Showing 685 results

Audience responses to broadcasts and press coverage prompting surges of inquiries. In chronological order by media event.

'Daily hazard' (May 2001) considered 'Asbestos facts' "a ‘must have’ for all advice workers, safety reps and trade union officers who are involved with this deadly dust. In addition to information about early use of asbestos and some important dates when evidence emerged of disease, it gives an extremely clear guide to the obstacle course involved in making both DSS and civil claims. The many illustrations tell much of the story: pictures of diseased lungs, electron micrographs of fibres, early use, damaged asbestos in buildings and machinery. Also of workers using air-line respirators and full protective gear in 1978. The section on DSS benefits explains key aspects of the process. It supplements official forms by important pieces of extra information. There are checklists, question and answers for DIYers and home owners. It urges self-employed workers to apply if they were exposed as an apprentice because DSS should count this as paid employment. It explains the workings of the new Community Legal Service Fund. It has four pages aimed at bereaved relatives explaining exactly why the post mortem is so vital and hoping it will ease the pain and bitterness many feel. This short pamphlet really does reflect thirty years experience."

Correspondence and papers re an OEDA leaflet sponsored by IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and by Sypol Noise & Pollution Consultants Ltd.

OEDA awareness leaflet "Asbestos in your home" was designed to alert builders, electricians, plumbers, engineers, DIYers and anyone working in houses to the potential dangers of asbestos in buildings. It includes simple advice on steps to protect oneself, statistics on asbestos related cancer deaths, and information on obtaining industrial injuries benefits and compensation.

Correspondence with coroners 1975-2004, and papers. In reverse chronological order.

Papers and correspondence re the work of the Health & Safety Commission's (HSC) Advisory Committee on Asbestos (ACA), in reverse chronological order.

ACA was chaired by the Scottish trade unionist and political activist, William (Bill) James Simpson (hence 'Simpson Committee). Simpson was HSC chairman 1974-1983.

ACA's terms of reference were: "To review the risks to health arising from exposure to asbestos or products containing asbestos including: persons exposed at work; members of the public exposed to asbestos generated from work activities; members of the public exposed to asbestos from consumer products and from asbestos waste; [and] To make recommendations as to whether any further protection is required."

For a copy of the final report of the Committee (‘Asbestos: vol. 1: final report of the advisory committee’, 1979), consult University of Strathclyde Special Collections at http://suprimo.lib.strath.ac.uk/.

Papers and correspondence relating to the Langbaurgh public inquiry, 28 April 1981.

In 1980 Langbaurgh District Council adopted an anti-asbestos policy, refusing planning permission in six cases on the grounds that the projects involved asbestos use. Langbaurgh's policy was unusual at the time in that it was applied to both public and private building projects.

Appeals were lodged against the refusals. Four of the appeals came from local builder C & J Buckley and were backed by the Cement Manufacturers Association. During the ensuing public inquiry, Langbaurgh District Council was represented by QC Peter Boydell and called on evidence from Nancy Tait (SPAID) and G E Rushworth of the Glasgow-based Cancer Prevention Society.

SPAID's testimony at the inquiry, it was later asserted, "brought to light a lot of new information not available at the time of the Simpson Report in 1979" (House of Lords Debate 1 December 1981, vol 425 cc1008-31).

Langbaurgh was a borough in North East England.