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Asbestos is a silent killer found in various materials. Learn how to stay safe, prevent exposure, and protect yourself in regulated areas. Avoid asbestos-related diseases.
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Asbestos Kills • If you are exposed to enough asbestos, it will kill you • It’s an invisible killer - You need special equipment to even see asbestos fibers • Asbestos has been used to make thousands of products • Maintenance and construction workers are most at risk
How Do Asbestos Fibers Enter Your Body? • Asbestos fibers are released from damaged materials containing asbestos • These fibers enter your body when you breath, eat or drink • They may remain in your body for life • They cause deadly diseases
Diseases Caused By Asbestos • Lung cancer accounts for the most deaths related to asbestos exposure • Asbestosis is a deadly respiratory disease • Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen • It can also cause cancer of the rectum, colon, esophagus, stomach, intestines and pancreas
Three Things That Determine Likelihood Of Disease • The amount and duration of exposure • Whether or not you smoke • Age
Beware of Materials That Crumble Easily • Materials that crumble easily are called friable • Friable materials containing asbestos can release dangerous fibers into the air • Avoid contact with friable materials • Non-friable materials containing asbestos can become friable when damaged • They’re safe as long as not disturbed
3 Activities That Cause Asbestos To Become Airborne • Fallout continuously releases asbestos fibers from a damaged substance • Impact causes high concentrations of asbestos fibers to be released • Reentrainment moves asbestos fibers that have settled
If You Must Work Near Asbestos • Talk to your supervisor first • You have the right to see results of air monitoring tests • Your goal is to prevent asbestos from becoming airborne
Safe Housekeeping • When cleaning areas containing friable,asbestos-containing materials: • Use dampened mops • Do not use brooms • Do not use traditional vacuum cleaners • Stay away from damaged materials containing asbestos
Regulated Areas • Contain dangerous levels of airborne asbestos • Will be marked with signs • Require you to follow these precautions: • Wear respirators and protective clothing • Leave all protective clothing and equipment in the workplace • Shower after leaving the regulated area
If You Must Disturb Asbestos • Turn off the ventilation system • Spray the material with water • Place a drop cloth below the work area • Double bag, label all materials exposed to asbestos for proper disposal
Asbestos at Your Job Site • Know the items / surfaces that may contain asbestos at your school site:
Summary • Asbestos kills • Beware of material that easily crumbles containing asbestos • If you must work near asbestos, your goal is to prevent asbestos from becoming airborne • Regulated areas contain dangerous levels of airborne asbestos