Health, Safety and Environment

Wantage Telephone Exchange - Risk of Asbestos Exposure

It has been brought to the attention of the branch that there has been an Asbestos incident at Wantage ATE. The incident happened on the morning of 21 March 2006.

I have been informed that Wantage is now fully operational again.

BT contractors were removing old strowger racks and equipment. Whilst carrying out this process they had damaged fire stopping boards made of Asbestos cement. Monteray arrived on site and noticed what had happened so it was agreed that the site be closed down for health and safety reasons as there was a strong suspicion of airborne Asbestos.

An air sample was asked for and it was confirmed that there was a presence of Asbestos particles.

Those people who think that they may have been exposed should call 0800 780 783 (safety services helpdesk) to asked to be put on the Asbestos Register.

If anyone would like further information please contact me.
Dean Pullen
Health, Safety & Environment Co-ordinator
Office: (01494) 437521
Mobile: 07720 412602
safety@cwu-ccc.org