Asbestos Inspections can be useful for a number of different buildings to determine if the hazardous substance is present. Asbestos was banned in the 1980’s but was used extensively as an insulator prior to that time. The substance can be found in the walls, flooring, roofing shingles, and electrical cords. The widespread use increases the severity of potential danger and the need for inspection across many different applications.
Asbestos Inspections can be useful for a number of different buildings to determine if the hazardous substance is present. Asbestos was banned in the 1980’s but was used extensively as an insulator prior to that time. The substance can be found in the walls, flooring, roofing shingles, and electrical cords. The widespread use increases the severity of potential danger and the need for inspection across many different applications.
A Certified Asbestos Inspector has been trained to look for potential sources and will take samples to test. Any test that results in a positive match will need to be carefully evaluated to determine the risks to employees working in the immediate area. Some situations call for the asbestos to be monitored closely at regular intervals to ensure the asbestos is not being disturbed. Disclosers would need to be given to anyone in the area to warning them of the dangers and to take the necessary precautions.
Other situations call for the asbestos to be removed immediately from the area. Special precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the workers. OSHA or the EPA could levy costly fines if steps are skipped in the process. A Certified Asbestos Inspector can work with your company through the process to ensure the correct procedures are being implemented through the process. The Inspector may also document the steps along the way and compile a detailed report for the company’s records. Photos are typically included as part of the documentation process.
Asbestos can have serious long term health risks for employees and it is important to identify asbestos to protect their health. The company has an obligation to take a proactive role in the safety of their employees. Certain forms of asbestos can be incredibly dangerous and the proper precautions must be taken. Workers removing asbestos typically wear respirators to ensure they do not inhale the toxic substance. Full body suits can also help to ensure the asbestos does not get in the worker’s clothing and must be cleaned between uses to decontaminate the protective clothing. The area must be sealed off to stop the contamination from spreading to other areas in the facility.
The Certified Asbestos Inspector will guide your company through these very specific steps to ensure the proper procedures are being followed. The detailed report of the asbestos removal will also serve as evidence of each of the steps taken. Click here to contact an Asbestos Inspector today to have your facility tested for asbestos.
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.
