ASBESTOS SAFETY

Hazard Recognition And Control
Breathing Hazards
Finding Asbestos
Safe Procedures
Its Up To Both Of You

Hazard Recognition And Control

For many years, asbestos was considered a "miracle mineral." It was used because it is fireproof, and resistant to acid and corrosion.

Today, a great deal is known about the health hazards that result from overexposure to asbestos. It is very important for your health to work safely with asbestos.

Breathing Hazards

Asbestos fibers are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. You can breathe them in easily without knowing it, whether they are in the air or on your clothes.

Asbestos can cause serious lung and breathing diseases which can take as long as 15 to 35 years to show up. Smokers who are exposed to asbestos are as much as 90 times more likely to get certain lung diseases than nonsmokers.

Finding Asbestos

Before the 1970's, asbestos was used in schools, homes, factories and public buildings. It was sprayed on ceilings, where it often looked like white popcorn. It was used in and on walls to help "deaden" sound.

Asbestos was used as wrapping for steam and water pipes, duct systems and boilers. It was used to fireproof beams in steel buildings. These beams may be found in false ceilings.

Asbestos is still used in car and truck brakes and clutches. It is also used in some floor tiles and lining.

Safe Procedures

Whenever you work with asbestos, your goal is to prevent breathing it in. There are a number of safe procedures which can help.

Some people are specially trained to work with asbestos. If you are not, do not sand, scrape, remove or drill into walls, ceilings or floors where asbestos might be.

When you work with asbestos, always wear the right kind of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), making sure it fits. This will include a filtered respirator. On the job, your company will probably measure the air and let you know the proper kind to wear. Dust masks or disposable respirators will not usually protect you enough. You will also want to cover your entire body with a hood, goggles, coveralls, gloves and boots.

Wet asbestos before working on it, if it is safe to do so. With some jobs, you will need to use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaner. You may also need to use a sealed glove bag. When you are done, label and dispose of asbestos products and containers according to company procedure.

Shower with your respirator on, removing it after you are done washing. Then change clothes in an area separate from the work area.

If you must work with asbestos, you should not smoke. Remember, smokers who work with asbestos are much more likely to get serious lung diseases than nonsmokers.

Its Up To Both Of You

Working safely with asbestos depends on both you and your employer. Your employer provides you with the right protective gear and equipment. Your part includes wearing your PPE, and using safe practices as you work and clean up. You can help protect yourself when you work with asbestos.