Asbestos was a widely utilized fibrous material that is resistant to corrosive chemicals and heat. The substance could range in texture from smooth to coarse, depending on how it was processed, but dangerous airborne particles are too small to see with the eye. It is estimated that 1.3 million employees are exposed to dangerous forms of asbestos while at work. The most dangerous encounters with asbestos are during construction and renovation.
Asbestos was a widely utilized fibrous material that is resistant to corrosive chemicals and heat. The substance could range in texture from smooth to coarse, depending on how it was processed, but dangerous airborne particles are too small to see with the eye. It is estimated that 1.3 million employees are exposed to dangerous forms of asbestos while at work. The most dangerous encounters with asbestos are during construction and renovation.
Airborne asbestos can cause lung scarring, which results in impaired function of the lung. Overtime this leads to disability and death. OSHA has issued several regulations and mandates for exposure to asbestos. Exposure limits are set and protective equipment must be utilized when working around and with asbestos. Most of the standards were set in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Clean rooms must be provided to employees as a staging area to prepare their personal protection equipment prior to exposure to limit any damaged during the course of their work. Eye shields and respirators may be utilized to further cut exposure for employees. The amount of exposure should be monitored and documented by the employer to reflect the amount of time for each employee. Labels must be placed on materials containing asbestos warning of the dangers.
Once the employee has finished their work for the day, they must exit through the decontamination area. The room must contain impermeable bags for the containment and disposal of any protective equipment or clothing utilized. The employee must be given the option to shower and change into street clothes. Any lunch room must have positive pressure, filtered air. Employees must wash their face and hands prior to eating and should not eat with their personal protective equipment.
A Certified Asbestos Inspector can help your company prepare to work with asbestos and plan the required precautions to ensure the safety of your employees. Many different aspects and mandates are in place that this article cannot cover in its entirety. The employer has the responsibility to ensure the safety of each employee. Asbestos is a very serious hazard encountered in many work environments due to the cheap cost and wide availability prior to the determination of how hazardous asbestos could be. The lasting effects of asbestos on an employee’s health have clearly shown these precautions must be taken in the future. The effects can be minimized through the use of the right preparations taken to protect the employee while working with and around asbestos.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
