Advice to users of Bunsen burner wire gauzes that may contain asbestos

Advice to users of Bunsen burner wire gauzes that may contain asbestos

If you have looked in a paper/ had your eye on social media this week, you won't have been able to miss the latest news regarding the issue of asbestos bunsen burner wire gauzes.

The following information has been issued by the HSE:

Advice to users of Bunsen burner wire gauzes that may contain asbestos

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has become aware of two suppliers of scientific equipment that have supplied mesh gauzes with asbestos-containing centres. The material on the gauzes is used for its heat-resistant properties. The gauzes are conventionally used with tripods and Bunsen burners as shown in the photograph:

Why is asbestos dangerous?

The latest statistics from The Health & Safety Executive state:

  • Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, this is more than the number of people killed on the road.
  • Around 20 tradesman die each week as a result of past exposure
  • Asbestos can be present today in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. This is why it is important that you protect yourself now.

If you require any further information regarding the risks associated to working with asbestos, or have any training requirements see www.ukata.org.uk

Media Enquiries:
Victoria Castelluccio, Marketing Officer
victoria.castelluccio@ukata.org.uk
01246 824437

Published on Tuesday 11th September 2018