Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure by inhalation, ingestion or through the skin can lead to serious health problems. The United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has established numerous guidelines for protecting workers from asbestos. By controlling workplace dust, using protecting clothing and cleaning up afterwards – asbestos exposure can be minimised.
“Long-Term Repeated Contact in High-Risk Areas”
Acquiring an asbestos-related disease due to a single exposure is highly unlikely. Repeated, long-term asbestos exposure in high-risk occupations accounts for most health problems. When asbestos is broken down or torn apart, the fibres become airborne and can lodge in sensitive lung tissue.
“Occupational Exposure”
Certain industries have a higher potential for asbestos exposure: construction, mining and shipbuilding. Under UK law, only a licensed contractor can work with asbestos sprayed coatings, insulation, pipes and boilers. Employers have the duty to provide training, Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), decontamination areas and medical exams for employees in high-risk occupations. The HSE provides numerous guidelines for protecting against asbestos exposure.
“Knowledge and Training”
When you are working with asbestos, try to minimise exposure by inhalation, consumption or physical external contact. To minimise asbestos dust, hand tools (not power tools) should be used. Wear protective clothing, like gloves, to prevent physical contact. Don’t eat or drink in high-risk asbestos work areas.
“Respiratory Protective Equipment”
There are many types of RPE, including a full body covering with self-contained breathing apparatus (BA), helmet, mask, gloves, overalls and boots. A suitable RPE allows the worker to breathe clean air while filtering out airborne asbestos dust. Choose the proper one based on the worker, job, environment and exposure concentrations.
“Decontamination Area”
There should be an asbestos-free, decontamination zone separate from the high-risk area. Workers should have separate work and personal clothes. The work clothes should be properly disposed of after contamination. Workers should shower after working with asbestos.
“Working with Asbestos Materials”
Workers should avoid handling asbestos if they are untrained or do not have an adequate RPE. The HSE does not require a license when workers use asbestos-filled cement or textured coatings. A special “Class H” vacuum cleaner should be used to clean up the work area.
“Emergency Situation”
Prevention of asbestos exposure is the most important goal for protecting your health. If you are exposed to asbestos – destroy your clothes, shower and take a medical exam to see if there is any internal damage. Most health problems occur due to long-term asbestos exposure.