Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals made up of heat-resistant fibers. It is a carcinogenic mineral that is resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. Construction materials that contain asbestos are very effective insulators. Asbestos in cloth, paper, cement, plastic, and other materials makes them stronger. Inhaling asbestos causes fibers to become trapped in the body, which later on can cause inflammation, scarring, and cancer. It is commonly used in auto parts, building materials, cement, electrical parts, and insulation.
Here are some Asbestos safety dos and don’ts:
Dos:
- Use the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). You must use the correct PPE and dispose of it correctly once done. This is a vital step when dealing with asbestos. Health problems can develop if you get exposed to its fibers. Your PPE overalls should be one size bigger to prevent ripping and wearing over footwear with cuffed taped if loose. You also need gloves and disposable boots, along with the right respiratory protective equipment.
- Use non-powered hand tools. When you use these, you won’t be creating as much dust while working with asbestos-filled materials. The fibers that cause illnesses are incorporated in the dust, so you must avoid them at all costs. These tools also create bigger chunks that are easier to see and remove compared to finer pieces created by drills.
- Shower and wash your hair after. Shower and wash your hair immediately after working with asbestos. Fibers can get stuck in your hair and skin, so you need to wash them away so you can’t breathe them in.
Don’ts:
- Don’t spread debris outside your working area. Your working area should be isolated to avoid spreading dust and material chips outside of your zone. If fibers start going everywhere, sweep everything up with a type H vacuum or wet rags to minimize the spread.
- Don’t remove materials from the work area. Keep everything contained where you’re working. Prevent asbestos from being taken to other locations that might cause harm to people who will inhale its dust and fibers without their knowledge.
- Don’t dispose of asbestos in a general trash bin. You should dispose of it correctly. You can’t put it in a trash bin since dust can get out and spread to other places. It should be taken to a landfill with a special permit to handle asbestos. Better yet, hire an asbestos abatement company like CVE.
- Don’t work with asbestos when it’s windy. It’s imperative that you wait for good weather if you will be working with asbestos. Wind can spread dust and fibers everywhere, including on your PPE and skin.
CVE Corp. is an asbestos abatement company that can provide you with low-cost, competitive prices on your asbestos removal & abatement without sacrificing superior service. Every CVE employee is trained in strict accordance with OSHA guidelines and screened in excess of federal, state, and local regulations. CVE Corp.’s extensive experience and understanding of the asbestos removal and abatement requirements will prevent costly mistakes and maximize compliance, thereby streamlining the process and ensuring a swift and complete resolution to discovered issues.
