The Dangers Of Working With Asbestos
Asbestos is responsible for 4000 deaths per year, who will work with a hidden killer this year?
The truth is, lots of people will. Many of us will encounter this hidden killer without have to through work, its everywhere. We know its dangers now so we are able to manufacture items that no longer contain it or a least have non lethal doses but we are also surrounded by items that are old so potentially, its everywhere still.
The places you might find asbestos are as follows.
• Asbestos cement products
• Textured coatings
• Floor tiles, textiles and composites
• Sprayed coatings on ceilings, walls and beams/columns
• Asbestos insulating board
• Lagging
• Loose asbestos in ceiling or floor cavity
Asbestos has been found to be the reasons and causes for many cancers over the last 20 – 50 years. The small fibres from asbestos are common in Great Britten and as a result we are all exposed to it in very small amounts but it’s the amounts that cause harm.
When these fibers are inhaled they can cause serious diseases most of which can be fatal. With for around 4000 deaths a year due to asbestos, the Health and Safety act is a serious business and is enforced to high levels.
There are four main diseases caused by asbestos:
- Mesothelioma (which is always fatal).
- Lung cancer (almost always fatal).
- Asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating).
- Diffuse pleural thickening (not fatal).
These asbestos related diseases are slow going, it could be years before you developed them so protecting yourself at all times is very important.
To help yourself remain safe from asbestos you can follow some simple rules.
Always do these.
- Ask about the job and the risk before taking it on.
- Follow the plan of work and the task guidance sheets; make sure you use the right sheet for the job
- Use your protective equipment at all times, including a suitable face mask, worn properly
- Clean up the waist as you go
- Make sure waste is double-bagged and is disposed of properly at a licensed tip
- Wash before breaks and going home
Don’t do these.
- Use methods that create a lot of dust.
- Sweep up dust and debris - use a Type H vacuum cleaner or wet rags
- Take home overalls used for asbestos work
- Reuse disposable clothing or masks
- Eat or drink in the work area
- Smoke
As long as you follow the Health and Safety act, you should be at a minimal or nonexistent risk.
Have a safe day.
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