Staying Safe Around Asbestos
Even though most uses of asbestos have been banned, it can still be found in a variety of products, such as building materials and vehicle brakes. Employees can be exposed to this hazardous material during many construction tasks, such as renovations and demolitions.
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious damage to the lungs and other organs that may not appear until years after exposure. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye, and smokers are at a higher risk for developing asbestos-related diseases if exposed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has standards to protect employees from exposure to asbestos in the workplace, as well as permissible exposure limits and exposure monitoring. OSHA regulations also exist for controlled zones and regulated areas that are designed to protect employees where certain work with asbestos is performed.
Avoid Asbestos Inhalation
The following tips are safety reminders for those who work near or with asbestos containing materials:
- Never enter a controlled zone that the company has designated as a regulated area where asbestos work is being performed.
- If you are not wearing appropriate respiratory protection, do not enter an asbestos-regulated area.
- Do not eat, smoke, drink, chew gum or apply cosmetics in an asbestos regulated area.
- Read and obey all warning signs displayed in asbestos-regulated areas.
- When working with asbestos, keep the material wet and vacuum the dust using a HEPA vacuum. Immediately collect and close all waste in bags designed to hold asbestos.
Protect Yourself
Always wear required protective clothing such as coveralls or similar full-body clothing, head coverings, gloves and foot coverings when working with asbestos. Face shields, goggles and other protective equipment are also necessary.
Make sure you receive proper training and medical clearance if your work requires use of a respirator for asbestos protection. Use the correct type of respirator for the level of exposure. If you disturb or remove asbestos, you must wear at least a half-face respirator with N-, R- or P-100 (HEPA) cartridges. OSHA also requires the use of a respirator in some cases when performing roofing and flooring work. Talk to your supervisor regarding whether you have sufficient protection.
Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can get sick from asbestos taken home on an employee’s clothing or shoes. Follow all required hygiene and decontamination practices after working with asbestos. Leave your work clothes and shoes at the workplace and wash them at work if they are not disposable. If required, shower at work after working with asbestos.
Additional Resources:
Read more construction safety and risk management tips here in this month's Toolbox Talk.