ASBESTOS

ASBESTOS

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Asbestos is the collective name for a group of fibrous materials. There are many types of asbestos and may be found in various applications such as plant rooms insulation, tiling etc. The main types are commonly referred to as white, brown and blue, however they cannot be identified by color alone and full analysis of the material is required to assess type, risks and measures to be taken. Up to 3000 a year die from asbestos related diseases and the number is still increasing

HAZARDS

• Buildings constructed pre 1970's
• Removal of asbestos tiles, sheets, lagging (especially if the material is in a poor state)
• Activities such as electrical fitting out and demolition are particularly at risk
• Persons who smoke maybe more prone to asbestos related diseases such as asbestos, mesothelioma and lung cancer

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HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• Make sure you are adequately trained for the job
• Do not start work until the asbestos type has been identified and controls set out
• Make full use of the controls provided and report any faults in control equipment
• Use protective clothing and respirators when and where required
• Make sure respiratory equipment fits correctly especially if you wear glasses or have a beard
• Follow all procedures laid down and follow any safe system of work
• If you feel procedures are inadequate then report it to you supervisor

• Do not take home clothing that is contaminated with asbestos
• Cooperate with any request to wear personal sampling equipment
• Wash your hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking
• Keep you workplace tidy
• Dispose of all wasted as instructed
• Never blow dust away with airlines and do not brush up dry asbestos
• Any ventilation equipment must be working before any work starts
• Don't smoke and follow good hygiene standards

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QUSTIONS

• What is the main health effects due to working with asbestos
• Where might you find asbestos
• What needs to be done with work clothes after working with asbestos

SAFETY REMINDER

If you suspect the material you have come across is asbestos, stopwork! Do not start work until you have told your supervisor and an assessment has been carried out