Embedded Files
Training Objectives
Training Objectives
▼ Understand the Following: ▼
▼ Understand the Following: ▼
What is asbestos?
What is safe/unsafe about asbestos?
Health effects of asbestos exposure
Who is at risk?
How can you be protected?
Asbestos
Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber.
It can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope.
There are several types of asbestos fibers.
In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
Asbestos Fiber Facts
Asbestos Fiber Facts
There are six types of mineral asbestos
CHRYSOTILE
AMOSITE
CROCIDOLITE
TREMOLITE
ACTINOLITE
ANTHOPHYLLITE
All kinds of asbestos tend to break into tiny fibers
Some fibers may be up to 700 times smaller than a human hair
Despite being a known carcinogen, asbestos is not banned
Due to the fact that asbestos fibers are so small, once released into the air, they may stay suspended for hours or even days
Asbestos fibers are also virtually indestructible
Resistant to chemicals and heat, they are very stable in the environment
They do not evaporate into air or dissolve in water, and they do not break down over time
Asbestos is the best insulator known to man
Common Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACM)
Common Asbestos Containing Building Materials (ACM)
Cement pipe, Cement boards, Sheets, Plastics
Clay, Compounds, Paints, Plasters
Electrical and Mechanical products
Floor tiles
Cigarette Filters
Pipe covering and insulation
Protective clothing
Safe or Unsafe?
Safe or Unsafe?
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) are safe and commonly used in construction. These materials only become dangerous when they are broken, weathered, or disturbed.
When an ACM is in good condition, the asbestos is contained and therefore not a hazard. When broken, asbestos may be released in the air (friable), causing health hazards.
Report these conditions immediately to the Facilities Safety & Risk Office.
What are the Health Effect of Asbestos Exposure?
What are the Health Effect of Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer that typically manifests in the lungs.
Lung Cancer.
Asbestosis, a chronic condition that leads to scar tissue in the lungs and difficulties in breathing.
It could take 20 years before exposure to asbestos fibers would manifest as one of these dangerous diseases.
Always protect yourself if you suspect asbestos.
Cigarette Smoke and Asbestos
Cigarette Smoke and Asbestos
Cigarette smoke and asbestos together will increase your chances of getting lung cancer.
If you have been exposed to asbestos you should stop smoking immediately!
This may be the most important action you can take to improve your health and decrease your risk of cancer.
Who is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Who is at Risk for Asbestos Exposure?
Plumbers
Demolition
Construction/Remodeling
Roofers
Mechanics
First Responders
Anyone that could potentially disturb asbestos
How can you protect yourself from asbestos exposure?
How can you protect yourself from asbestos exposure?
Be aware of your surroundings and the building materials you work around
The Facilities Safety & Risk Management Office maintains an online database for all campus Hazardous Materials Surveys, organized by building.
This presentation is for awareness ONLY.
Additional training and certification is needed in order to remove ACM.
Contact Facilities Safety & Risk to arrange any ACM abatements, report any damage, or to for questions about building HazMat surveys.
Avoid Exposure!
Avoid Exposure!
If you do not know that a building material is asbestos free… DO NOT DISTURB IT!
In the event that asbestos fibers become airborne and are capable of being inhaled, leave the area and notify Facilities Safety & Risk Management immediately!
Safety gear such as masks, gloves, and shoe covers can be used to help prevent the spread of asbestos fibers to other areas. Areas with disturbed asbestos should be closed until professional personnel can abate the material.
DO NOT
Drill
Break
Hammer
Damage
Cut
Move
Saw
Disturb
Click the Facilities HazMat Surveys link to visit SUU's HazMat Survey database
Housekeeping
Housekeeping
Custodians should never sand or dry buff floor tiles containing asbestos
Broken and fallen ceiling tiles should be left in place until identified
Broken and damaged asbestos floor tiles must be left in place until they can be removed by asbestos abatement workers
Be aware of where asbestos may be hiding and take actions not to disturb it
Remember:
Remember:
One usually cannot identify asbestos simply by looking at it. If you think that you may be in contact with an ACM, double-check the online HazMat surveys or contact the Facilities Safety & Risk Office.
Surveys must be conducted by trained and credentialed asbestos professionals.
Prior to beginning any demolition, construction, or remodel projects, protect yourself and your coworkers by understanding the makeup of the materials you will be working around.
According to the American Public Health Association, asbestos kills almost 40,000 Americans annually. This can be avoided by taking proper precautions.
DO NOT TAKE CHANCES WITH SOMETHING AS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS ASBESTOS!!
DO NOT TAKE CHANCES WITH SOMETHING AS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS ASBESTOS!!
Lead
Lead
Lead is a common hazardous material found at many construction sites. Similar to asbestos, when disturbed, lead containing materials may release dust that is hazardous when inhaled or ingested.
Common Lead Containing Building Materials
Common Lead Containing Building Materials
Lead based paints
solder
electrical fittings and conduits
tank linings
plumbing fixtures
various metal alloys
Who is at Risk?
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who works with lead containing materials, or anyone who engages in the following:
Painting
Renovating
Demolition
Metal production
Soldering
Plumbing
Lead Exposure
Lead Exposure
Lead dust can permeate the air and gather on clothes, hands, hair, etc.
Without preventative measures, lead dust may contaminate food and water, and become airborne again in other locations.
Lead can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, blood, and kidneys. It is particularly dangerous to young children and pregnant women.
Symptoms of exposure may include abdominal pain, headaches, loss of motor coordination.
If you begin feeling symptoms of lead exposure, you should inform your supervisor and seek medical attention.
Prevention
Prevention
Use Proper PPE (gloves, clothing, respiratory protection).
Wash hands and face after work and before eating.
Never enter eating areas with potentially contaminated PPE.
Never wear potentially contaminated clothing away from work.
Be alert to symptoms.
Avoid generating more dust than absolutely necessary.
Ensure adequate ventilation and use dust collection equipment when possible.
Consult SUU’s hazardous materials surveys before beginning work so that you are aware of the potential for hazardous lead exposure.
Quiz
Quiz
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