minor asbestos contamination are proportionate.

If supplies are sourced from or manufactured outside the EU where asbestos is not banned, UK suppliers need to operate a system of assurance including commissioning testing.

HSE relies on surveillance of cross-border trade by other government departments. However, this is more likely to work if the cargo manifests are accurately declared and described. Far East makers should assure UK importers that the product is asbestos-free. This may not be accurate for a number of reasons, so it is for the UK based supplier to check on compliance given their legal duty not to import or supply articles which contain asbestos.

Irrespective of assurances from global non-EU suppliers, UK suppliers should commission accredited laboratory testing on samples of articles from outside the EU which are liable to contain asbestos before placing orders and should arrange repeat testing periodically.

Otherwise users or asbestos surveyors are those likely to encounter the issue and report it for investigation to HSE, Trading Standards or Defra which leads on the policy issues.

You should first contact the supplier. If they are unable to provide proof that the gauzes have been tested by a UKAS accredited testing laboratory and are indeed asbestos-free then you should contact the Trading Standards helpline on your local authority (LA) website. The risk to health is low but you should stop using them and bag the gauzes in two polythene bags and seal up the double bag. You should then ask the LA how to dispose of them safely. You do not have to decontaminate/deep clean your environment. Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner; only use damp rags to clean up any dust. The damp rags should be bagged up and disposed of with the gauzes.

It might be. You should contact the supplier and ask what testing has been done in the UK and for a copy of the result. See the question What should I do if I have them? for what you need to do if asbestos is identified or cannot be ruled out.

HSE's assessment is that this does not meet the risk criteria to be reportable under RIDDOR. HSE is already aware and taking action regarding the issue in any case.

The asbestos-containing gauzes are classified as hazardous waste (or special waste as it is referred to in Scotland). If such waste arises from work activities and even if you have presumed the gauzes contain asbestos rather than confirming it, they must be treated as hazardous even though they are low-risk. General guidance on the disposal of asbestos waste can be found in Asbestos Essentials EM9 Disposal of asbestos waste.

Once suitably bagged (or contained), all hazardous waste, including asbestos-containing materials, should be disposed of properly and in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Environmental Regulator. You can find advice:

• in England on the Environment Agency website
• in Scotland on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website
• in Wales on the Natural Resources Wales website

Schools in England and Wales can refer to the CLEAPSS website for further advice. Members will also have access to the CLEAPSS Helpline.

Scottish schools can seek advice from SSERC.

Enquiries not answered by this document or the organisations mentioned can be referred to HSE via a contact form.  

A mask can only provide effective protection to the wearer if it properly fits the person. A proper fit can only be confirmed by carrying out a face-fit test on the mask. Guidance on face-fit testing is available and fit testers can be found on the website Fit2Fit . HSE advice is that the risk is low and a mask is not essential but if one is used then to be assured of effectiveness a face fit test of the mask is required.

HSE was alerted to the issue through a contact with HSE's Concerns Team by a school. The asbestos-containing gauze was originally identified during an asbestos survey in the school. Testing of the subsequent replacement mats by a UKAS accredited laboratory revealed that the new mats also contained asbestos. An investigation was initiated by HSE's Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) who enforce REACH the UK legislation relating to suppliers.

Anyone importing articles from outside the EU should always take extra care and treat claims that articles are asbestos-free with caution because of the potential for different interpretations about that concept in other parts of the world. The manufacture, import, supply and use of products that have had asbestos intentionally added is prohibited under EU legislation.

HSE is still investigating and enforcement action may follow so we are limited in what we can say about particular cases at present.

If an employer finds that either their supplier informs them their gauzes/mats have asbestos content or if the employer arranges for lab analysis and more than a trace of asbestos is confirmed, then you are encouraged to report the matter to HSE by using the online work concerns reporting web page.

When completing the online form, don't forget to include your own contact details in section A.

In section B, when completing the part headed 'What activity is causing your concern?' you should write "Report of supply of asbestos articles re REACH'.

Try and ensure that in the other boxes of the online form you cover the following matters:

• items supplied
• approximately when
• name, address and telephone number of supplier
• details of lab analysis if applicable or information given by the supplier

All such messages will be seen by the appropriate HSE staff and decisions made about next steps concerning those who have supplied the articles to you.

It is not yet clear at this stage how many schools, colleges and other users have accessed these particular materials – that is subject to our ongoing enquiries. Our priority is to ensure that those who have these particular gauze mats are given our precautionary advice.

If this has happened, what else in the supply chain will contain asbestos?

That will form part of our investigation as to how these particular gauze mats came into circulation. Should any issues emerge, we will inform all affected parties as soon as possible.