BBC TVC Asbestos Register
The BBC has launched an Asbestos Register for anyone who has worked in the BBC Television Centre Studios 2, 3 or 5 from 1990 to 2005.
For further information, please visit the BBC safety home page or specifically visit the Asbestos Register page
We quote from their site, as this is a matter that will be of great interest to many STLD Members and their collegues :
The BBC’s Television Centre studios were constructed in the 1950’s. When the studios were constructed originally, fire protection material was sprayed on the roof beams of the studios and this material contained asbestos. Over the years the bonding agent used in the spraying has been subject to some deterioration. This deterioration has recently resulted in some asbestos fibres drifting down concealed cable ducts and falling onto the wall boxes, cables, power points and studio floor. The studios affected are TC2, TC3 and TC5. It is extremely unlikely due to the design and layout of the studios that any exposure has resulted through operational activity. However, it is possible that studio technical operations e.g. rigging operations, may have potentially disturbed the areas containing asbestos materials.
The BBC acknowledges the serious risk to health caused by exposure to asbestos containing materials. Through its effective management arrangements the BBC demonstrates how it satisfies its obligations with respect to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAWR 2002) controls the hazard and reduces the risk of exposure as far as is reasonably practicable.
Although the level of risk is negligible, the BBC is asking anyone who currently, or has previously worked in these studios between the period of 1990 and 2005 to register themselves with the BBC and obtain further advice.
STLD Members are reminded to register ASAP, as the number of staff assigned to this project is due to be reduced at the end of November 2006, so registration will take longer after this date.