Asbestos Removal
In 1940s, asbestos has started to be known for being sprayed on the steel girders of buildings and also for decorative purposes. Because of its acoustic or noise-proofing and fire-proofing feature, it is included in the making big multi-storey buildings, and several establishments such as hospitals and schools. As a consequence, lots of workers and school children are highly exposed to asbestos.
The extensive use of asbestos in many buildings and establishments is entirely dangerous to health and may cause epithelial malignant mesothelioma. Sprayed asbestos for instance, will disintegrate over time when uninhibited and releasing fibers into the air or spreading them through air-conditioned systems causing people to inhale it. Also, the demolition of buildings containing asbestos filling has a high risk of spreading the asbestos fibers in a huge area except safety measures are followed.
In order to limit the risks of asbestos exposure, there are four options that can be done. The first one is to label it. It is preferred to maintain the asbestos intact to make sure it is in good condition, undisturbed and not capable of feeding fibers into areas with people. Second, surround the asbestos with enclosure in order to avoid intrusion of the asbestos material. Third, seal the asbestos deeply. And fourth, take away the asbestos if the surface is damaged or crumbling. The danger is eliminated once the best control procedures are performed including capable removal experts, excellent supervision, and a well-informed workforce.
Before any use of asbestos can be taken place, there should be a proper risk assessment that should be performed with respect to employees. This procedure should minimize letting loose of air-borne dust and fibers to avoid exposure to humans. It is not likely to set off airborne fibers unless damaged or disturbed.
According to the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos, bonded asbestos materials that are damaged or greater than 200 meters in area is required to be carried out by licensed operators. WorkCover also requires a permit to be shown before carrying out any work. Every asbestos removal company is also required to register under State or Territory legislation.
There are certain safety precautions suitable for workers to perform when using asbestos. Firstly, wearing protective clothing or disposable coveralls and a standard respirator must be used for protection from asbestos. Secondly, utilize non-powered hand tools for they cause a lesser amount of dust. Also, using sanders on asbestos-cement products is not recommended. Thirdly, soak down material with water to lessen the release of dust or utilize vacuum attachments appropriate for High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters. Fourthly, it is preferred to make use of drop sheets to gather debris and when taking them off, make sure you do it with little breakage. Fifthly, dispose tinier asbestos parts and gathered dust in plastic bags or polythene wrappings, labeled as “asbestos waste.” Sixthly, make use of warning signs and barriers during removal of asbestos cement materials. Also, avoid to skid or drag asbestos sheets over other sheets for it can only cause asbestos fibers. Lastly, it is preferred to stay in well-ventilated work areas.
In disposing asbestos, there are also precautions made by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The asbestos wastes have to be stored damp, labeled, sealed using plastic or leak-proof bags, transported in a leak-proof and clean automobile, and disposed in a site approved by the EPA.
Moreover, working in asbestos areas requires proper personal protective equipment. Enough and sanitary protective clothing and respirators should be given to workers who are going to be exposed to asbestos. A company must include a Personal Protective Equipment Program that will guide their workers. This program includes various safety precautions such as using the equipment right, maintaining and keeping it clean when not in use, and changing the filter.
As for personal protective clothing, workers are given coveralls, head coverings, boots, and gloves to use in sites exposed to asbestos. Similarly, using this clothing has safety precautions as well. Firstly, the coveralls may be disposable or reusable depending on its type. Secondly, clothing must be cleaned through an industrial laundry to be decontaminated and not be cleaned by the wearer alone. Thirdly, workers may not take the clothing outside the company or site in order to avoid exposing asbestos to other people. Fourthly, companies must have an area, including showers and washbasins where their workers can change safely before going back to their homes.
Personal hygiene of workers is still important above all. Workers should not be eating or drinking in areas contaminated with asbestos dust. Also, rest areas away from the work area should be provided by their company where they can eat, drink, wash their hands, and clean themselves. The workers are free to wear their uncontaminated clothes and not their protective clothing when they are in the rest areas.
The victim are able to seek help from mesothelioma support group or claim injuries lawsuit legally through asbestos lawyer mesothelioma.
