Asbestos exposure at work is still a topical occupational safety topic in Finland, even though the use of asbestos was banned before 1994. Asbestos still exists in dozens of different materials in old buildings, and any demolition, renovation or maintenance work on them can lead to fibers spreading into the breathing air. Because of this, the employer has strict statutory obligations and the employee has significant rights.
Which occupations have historically been risky?
Before the ban on asbestos, asbestos was handled daily in many industries without adequate protection. The majority of asbestos diseases found today are related to exposure to the 1960s-1980s in the following areas:
- Construction industry, especially tile work, screed work and facade work
- Insulation work, which used asbestos-containing pipe insulation and sheets
- removal work, where old asbestos materials were breached without protection
- Dock industry and shipbuilding
- Electrical installation, plumbing and HVAC work
- Industrial maintenance and steam power plants
Although re-exposure is less common, occupational exposure to asbestos is still possible whenever dealing with buildings built before 1994.
How does exposure happen in practice?
Asbestos is only dangerous when the fibers are released into the air. The most typical exposure situations occur when asbestos-containing material is sawed, drilled, sanded or broken without appropriate asbestos removal. Dusting the old dust layer in attics or machine rooms can also cause exposure. The fibers are invisible to the eye and remain in the air for a long time.
Government Decree on asbestos work 798/2015
In Finland, asbestos work is regulated by the Government Decree on the safety of asbestos work 798/2015. The regulation specifies exactly who is allowed to do asbestos work, how the work must be protected and what measurements are required. The key requirements are:
- Asbestos removal work may only be carried out by an asbestos removal contractor authorized by the Regional State Administrative Agency
- Before demolition, an asbestos survey of the site must be carried out
- The work area must be compartmentalized and pressurized
- P3 class respirators and disposable protective clothing must be used
- Air concentration measurements must be taken during and after the work
You will get more information asbestos legislation on our website.
Obligations of the employer
The employer has the primary responsibility for protecting employees. Responsibilities include:
- Making an asbestos survey before demolition or renovation work
- Obtaining and monitoring the use of sufficient protective equipment
- Employees health checks before, during and after work
- Notification of employees to the ASA registry, if significant exposure is possible
- Retention of exposure documentation for 40 years
- Orientation and training on the risks of asbestos work
Neglects can lead to criminal liability, and the occupational health and safety authority as well Tukes actively supervise the operation.
Employee rights
The employee has the right to know what kind of substances he is exposed to, and to receive protection and health monitoring. ASA registry is a national register of people exposed to carcinogenic substances maintained by the National Institute of Occupational Health. Registration secures the right to long-term health monitoring, which continues even after retirement. The employee also has the right to refuse work if the protection is not properly organized.
What to do if you suspect you have been exposed?
If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos at work, do the following:
- Contact an occupational health doctor and describe the exposure situation as accurately as possible
- Request that the exposure be recorded in the patient records and the ASA register
- Keep the work history and any witnesses of the exposure situation
- If symptoms appear years later, ask a doctor to file an occupational disease notification
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and Tukes provide additional instructions for exposure assessment and control.
Prevention is in everyone's interest
Asbestos exposure at work is almost completely preventable when legal procedures are followed. The demolition or renovation work of every site built before 1994 requires an asbestos survey, and if necessary, samples of the materials are taken to the laboratory. Asbestipro serves employers and property owners in ordering a survey. Read more instructions for asbestos removal, get to know our survey service or order a survey directly online.