Asbestos a naturally occuring fibrous material. It is Majorly used in industries for fire proofing and as heat insulation material.
TYPES OF ASBESTOS
- Crocidolite (Blue)
- Amosite ( Brown)
- Chrysotile ( White)
All types of Asbestos are significantly dangerous, they are carcinogens, but blue and brown Asbestos are more dangerous than white.
Exposure to Asbestos can cause numerous conditions and diseases:
- PLEURAL PLAQUES
- Benign calcification build up on the lining of internal organs, notably the lungs
- ASBESTOSIS
- Irreversible scarring of the lungs
- LUNG CANCER
- Increased incident, particularly if you smoke
- MESOTHELIOMA
- Cancer of the lining of the lungs or stomach
CONTROL MEASURES
The presence of Asbestos is not limited to any particular type of construction. It can be found in commercial premises such as shops; offices; any type of factories, especially chemical factories; and hospitals. It is also present in domestic premises.
Disturbance is any activity that involves physical and / or mechanical breaking of a material's surface. When an ACM is disturbed, airborne fibres can get released - these then become a health hazard.
Examples of disturbance include:
- Removal of a drain pipe / repair to a damaged roof
- Removal of lagging on a process line
- Drilling into a 'portacabin' wall Building demolition
- Re-packing of an old instrument / steam valve
- Drilling into a panel on the back of a switch board
- Accidental knocking of lagging with a scaffold pole
Where possible, vessels, buildings and structures that contain Asbestos should be labeled with a yellow triangle warning sign saying 'Danger Asbestos' and showing an exclamation mark.
Controlling Asbestos-related risks
Here are some recommendations:
- Access to the area should be restricted to only those personnel required.
- Signs or tapes must indicate the same.
- Utmost care must be taken not to create dust.
- ACMs must be kept wet whenever possible.
- A suitable respirator of minimum P3 filter must be worn.
Things that should never be done when working with ACMs:
- Never break up large pieces of ACM.
- Never use high-speed power tools, as they can create large levels of dust.
- Never expose other workers who are not protected.
- Never remove protective clothing in non-designated areas.
- Never walk any dust about.
- Never clean items or PPE using a brush.
- Never eat, drink or smoke in controlled areas.
BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES TO THE DANGERS OF WORKING WITH MATERIALS THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS.
