Asbestos was heavily used in construction due to the relatively cheap cost and flexible ways the substance could be applied. The known dangers of the substance were discovered after the substance had a widespread adoption into many buildings and offices. Asbestos could be found in the insulation applied to concrete between floors or in electrical wiring to insulate the cord. A Certified Asbestos Inspector should be called out to take samples of all present surface areas prior to beginning a remodel or renovation on an older building.
Asbestos was heavily used in construction due to the relatively cheap cost and flexible ways the substance could be applied. The known dangers of the substance were discovered after the substance had a widespread adoption into many buildings and offices. Asbestos could be found in the insulation applied to concrete between floors or in electrical wiring to insulate the cord. A Certified Asbestos Inspector should be called out to take samples of all present surface areas prior to beginning a remodel or renovation on an older building.
The Certified Asbestos Inspector will test each surface area for the presence of asbestos and compiled a detailed report of the findings. The area should be tested prior to starting work on the area because asbestos can be the most harmful in the form of microscopic particles that float in the air and could then be inhaled by the construction crew or new tenants of the space. The health effects are long term and are very serious. Once the particles have been inhaled, they stay in the lung and can cause serious health risks.
Any substance that has tested positive for the presence of asbestos should be sealed off to ensure other areas are not contaminated. A special filtration system must be used to capture the airborne particles. The Certified Asbestos Inspector will oversee the entire process and ensure the workers are adequately protected. Typically full body suits and face masks are used to ensure clothing is not contaminated while removing the asbestos. The asbestos material should be placed inside individually labeled bags to ensure each bag is accounted for during the transport to an offsite location.
The vehicle transporting the bags should be marked as carrying a hazardous substance as required by law. The bags will be taken to a location that has made special preparations to permanently store the hazardous substance. The Certified Asbestos Inspector will document each step of the removal process to ensure OSHA safety standards are being met at each step. The detailed report will then be given to the building management to retain as documentation for any future OSHA visit. The detailed report can ensure OSHA does not implement costly fines for an improperly managed removal of the asbestos. Construction crews can be in danger if the company is negligent in testing for the asbestos prior to the beginning of the project. Protecting employees should be a top priority for any company that wants to be successful into the future.
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.
