Asbestos Awareness Flashcards
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a term for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that are widely distributed in rocks and deposits throughout the world, including Australia.
What are the properties of asbestos?
- Low thermal conductivity
- Low electrical conductivity
- Strength
- Durability
- Fire resistance
- Insulating properties
- Chemically inert properties
What are the 3 main types of asbestos?
- Chrysotile (white)
- Amosite (brown)
- Crocidolite (blue)
Describe the following Phase-Out dates of Asbestos in Australia.
- Late 1970’s
- 1982
- 1984
- 1986
- 1997
- December 2003
- Late 1970’s – Friable sprayed asbestos insulation/lagging was phased out of use.
- 1982 – Asbestos fibre cement sheeting was phased out of use.
- 1984 – Asbestos corrugated cement sheeting was phased out of use.
- 1986 – All other asbestos cement products were phased out of use.
- 1997 – Asbestos gaskets were phased out of use.
- December 2003 – The use of asbestos was banned in Australia.
When is an asbestos product described as friable?
An asbestos product is described as ‘friable’ if it can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced into a powder or dust under hand pressure when dry.
What are examples of friable asbestos products?
- Pipe insulation
- Sprayed insulation/lagging
- Woven materials
What are some examples of non-friable asbestos containing materials?
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Friction or brake pads
- Gaskets
- Bituminous products (e.g. waterproofing materials)
- Fibre cement sheeting
Through what mechanism do asbestos fibres pose a risk to health?
If they are inhaled.
Describe the 2 main theories for how asbestos can cause disease.
- Threshold Theory: Disease occurs only after the body’s defenses are overwhelmed after receiving high doses over long periods.
- One fibre theory: Disease occurs after exposure to 1 asbestos fibre.
What are the Asbestos 3 Ds?
- Dose (intensity): the quantity of dust inhaled over time.
- Dimension of fibres: respirable fibres that are less than 3μm in diameter.
- Durability: the bio-persistence of fibres in lungs (i.e. the ability to resist dissolution and mechanical break-down).
What behavior can greatly increase the likelihood of contracting an asbestos related disease?
Smoking
What are the 3 types of diseases that can arise from exposure to asbestos?
- Asbestosis
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
What are the considerations for buildings built prior to the late 1970s?
The building is likely to contain friable asbestos as well as non-friable asbestos fibre cement products.
What are the effects of fire on asbestos materials?
Fire can change the properties of non-friable asbestos materials through spalling. This can affect the structural integrity. Degraded asbestos material can therefore become friable in nature.
How must asbestos contaminated ppc be bagged?
Double bagged, gooseneck sealed and labelled
