Weekly Safety Meeting
For The Construction Industry

ASBESTOS

Until the 1970s, many buildings in the United States were constructed with asbestos. Before then, it wasn't known that asbestos was dangerous when inhaled. In the construction industry, exposure occurs when workers disturb asbestos-containing materials while renovating or demolishing buildings. Remember that many older buildings still contain asbestos. You need to know the dangers of asbestos and take the necessary steps to prevent or limit your exposure.

Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are used to resist heat because the asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and extremely resistant to heat. Asbestos is commonly used as an acoustic insulator and a thermal insulator, as well as in fireproofing and building materials. It is often found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, fire-resistant drywall, floor tile, linoleum and mastic. It is also sprayed on structural steel beams, in crawlspaces, and between walls.

Asbestos becomes hazardous only when it is disturbed and the fibers become airborne. If an asbestos-containing substance is easily crumbled or pulverized with hand pressure, the material is called "friable." Friable asbestos can become airborne and then enter your lungs when you breathe. Friable substances include the fibrous, fluffy, sprayed-on materials used in insulation, fireproofing, and soundproofing. Nonfriable materials such as floor tile and roofing felt usually do not emit airborne fibers. The danger to you comes from drilling, cutting, sanding, or disturbing these asbestos-containing materials.

Although no safe level of exposure has been determined, the longer you are exposed, the greater the risk becomes for you to develop an asbestos-related disease. OSHA has determined that employee exposure to asbestos must remain below the permissible exposure limits (PELs). A competent person should be designated to monitor exposure levels. Other duties of the competent person include setting up the regulated area, limiting access to regulated areas, and displaying the appropriate warning signs.

Breathing in Asbestos fibers can eventually lead to a number of fatal diseases/conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer and, mesothelioma. These conditions may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred. To protect yourself, wear the appropriate respiratory protection and necessary personal protective equipment. Never smoke, drink, chew tobacco, or apply cosmetics in regulated areas.

Safety Award For Excellence (SAFE) Nomination

Supervisor's Signature:

Therma

Safety Training

Site

Topic

Instructor

Date Title

PRINT NAME

SIGN NAME