Asbestos Exposure Prevention
10,000 Americans will die this year of asbestos-related diseases 200,000 are currently living with asbestosis.
It’s the number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States, even more than 30 years after its use was essentially halted.
as·bes·tos
noun
A heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in fire-resistant and insulating materials such as brake linings.
What makes asbestos dangerous are the microscopic fibers that can be inhaled and can cause certain types of lung disease.
Here are some tips to help protect yourself from asbestos exposure:
- Use signs to identify areas and objects where asbestos may be disturbed
- Use labels to identify asbestos-containing materials
- Facility managers must inform workers of the presence of asbestos
- Do not disrupt materials that contain or may contain asbestos
- If you perform work near asbestos, you must receive additional training, annual medical exams and proper PPE
- Report unsafe conditions to your manager
Remember that working safer is smarter. Be informed on the hazards (Hazard Communication) of asbestos and ask managers if any areas you may be working in could potentially have these fibers present.
