Asbestos

Question 1

What would be standard Asbestos Policy/Best Practice?

Answer 1

• Substitute Asbestos with Non-Asbestos materials.

- Use Engineering Administrative controls & use PPE where substitution is not possible.

Question 2

What is Asbestos?

Answer 2

• Mineral based material.
• Resistant to Heat & Corrosive Chemicals.
• Fibres range from coarse to silky.

Question 3

Where is Asbestos typically found?

Answer 3

• Suspended ceilings.
• Fireproof drapes/curtains.
• Friction products (brakes, etc).
• Piping, sewers, etc.
• Insulation and lagging (high temperature machinery, boilers, etc.)

Question 4

What are the recognised exposure limits?

Answer 4

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) = 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre of air.

It is calculated as an 8 hour TWA (Time Weighted Average).

EL (Excursion Limit) = 1 fibre per cubic centimetre, averaged over a 30 minute sampling period.

Question 5

What does Friability mean?

Answer 5

The likelihood that fibres will break loose and become airborne.

Question 6

What can lead to fibre release?

Answer 6

• Chemical spills, leaks & fumes.
• Fans & blowers.
• Vibration.
• Impact from other objects.
• Drilling.

Question 7

How does Asbestos enter the body?

Answer 7

• Inhalation.

- Ingestion.

Question 8

What can exposure to Asbestos lead to?

Answer 8

• Asbestosis.
• Mesothelioma.
• Lung Cancer.

Question 9

What is Mesothelioma?

Answer 9

A rare malignant tumour of the lung membrane which lines the chest and abdominal cavity.

Question 10

What is Asbestosis?

Answer 10

A progressively restrictive fibrosis of the lung and is recognised as a disabling and fatal occupational disease.

Question 11

What is Bronchial Lung Cancer?

Answer 11

A malignant tumour of the bronchial tubes.

Question 12

What should you do when working with Asbestos?

Answer 12

• Dampen/wet the environment to prevent airborne emissions.
• Do not Drink, Eat, Smoke, Apply creams etc.
• Use PPE (full body coverall, hood, rubber gloves with inner pair, slip resistant plastic shoes/boots, face shields, vented googles, respiratory equipment).
• Cordon/restrict access to areas where work is taking place.
• Display warning signs on cordons.
• Procedures in place for changing (Shower facilities, separate changing rooms, etc).
• Have adequate disposal procedures in place.
• Provide adequate training.

Question 13

Give some key disposal procedures?

Answer 13

• Containers must be properly labelled with standard Asbestos warnings.
• Asbestos waste containers must be colour coded for easy recognition.
• Containers must be adequately wetted.
• Double bagged in heavy duty plastic.
• Exercise care when handling, so as to not rupture bags.

Question 14

What legislation should Contractors maintain compliance with?

Answer 14

29 CFR 1926.1101 Asbestos Standard.