Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring silicate materials. In the past, asbestos was attractive because of its heat resistance, tensile strength and flexibility. Because of its attractiveness, it has been used in a variety of different products, including insulation materials, building materials, and brakes and clutches for automobiles. These are just a few examples of the many uses of asbestos.
In the past and today people can be exposed to asbestos occupationally and environmentally. Construction workers, mechanics, plumbers, vehicle repairers, insulators and more are the most common occupations associated with asbestos exposure.
The different mineral fibers that asbestos is composed of include chrysotile, amosite, tremolite, crocidolite, anthophyllite and actinolite.
OSHA has three standards when it comes to protecting workers that may come into contact with asbestos. These standards are dependent on the type of workplace and whether it is for general industry, shipyards or construction.
Standards
For example, for general industry, OSHA states that asbestos cement, mortar, plaster, grout, coating or similar products cannot be removed from the object that they are shipped in without being wetted, enclosed or ventilated, to protect asbestos fibers from being released into the air. Additionally, sanding of flooring that contains asbestos is not allowed. There also has to be a ventilation system put in place when removing compressed air.
There are different protections that exist within OSHA’s standards. Work areas must be assessed by the standards based on each type of workplace to determine if there is asbestos present and if the asbestos can become airborne. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos is 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air during each eight hour work shift. Employers must make sure that no employees are exposed to asbestos fibers above these limits. Employers must monitor if asbestos exposure is at or above the PEL. If it is possible that exposure might surpass the PEL, employers have to use the necessary work practices and engineering controls in order to try to keep the PEL at or below the correct level. Additionally, workers who are exposed to asbestos above the PEL, must be provided with separate lunch areas and decontamination areas. Medical surveillance must be given to employees who are exposed to asbestos above the PEL. These are just some of the guidelines.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health came up with ways to reduce contamination of homes from asbestos. They state that for people who work in areas that are contaminated who work away from their homes should take a shower before they leave work, should tell their coworkers of the exposure, should wash their work clothes separately from other clothes, should not allow family members to visit them at work, should not take any of the items they used at work home with them, should leave clothes that have been exposed at work, should keep non work clothes away from work clothes and more.
Additionally, people who work with asbestos products at home should follow a set of guidelines as well. They should store hazardous substances in a safe place, wash clothes that they are working in separately, tell other workers and members of their household, keep work and living areas separate and more.
Overall, it is important to do what you can to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure, as it can cause mesothelioma and other diseases that are extremely rare but also aggressive.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease please call (800) 505-6000. For more information, fill out the form on our Homepage.
Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1001
