New asbestos register

Broadcasting union BECTU and union law firm Thompsons have set up a register for members who believe they have been exposed to asbestos.

The register records the names of members, employers, workplaces and relevant dates, via a questionnaire downloadable from www.bectu.org.uk/safety/asbestos_2006.pdf. It will help BECTU to speed up compensation claims for members who become ill due to asbestos exposure.

The entertainment industry is not typically linked to asbestos, but the union points out that the material was commonly used in film and TV sets, lag pipes, ceiling tiles, lighting equipment, fireproofing for stunts and even protective equipment.