Question reference: S6W-20364
- Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 2 August 2023
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 August 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place for the removal of any asbestos, where it is damaged or in a poor condition, across the NHS estate, and what the timeframe is for this work.
Answer
We recognise the hazard of asbestos and the risks to health it poses. However, asbestos is only dangerous when it is disturbed or in poor condition. The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance states that it is safe for asbestos to remain in place if it is in good condition, well-protected and unlikely to be disturbed. Health boards carry out annual asbestos monitoring surveys and asbestos management plans are in place across the NHS estate.