Risks from fires to buildings containing asbestos

Risks from fires to buildings containing asbestos

When buildings containing asbestos catch fire then the risk of the asbestos becoming airborne are significantly increased due to damage and burning off other mixed materials within the products.

The asbestos can cause serious health risks to anyone nearby.  Also the asbestos can potentially contaminate surrounding land or buildings.

This airborne asbestos poses severe health hazards to individuals in proximity to the fire. Additionally, there is a risk of asbestos contamination spreading to the surrounding land and buildings. Picture the smoke generated by fires; now, imagine these plumes containing asbestos fibers. These fibers settle on nearby structures, residential properties, or gardens, creating an additional risk of exposure.

Reflecting on the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, we witnessed the collapse of the twin towers during a terrorist attack. While not a fire, a similar reaction occurred with dust clouds containing 2,000 tonnes of asbestos fibers, exposing 410,000 people, as noted by experts.

The buildings

Older buildings built before 1999 (The year asbestos was banned in the uk) are more likely to contain asbestos.  These can be any type of building including residential, commercial and industrial.

Also due to the age of the property the fire proofing is likely not to be substantial or up to todays contemporary standards.

What are the health risks from the fire?

If you have been in the proximity of a fire then the greater chance you will have to inhale asbestos fibres and exposing yourself.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestos related diseases; these include asbestosis, lung cancer, plural plaques and mesothelioma.

Fires also pose risks to firefighting personnel tasked with suppressing the blaze and managing associated dangers.

How to manage the threat of fires in your buildings

To address these risks, conducting a thorough fire risk assessment is crucial, and maintaining up-to-date fire safety equipment is the responsibility of the duty-holder.

In the UK, non-domestic properties and communal areas of rented properties require a fire risk assessment.

If you are the duty-holder and your building is found to contain asbestos through your survey, the fire brigade are always keen on knowing this information so they can put extra precautions in place.

For example if you have a large factory with lots of asbestos, the fire brigade may bring their own decontamination unit from knowing this information in the first instance.

Asbestos survey reports play a vital role in assisting the fire service when assessing sites, controlling fires, and implementing safety measures.

FAQ

Q: What are the specific health risks associated with inhaling asbestos fibres during a fire?

A: Inhalation of asbestos fibres during a fire can lead to various asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques, and mesothelioma. These diseases can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences for individuals exposed to asbestos-containing smoke.

Q: How can building owners or duty-holders effectively manage the threat of fires in buildings containing asbestos?

A: Building owners or duty-holders should conduct thorough fire risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. This may include implementing fire safety equipment, maintaining up-to-date fire safety standards, and ensuring that firefighting personnel are aware of the presence of asbestos in the building.

Q: Are there any regulations or guidelines in place to address the risks of asbestos exposure during fires, particularly in older buildings?

A: Yes, in the UK, non-domestic properties and communal areas of rented properties require a fire risk assessment. If asbestos is present in a building, it is essential for the duty-holder to inform the fire brigade so that they can take additional precautions during firefighting operations. Asbestos survey reports play a vital role in assisting the fire service in assessing sites, controlling fires, and implementing safety measures.