Because of its heat-resistant and insulating qualities, asbestos is a naturally occurring material widely employed in the building, industrial, and automotive sectors. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, on the other hand, can result in major health concerns such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite the acknowledged hazards, asbestos remains in many older buildings and goods, putting employees in some sectors at risk. This post will look at common sectors that may expose workers to asbestos and the hazards and safety precautions that may be taken to avoid exposure.
Construction Industry
Background
The building sector is one of the biggest consumers of goods containing asbestos in the US. Structures built before 1980 are likely to have asbestos, and employees are at risk of exposure during demolition, remodeling, or repair projects that release asbestos fibers into the air.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Employees participating in demolishing and refurbishing historic structures are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air during demolition and inhaled by employees.
- Installation, maintenance, and removal of insulators. Asbestos is present in insulators such as thermally, acoustic, and fireproofing. Employees who install, maintain, or remove these items might be exposed.
- Handling and disposal of contaminant materials. Workers are exposed to asbestos fibers when handling and disposing of asbestos-containing items such as pipes, tiles, and shingles.
Safety Measures
- Identification and evaluation of contaminant materials. Before any restoration or demolition work, employers must identify and analyze asbestos-containing materials in structures.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as ventilators and coveralls. Workers must use PPE such as respirators and coveralls to avoid asbestos fiber inhalation.
- Asbestos-containing debris disposal by local regulations. Local rules must appropriately dispose of asbestos-containing garbage.
Manufacturing Industry
Background
Another sector that has traditionally employed asbestos-containing materials in its goods and procedures is the manufacturing business. It can be any manifesting industry, and you’d be amazed if you read about the history of Xerox and how it caused asbestos poisoning. However, with a recent drop in asbestos use, employees in this sector nevertheless run the risk of exposure.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Manufacturing and use of asbestos-containing goods such as padding, roofing, and gaskets. Employees who manufacture or utilize asbestos-containing items are at risk of asbestos fiber exposure.
- Repair and upkeep of asbestos-containing equipment. Asbestos-containing items, such as seals and packing, may be found in older equipment utilized in industrial operations. Employees who maintain and fix this equipment may be exposed.
- Handling and removal of asbestos-containing trash. Asbestos may be present in waste created during manufacturing operations. Employees who manage and dispose of this garbage may be exposed.
Safety Measures
- Companies should consider using alternate materials to substitute asbestos in goods and equipment.
- Frequent inspections and equipment maintenance to avoid asbestos release. Companies should undertake regular inspections and equipment maintenance to prevent the discharge of asbestos fibers.
- Employees must be educated in the safe disposal and handling of asbestos-containing trash, including using personal protective equipment (PPE) and according to local disposal rules.
Automotive Industry
Background
Another area where workers could be subjected to asbestos is the automobile sector. Other automobile components that could contain asbestos include brake pads, gearbox facings, and gaskets.
Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Vehicle manufacture and repair involving asbestos-containing components such as brake pads, clutch grilles, and gaskets. Employees who manufacture or repair automobiles with asbestos-containing equipment are at risk of asbestos fiber exposure.
- Waste disposal from automobile facilities can create garbage that may include asbestos, such as brake discs and gaskets. Employees who manage and get rid of this garbage may be exposed.
- Asbestos fiber exposure during normal vehicle repair and maintenance. Employees undertaking routine vehicle servicing and repairs may be subjected to asbestos fibers emitted from worn-out brake discs and clutch facings.
Safety Measures
- Employers should investigate alternatives to contaminant materials used in automobile parts.
- Frequent equipment checks and maintenance to avoid asbestos release.
- Usage of PPE and adherence to local rules for asbestos-containing trash disposal. While handling asbestos-containing trash, workers must use PPE such as ventilators and gloves.
Conclusion
Finally, asbestos exposure continues to be a major problem in various businesses. Organizations have to take assertive steps to protect their employees from asbestos fiber exposure, such as recognizing and evaluating asbestos-containing materials, using different materials, implementing safety precautions, providing PPE, and adhering to local regulations for asbestos-containing sewage treatment.
Also read this post: 4 Benefits Of Hiring Asbestos Removal Service Provider