Manufacture and manipulation of asbestos

A dangerous operation declared under Section 87 of the Factories Act 1948 — Rule 114(1) item 17 · Schedule XVII.

Medical surveillance (statutory)

Sch XVII para 18: employed only if examined by the Medical Inspector / Certifying Surgeon, declared fit and granted a certificate of fitness in Form 23; existing workers radiologically examined within three months; thereafter at intervals of twelve months (X-ray when directed); record in Form 7. Para 19(4): health records retained at least 40 years from start of employment or 15 years after cessation, whichever is later.

Hazard & health effects

Agent: Asbestos fibre (all forms)

Health effects: Asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural plaques/effusion (long latency).

Controls & PPE

Engineering controls: Enclosure and LEV; wet methods; prohibition/substitution where feasible; air monitoring; chest X-ray + lung-function programme; controlled waste disposal; 40/15-year record retention.

PPE: Respiratory protection (appropriate FFP/PAPR); disposable coveralls; gloves; decontamination facilities.

This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.