asbestos training
effects of asbestos exposure
years of exposure to asbestos increase the risk of developing a number of disabling and fatal diseases including: -Asbestosis: Asbestosis is not cancer, but is a fibrotic lung condition like emphysema. -Lung cancer: Lung cancer risk from asbestos exposure is closely related to individual smoking habits. -Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the surface linings of lung or abdominal tissues. -Other cancers -Cigarette smoking increases the risk of getting these diseases!
when not to enter an area that might contain asbestos floating around a lot
during renovation projects
fibers can be
either coarse and needle-like or curved and silky and can be woven into cloth.
asbestos is more hazardous when
friable meaning reduced to dust by hand pressure can be suspended in air for a few hours or days inhaled is bad
how to report a hazard and why
immediately report a hazard if : - Damaged building surfaces or pipe insulation -Dust or debris from an abatement project that is not being contained in the project area -Remodeling work being done in your area that you weren't notified about report to facilities services of various cities
asbestos is found
industrial sites, these products have been used in homes, schools, shipyards, and commercial buildings in the United States.cannot be found by just the five senses must be microscopically looked at
Do these
-Assume building materials (ceilings, walls, floor tile, pipe insulation, etc.) contain asbestos, unless there has been sampling and analysis that shows it is not asbestos. -Protect surfaces as much as you can: use proper casters or a protective mat or rug to protect floor tile wax. -Leave suspect materials alone. -Report damaged building surfaces to your supervisor and/or the building coordinator. Supervisors or managers should contact the person to whom they report and/or the building coordinator. At Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center, contact Engineering Services. -On UW campuses, to find out your building coordinator, contact your departmental administrator or go to the campus Facilities Services web site.
dont do these
-Do-it-yourself projects are not allowed by University policy. -Do not damage or work on (drill, cut, puncture, etc.) building materials and surfaces that may contain asbestos. These materials include: walls, floors, ceilings, pipes, electrical, windows, doors, ventilation or refrigeration systems, and storage cabinets. -Do not store ladders, brooms or personal items next to insulated pipes. -Do not lean items against pipe insulation in your room. -Do not remove suspended ceiling tiles as there could be asbestos materials above them. -Do not enter an area if dust or debris from an abatement project is entering that area. Report it immediately to your supervisor or to the building coordinator. -Do not clean up suspect materials (unless you are trained and equiped to do so properly).
asbestos laws
-The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regulates state law regarding asbestos. -This is accomplished through L&I's DOSH, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. DOSH is the state equivalent to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). -The University of Washington also has policies and procedures regarding asbestos. Requirements by other agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are satisfied by complying with UW policies and procedures and DOSH regulations. -Employees have a right to know where asbestos is located in their work environment. -The University expects you as an employee to recognize and report potential asbestos hazards in the buildings you occupy. Although regulations do not apply to non-work locations, it is a good idea to use safety precautions at home, as well.
amphibole type of asbestos
Many older (pre-WWII) asbestos-containing products were very dusty and crumbled easily under hand pressure. These products often contained the amphibole type of asbestos fibers and were used in low-density insulation materials.
asbestos fibers have
Relatively high tensile strength, Good frictional properties, Resistance to heat and cold, Resistance to corrosive chemicals and bacteria, and High electrical resistance.
chrysotile
Today, products commonly contain chrysotile, a less dusty form of asbestos, but one that can still be dangerous. A large number of manufacturers in other countries use chrysotile in the manufacture of a variety of products such as panels, pipes, shingles, tarred roofing materials, brake pads and gaskets.