Asbestos awareness is important in the world of construction. Asbestos has long been a concern in the industry, known for its dangerous health risks. While the use of asbestos in new construction has been significantly reduced or banned in many countries, the material still poses serious hazards in older buildings and structures. For those working in construction, understanding the risks associated with asbestos, how to identify it, and the proper precautions to take is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction throughout the 20th century. It was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties, making it a common component in building materials like insulation, floor tiles, roofing shingles, and cement. However, it is now known that exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma—a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
Where Is Asbestos Found in Construction?
Asbestos is most commonly found in older buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s. Some of the typical locations where asbestos might be present include:
- Insulation in walls, ceilings, and pipes
- Floor tiles, adhesives, and vinyl flooring
- Roofing materials like shingles and felt
- Cement products used in roofing, siding, and foundations
- Acoustic ceilings and textured paint
When these materials are intact and undisturbed, they pose minimal risk. However, when construction activities such as demolition, renovation, or drilling disturb them, asbestos fibers can become airborne and present a significant health hazard.
The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure:
Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is dangerous because the tiny fibers can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring over time. This can eventually lead to serious diseases such as:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung tissue scarring and difficulty breathing.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, particularly among those who smoke.
The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 40 years to manifest, making early detection and preventive measures all the more critical.
Asbestos Awareness for Construction Workers:
Awareness is the first step in preventing asbestos exposure. Here are key practices for construction workers to keep in mind:
- Know the Risks: Understand that even a small amount of asbestos exposure can be harmful over time. Be aware of the materials that could potentially contain asbestos in the structures you work on.
- Recognize Suspect Materials: If you are working on an older building, assume that some materials might contain asbestos until a proper inspection has been conducted. Materials like insulation, old floor tiles, and roofing felt are potential culprits.
- Request an Asbestos Survey: Before starting any renovation or demolition project, ensure that an asbestos survey has been performed by a qualified professional. This survey identifies the presence, location, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- Follow Safety Protocols: If asbestos is present, only trained and licensed asbestos professionals should handle its removal. Construction workers should never attempt to disturb or remove asbestos materials themselves.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): If you must work near asbestos, ensure that you use the appropriate PPE, such as a fitted respirator mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety goggles. This can help minimize the risk of inhaling fibers.
- Proper Disposal: Asbestos waste must be handled and disposed of according to local regulations. It should be placed in clearly labeled, sealed bags and disposed of at a licensed asbestos disposal facility.
Employer Responsibilities:
Construction companies and employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from asbestos exposure. This includes:
- Conducting risk assessments and asbestos surveys before starting work on older buildings.
- Providing adequate training to workers on how to recognize and avoid asbestos hazards.
- Ensuring that licensed asbestos abatement contractors handle asbestos removal.
- Providing the necessary PPE and enforcing safety procedures on job sites.
The Importance of Training and Education:
Proper training and education are vital for reducing asbestos exposure in the construction industry. Workers should know how to identify potential asbestos-containing materials and understand the health risks involved. Many countries have regulations requiring asbestos awareness training for those working in industries where exposure is possible. This training helps workers recognize hazardous materials and teaches them how to safely handle situations involving asbestos.
Asbestos awareness is a crucial aspect of safety in the construction industry. By understanding where asbestos can be found, recognizing the risks of exposure, and following proper safety measures, construction workers can protect themselves and others from the long-term health effects of this hazardous material. Prioritizing asbestos safety not only helps ensure a safer work environment but also contributes to the overall well-being of everyone involved in construction projects. Remember, when it comes to asbestos, caution and awareness are your best tools for protection.
If you, or anyone you know needs training, please refer to our training page at phoenixoshatraining.com/services/ .
Published by OSHA Phoenix on October 16, 2024
