What Employers Must Do When Workplace Exposure Limits Are Breached

30 Jun 2025

If you’re an employer in Ireland, the safety of your team should always be at the top of your list, especially when it comes to dealing with dangerous materials like asbestos. As such, if your workplace exposure limits are breached, quick action is crucial to protect your workers’ health and keep your business running smoothly.

Asbestos is never something to take lightly, as long-term exposure can lead to serious health issues like asbestosis or even cancer. If your building has old materials, it’s essential to carry out asbestos surveys to identify potential hazards before they become a problem.

What Happens When Exposure Limits Are Breached?

If exposure limits are exceeded, you must stop all work immediately and remove your workers from the area. You also need to seal it off to prevent further exposure. Next, assess the situation, find out how to lower exposure, and put in place controls like better ventilation or changing how the work is done. Regular asbestos monitoring is essential to ensure the air quality is safe again.

If exposure limits are exceeded, stop work immediately, remove workers from the area, and seal it off to prevent further exposure. Then, assess the situation and implement control measures (like improving ventilation or changing work processes) to lower exposure levels. Also, regular asbestos monitoring will help ensure the air quality is safe again.

Next steps for employers include:

1. Consult the Experts: Contact licensed professionals to carry out an asbestos survey and guide you through the next steps.

2. Manage Asbestos Safely: If asbestos needs to be removed, ensure it's done by licensed contractors. Asbestos removal and disposal should always be handled by trained professionals to prevent further risks.

Helping to Keep Ireland Safe From Asbestos

If and when asbestos exposure limits are breached, there’s no time to waste. By staying on top of asbestos surveys, taking fast action, and ensuring asbestos removal and disposal are handled properly, you’ll be protecting your workers while also staying compliant. 

If you need any help in this regard, OHSS experts should be your first port of call. Call 

01 6905907, and our team can guide you to take the correct steps and not put anyone at risk.

Alternatively, to find out more about our full range of occupational hygiene services, visit us today at www.ohss.ie.

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