Asbestos was a very effective insulator and low in cost, making it a popular choice prior to the discovery of the inherent long term health risks. This recipe led to the widespread use throughout the construction of large buildings and homes.
Asbestos was a very effective insulator and low in cost, making it a popular choice prior to the discovery of the inherent long term health risks. This recipe led to the widespread use throughout the construction of large buildings and homes.
A Certified Asbestos Inspector should check surfaces in the workplace for the presence of asbestos. Once asbestos has been identified, there are several alternatives for the next step that should be discussed with a professional. Not all asbestos requires immediate and costly removal. Some situations allow for the asbestos to be left in place and monitored at regular intervals.
For example, insulation between floors may contain asbestos to help regulate the temperature in a high rise office building. The asbestos is sealed between the ceiling and the concrete, and does not have the risk of being disturbed during the course of the workday. The asbestos can be monitored on a frequent basis and the office can remain undisturbed. Regulation requires the tenants of the space to be notified of the dangers and to be alert of certain circumstances that may disturb the hazardous material.
The asbestos would need to go through the removal process, should that same office building require renovations that would disturb the asbestos and transform the material to a hazardous state. An Asbestos Inspector would be able to advise how to remove the asbestos and oversee the work done. Workers would need Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as respirators, eye protection, and clothing. The area would need to be sealed off to prevent airborne particulates from permeating into other areas. The asbestos would be placed in specialty bags and individually labeled for tracking purposes. The bags would be transported in a specialty vehicle, denoting the danger; and transported to a facility prepped to receive the hazardous substance.
The removal process can be costly and time consuming. Not every situation warrants immediate removal, but should be carefully discussed with an Asbestos Inspector. The different alternatives should be carefully weighed and carried out. Should the asbestos remain, it is crucial to have regular inspections to ensure that there is not a hazardous situation that could lead to long term health risks for each employee working in the area. Click hereto contact an Asbestos Inspector to have your workplace inspected. Any surface area could contain asbestos, and it is critical to have the areas identified to consider the health risks by the presence of asbestos in your workplace.
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.
