Irish Asbestos News - Laios Village Water Supply Works Improves Security

4 May 2018

Many people believe that as asbestos regulations have prohibited the use of the substance in construction and manufacturing for over 20 years, that the problem is one that no longer exists. At OHSS Safety Consultants, we know that asbestos removal and disposal is still a major issue in the built environment and it is one that keeps us very busy.

To illustrate this fact, we highlight a story from the news that has a large ageing water mains structure being replaced in the mid-Irish town of Laois. The works took place at the beginning or April this year, as that particular 3.6 kilometre stretch of water main on the R445 was very prone to major leakages, having been in place since the 1950s.

The works were carried out as part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme in conjunction with Laois County Council and involved replacing a section of decades old, damaged asbestos water mains with much safer, high density, polyethylene pipes.

Two Phase Project

The next phase of the works is due to commence later this year and may involve interruptions in the water supply. However these stoppages will be conducted only after an agreed 48 hour warning period, so customers can prepare themselves.

Insidious and Ubiquitous

This much needed work shows that asbestos removal, asbestos surveys and its disposal is still going on at a pace and will continue, whilst the substance still exists in buildings and infrastructure built before the ban came into force.

It will likely take several more decades for the substance to completely removed, if indeed it ever is fully, so it’s important that if you own a business premises, particularly an established one built before the ban was implemented, that you familiarise yourself with your obligations to your employees and to the law as it stands.

Here to Help

We have been assisting companies and organisations to deal with the hazards that are presented by asbestos. We offer comprehensive asbestos services and staff training to keep everyone in your working safe and protected.

If you would like to learn more about the clear and present danger that is asbestos and how to identify and manage it, you can call our experienced team on 01 6905907. For news, guidance and information about everything we do, you can find what you need by visiting www.ohss.ie

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