Asbestos Awareness & Safety Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) 1PPT

What is Asbestos? → Set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals. → Has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. → All have in common their asbestiform habit: long, (1:20) thin fibrous crystals. Ruler indicates 1cm 2PPT

Types of Asbestos Chrysolite (white): used in insulation, fireproofing, sound proofing. Amosite (brown): used in high friction applications such as brake shoes, clutches. Crocidolite (blue): not as commonly used. PPT

Materials Containing Asbestos Building Materials such as: → Roofing shingles → Ceiling and floor tiles → Paper products → Asbestos cement products Friction Products: → Automobile clutch → Brake pads → Transmission parts Heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings 4PPT

Health Hazards Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including: ▪ Malignant lung cancer ▪ Mesothelioma (formerly rare cancer) ▪ Asbestosis (type of pneumoconiosis) X-ray of Asbestosis; note fibers in lungs 5PPT

Health Effects Asbestos fibers enter alveoli in lungs, irritate thin membrane. Leaves scar tissue that oxygen can’t penetrate. As more alveoli are affected oxygen starvation sets in – severe disability or death. Pleura – membrane lining in lungs – can also be affected. Asbestos fibers may migrate from lungs into pleura causing rare form of cancer. Many harmful effects do not appear for 20 or more years. PPT

Health Effects Smoking can further increase risk from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers may irritate lungs = more sensitive to cancer from cigarette smoke. Smokers who’ve worked with asbestos face as much as 90 times more risk! People who’ve quit smoking after working with asbestos reduce risk of cancer by 50% in 5 years. PPT

When is Asbestos Hazardous? When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are damaged or disturbed by: - repair - remodeling - demolition activities Microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into lungs causing significant health problems. 8PPT

Potential Locations Thermal system insulation (TSI): furnaces, ducts, boilers, hot water pipes. Sprayed-on/troweled-on surfacing materials on ceilings/walls. Resilient asphalt and vinyl flooring. Suspended ceiling tiles. Fireproof drywall. Fireproof drapes/curtains. PPT

Potential Locations Roofing felts. Shingles. Exterior siding shingles. Sprayed-on fireproofing on metal beams/columns. High temperature gaskets and insulation. PPT

Friable Asbestos Friable asbestos = any asbestos containing material that, when dry, is easily crumbled or pulverized to powder by hand. Common examples: > Acoustic ceilings and tiles. > Many types of plasters. > Wallboard. > Joint compound (or "mud“). > Thermal insulation for water heaters/pipes. 11PPT

Friable Asbestos Use of asbestos in these products banned by 1978; those already in marketplace remained on shelves used in construction for many years after. Still commonly found in homes/buildings today. 12PPT

Non-Friable Asbestos Usually found bonded into other materials. Fibers are harder to break down into powder. Can still be released by cutting, grinding, sanding. PPT

Damage/Deterioration Always avoid any contact with asbestos containing materials (ACM) that: Disturbs its position or arrangement. Disrupts its shape or renders it friable. Generates any visible debris from it. Visibly damaged, degraded or friable ACM: always indicator surface debris/dust could be contaminated with asbestos! PPT

Sources of Damage Resulting in Fiber Release Impact from other objects Exposure to the elements Vibration Fans and blowers Chemical spills, leaks, or fumes PPT

Wet/Water-Logged Exposure to wet/water-logged material possibly containing asbestos doesn’t pose the problems exposure to “friable” asbestos does. Even if wet should still wear PPE = → Tyvek Suit → Goggles/safety glasses → Gloves → Boots 16PPT

Who is at Risk? Risk increases if: o Your work area contains friable asbestos (e.g. sprayed on insulation). o You work near a construction or renovation area containing asbestos. o You are engaged in maintenance or custodial activities in areas containing asbestos. PPT

Suspect Asbestos Present: Do not disturb! Notify supervisor immediately. Isolate the area. Area/material should be tested by qualified personnel. Material removed & disposed of by qualified abatement personnel. 18PPT

Remember Be safe when dealing with suspected asbestos. If you’re not sure, treat the material as ACM. Protect yourself, use good judgment. Come in safe, go home safe! PPT

Questions 20PPT