Asbestos was used 30 years ago as a cheap insulation. The material was flexible in how it could be applied and very cost efficient. These two factors led to a widespread utilization in many different types of products and applications. Buildings would use asbestos between floors for temperature control, while another use would be in an electrical cord around the conductive wire. The benefits, however, do not outweigh the serious health implications of asbestos.
Asbestos was used 30 years ago as a cheap insulation. The material was flexible in how it could be applied and very cost efficient. These two factors led to a widespread utilization in many different types of products and applications. Buildings would use asbestos between floors for temperature control, while another use would be in an electrical cord around the conductive wire. The benefits, however, do not outweigh the serious health implications of asbestos.
A direct link was found between asbestos and serious illness from those that worked around the material in a certain state. Typically danger arises when asbestos becomes an airborne fine powder or dust. The dust can potentially be inhaled, which has serious implications, but stays in the body. Studies showed an overwhelming majority of workers had long term exposure experienced similar health difficulties.
The seriousness of the health implications makes it imperative that asbestos is located and identified so the proper precautions can be taken while working around and with the material. A Certified Asbestos Inspector can test different surfaces and is familiar with the different forms and applications for asbestos. In many cases, when left undisturbed, asbestos can be left in place and continue to serve as an insulator. A person working around or living in a home or facility has a right to know the presence of asbestos.
Once asbestos is located, a determination will need to be made to leave the substance in place or go through the removal process. If removed, many precautions must be taken to properly remove the asbestos. One of the steps would be to seal the room and use a filter to extract any airborne particles while working. Special respirators must be used for the workers inside the room during the extraction. The material would be loaded into individually numbered special bags built for the purpose and transported in a specific type of vehicle. The vehicle would take the asbestos to a facility that has specially prepared to receive the hazardous substance.
To contact a Certified Asbestos Inspector in your area, click here. The Inspector will test different surfaces to confirm if asbestos is present in the facility. Each sample must be individually labeled, extracted, and tested. An Inspector can also aid in developing a plan of action once the asbestos is located and identified. Starting the process early can have lasting health repercussions for each employee that would come into contact with the surface containing asbestos, and people are worth protecting.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
