This generic risk assessment (GRA) examines the hazards, risks and control measures relating to Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) personnel, the personnel of other agencies and members of the public at incidents involving asbestos containing materials (ACMs).

Depending on the nature and scale of the operational incident a variety of significant hazards may be present. FRS may therefore need to consider the contents of other specific GRAs in this series. The GRA should therefore be considered in conjunction with all other relevant GRAs.

FRSs must conduct their own assessments and produce their own Safe Systems of Work (which includes Standard Operating Procedures <Actinic:Variable Name = 'SOPs'/>, training programmes, provision of equipment, levels of response etc.) within the context of Integrated Risk Management Plans, local conditions, knowledge and existing organisational arrangements.
Significant hazards and risks

Asbestos is the generic name given to the fibrous forms of naturally occurring silicate minerals that have been used in commercial products (mainly in the construction industry) due to their high tensile strength, flexibility, low electrical conductivity, and resistance to heat and chemicals.

The three main types of asbestos are:

• Crocidolite (blue)
• Amosite (brown)
• Chrysotile (white)

However, it is not possible to differentiate between them by their colour as all are ‘a dirty white’.