WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
This basic and informative document is uploaded by qhse documents for the valuable visitors who are working with or removal of asbestos. This document will also provide you with some essential answers to the various questions you want to know are you need to know such as What are the basic things a risk assessment should include? What is a risk assessment checklist for asbestos removal? Asbestos risk management, asbestos risk assessment common parts flats, school asbestos risk assessment, asbestos assessment, asbestos control measures, asbestos removal advice. This quality and informative document written and uploaded by qhse documents will also enhance your knowledge and competency regarding asbestos and its related hazards, risks, and control of hazards
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that happens in rock and soil. Due to its fibre strength and heat resistance, Asbestos has been used in many materials produced for building or home construction, particularly if they were manufactured before 1980, for example shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, and attic and pipe insulation work. If these materials are broken, crushed, or disturbed, the asbestos fibres may be released into the air and become a health hazard. High exposures to asbestos may happen during demolition and rebuilding work activities at the worksite.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Environmental Protection Agency, and state and local authorities have regulations to safeguard and protect employees from the hazards of asbestos.
WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS OF ASBESTOS?
- Exposure to asbestos is a risk factor for developing disabling and deadly lung diseases years after the exposure.
- Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to scarring of the lung tissue, which can result in the loss of lung function, disability, and death.
- Asbestos exposure can also cause cancer in the lungs and cancer (known as mesothelioma) in the lining of the lungs or stomach. There is a higher risk of lung cancer for smokers who are also exposed to asbestos.
- Skin Irritation
- Eye Irritation
- Manual Handling
OTHER SAFETY AND HEALTH HAZARDS
The recovery workforce/employees involved in demolition and rebuilding work activities may face some extra hazards on the worksite. Some common and general hazards include:
- Downed electrical wires.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Electrical hazards from portable generators.
- Fall and “struck-by” hazards from tree limbs or working at heights.
- Working in unprotected excavations.
- Confined spaces.
- Burns.
- Lacerations.
- Musculoskeletal injuries.
- Being struck by traffic or heavy equipment.
- Encountering contaminated water during cleanup and recovery efforts.
METHODS FOR CONTROLLING EXPOSURE
- Avoid disturbing sources of asbestos until proper steps for assessment and control can be implemented.
- Never smoke, eat, or drink in areas where asbestos exposure is possible.
- Avoid dry sweeping, shovelling, or other dry clean-up of dust and debris containing asbestos.
- Wet materials before and during cutting, breaking, or other work that might release asbestos fibres into the air.
- Wear protective outer clothing (Coverall with Hood) that can be removed and cleaned or discarded.
- If work involving asbestos-containing materials must be done, use a NIOSH-approved respirator to protect
- workers from inhaling asbestos fibres.
- Wash exposed parts of the body with soap and water.
- Avoid carrying asbestos fibres out of a worksite where they can later be inhaled by others (e.g., by family members at home).
- Dust Respirator, Safety Footwear
- Eye Protection, Gloves
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