Used on large scales by leading industries like construction, automotive etc asbestos is a harmful particle that enters the body through breathing and leads to many fatal ailments including mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer. Repeated or prolonged exposure to asbestos on the job may put workers at higher risk of developing this aggressive cancer which occurs in the lining of lungs, abdomen and heart.
While there are guidelines outlined by concerned authorities for the handling of asbestos materials to ensure utmost asbestos protection at the workplace, below are some important prevention measures that should be considered by both the workers and employers to limit exposure to this hazardous particle.
Conduct Necessary Asbestos Training:
Workers involved in asbestos-related jobs should be aware of the proper techniques for handling this material. Asbestos training should be organized on job sites by employers to ensure the utmost safety of the workers. The training courses cover many significant areas of asbestos handling including potential health hazards, workplace preparation, the legislation of asbestos, disposal of asbestos and many more.
Conduct Risk Assessment:
Employers should conduct a risk assessment on the job sites before starting any asbestos-related work. The main aim of risk assessment is to identify all the potential health hazards due to asbestos exposure and take necessary measures to limit it. Employers must communicate all the assessed risks of asbestos hazards to workers and take measures to safeguard the health of them.
Wear Necessary Protective Coverall:
To prevent mesothelioma, workers must use the personal protective gear including full-body suit, full face mask, shoe covers, respirators, and gloves. Workers must be trained properly to ensure that they are using and maintaining PPE in the right way. Full waterproof disposable body protective suits made of synthetic fibre material should be worn by workers involved in asbestos-related jobs. Available in many sizes, the coveralls offer a sturdy barrier against airborne particles and reduce the risk associated with asbestos exposure.
Using Appropriate Masks and Respirators:
Wearing high-efficiency (HEPA) respiratory masks or ffp2 masks while on job location all the time is very important for workers to minimize the risk of inhaling asbestos fibre. As inhalation of asbestos fibre can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, it’s important to choose respiratory protection gear wisely.
Follow All Safety Guidelines Carefully:
When working with a hazardous material like asbestos, skipping safety procedures or not following the guidelines is not at all encouraged. To prevent exposure, make sure you are taking all the necessary steps including sealing off the workplace, wetting the material, using full-body coverall and wearing full face masks to prevent the inhalation of asbestos. To limit the health hazards of asbestos exposure workers must take proper precautions and inform concerned authorities about any unsafe work conditions.
Wash Clothes and Dispose of Coverall in the Right Way:
If you are wearing disposable PPE or bodysuit, make sure to dispose of it inside the workplace in a designated asbestos trash bag. Coverall and PPEs need to be washed properly before the removal in a particular area. Do not brush or wash contaminated apparels by an air blast to stop the release of asbestos fibre in the air.
Regular Check-Up to Detect Serious Ailments:
Prevention is always better than cure. If your work is related to asbestos handling, visit your doctor for regular screening to monitor your health. If any symptoms of mesothelioma occur inform your doctor for early diagnosis.
Handy Tips to Prevent Workplace Asbestos Exposure
Before starting your job, ask your employers about any asbestos health hazards in the job site
Do disturb asbestos-containing materials without using correct protective gear and mask.
Dispose of asbestos-containing materials as per the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines.
Never sweep or vacuum asbestos dust with a regular vacuum cleaner, instead use wet wipe cleaning method or HEPA-filtered vacuum.
Always have a shower at the designated place on your job site before going home after work.
The Wrap Up:
When it comes to the control measures to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, respiratory masks with HEPA filters can give you the best protection against asbestos fibre. Look for the best dust masks with a minimum of 80% aerosol filtration percentage and proper PPE gear to ensure optimum safety when working with asbestos materials.
