LUL – ASBESTOS IN ASH TRACK BEDS

Our ref: HSR/1/2

Head Office Circular: NP/162/23

8^th September 2023

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague,

 

LUL – ASBESTOS IN ASH TRACK BEDS 

 

Further to Head Office Circular NP/153/23, dated 25^th August 2023, your London Underground (LU) Engineering Branch submitted a further resolution as follows:

 

This branch notes that there is currently a prohibition on any work that disturbs ash beds in depots. This is after some of them have been tested and found to contain asbestos and other toxic materials. It has been brought to our attention that contractors are still carrying out intrusive work in depots and are seemingly unaware of any issue. 

 

We request that the NEC instructs the General Secretary to:

 

Write to London Underground informing them that this is unacceptable and it is their responsibility to inform all workers of the risk associated with this ash.

 

The ORR is informed of this potential breach and that the General Secretary organises a meeting between the ORR and our associated track side reps.

 

At its meeting on 6^th September 2023, your National Executive Committee resolved as follows:

 

We note the resolution from LU Engineering Branch and thank them for raising this important issue.

 

Agency workers must be protected as well as any other worker and this situation shows the disparity created by outsourcing.

 

We instruct the General Secretary as follows:

 

• To write to London Underground informing them that agency workers continuing to work in this potentially dangerous environment is unacceptable and it is their responsibility to inform all workers of the risk associated with this ash.
• That the ORR is informed of this potential breach and that the General Secretary organises a meeting between the ORR and our associated track side reps.

 

All relevant members and branches to be informed by text and email.

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary