1. Asbestos Awareness & Safety Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) 1PPT-002-01

2. 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 1 cm 2PPT-002-01

3. Materials Containing Asbestos Due to fiber strength and heat-resistant properties, asbestos is used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials such as: Roofing shingles ceiling and floor tiles paper products asbestos cement products Friction products such as: Automobile clutch brake pads transmission parts Heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings 3PPT-002-01

4. 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 4PPT-002-01

5. When is asbestos hazardous? When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by: repair remodeling, or demolition activities Microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs. This can cause significant health problems. 5PPT-002-01

6. Friable Asbestos Friable asbestos = Term used to describe any asbestos-containing material that, when dry,can be easily crumbled or pulverized to powder by hand. Common examples are: acoustic ceilings and tiles many types of plasters wallboard joint compound (or "mud”) thermal insulation for water heaters/pipes 6PPT-002-01

7. Friable Asbestos (cont.) Use of asbestos in these products was banned by 1978. Those already in the marketplace remained on shelves and were used in construction for many years after. It is still commonly found in homes today. 7PPT-002-01

8. Wet/Water Logged Asbestos Exposure to wet/water-logged material that may contain asbestos does not pose the type of problems exposure to “friable” asbestos does. Even if it is we you should still wear PPE such as: Tyvek suit Goggles/safety glasses Gloves Boots 8PPT-002-01

9. If you suspect asbestos is present Do not disturb! Notify supervisor immediately Cordon off area Area/material should be tested by qualified personnel Material should be removed and disposed of by qualified abatement personnel 9PPT-002-01

10. Questions 10PPT-002-01