Manage asbestos exposure at work with regulation compliance ...

Asbestos has gotten a bad reputation in the last few decades (rightfully so), from being proven a direct link to cancer to the cause of fatal diseases and lung disorders. The fact of the matter is that some workers are naturally exposed to asbestos, and the health hazards are very real.

Significant exposure and inhalation of asbestos may increase a person?s risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, lung-use restrictions and long-term breathing problems. Although workers exhale most of the asbestos fibers they inhale, some fibers remain in the lungs and create scarring and inflammation, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. People are more likely to be diagnosed with asbestos-related complications 15 to 30 years after regular asbestos exposure to concentrations of 0.125 to 30 asbestos fibers per milliliter of air; though, smokers have the greatest risk for health and breathing damage.

Employers may warn workers of asbestos-related illness symptoms, including shortness of breath, a recurring cough, chest pains or tightness, loss of appetite, and a wheezing or dry sound in the lungs when inhaling.

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals ? including natural or chemically treated chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and actinolite asbestos ? according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which are used in products to resist heat and corrosion. It?s not uncommon for old schools and homes to contain asbestos materials in the walls, ceilings ? even shingles and siding. Workers are most commonly exposed during renovation and demolition projects. However, exposure may also happen in the manufacturing industry and during automotive brake and clutch work.

OSHA has three standards in place to protect workers from asbestos exposures, which cover exposure during construction of structures that contain asbestos materials (29 CFR 1926.1101); exposure in shipyards and maritime jobsites (29 CFR 1915.1001); and exposure in general industry, including automotive work and custodial work (29 CFR 1910.1001). There are also four classifications of asbestos hazards, ranging from the most hazardous asbestos jobs (class I) to the least hazardous exposure levels (class IV).

OSHA also requires that employers monitor employee exposure limits and not exceed .01 fiber per cubic centimeter of air for the duration of an 8-hour shift.

Employers are also required to comply with the following OSHA regulations regarding asbestos:

Well-defined contamination areas - There must be controlled zones to protect employees from contamination, and area access should be limited to employees wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). No eating, drinking, smoking or gum-chewing may be allowed in the areas.

Provide OSHA-regulated respiratory protection - The type and class of asbestos contamination would determine the type of respirator required for the job. However, employers are encouraged to educate workers in OSHA respiratory guidelines.

Proper PPE at all times - Employers must provide workers who are exposed to airborne asbestos with the proper PPE, which includes full-body covering, head protection, gloves, goggles, face shields and foot covering.

Label all hazards and containers - Asbestos materials are considered a toxic waste and may not be disposed of using traditional methods. Employers are encouraged to use warning labels on containers of contaminated materials and contact local waste management facilities for disposal information.

Provide staff training on asbestos and contamination risk - OSHA advises all employers to inform workers of jobsite risk, including asbestos exposure. Employers may choose to provide workers with asbestos training materials, which can be ordered from the SCF Arizona website.

Source: http://www.safeatworkaz.com/?p=590

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