Quick response steps when you find asbestos near you

In emergency asbestos repair, some guidelines can be used to keep the level of asbestos exposure to a minimum. Storm damage to a workplace, especially when it involves an asbestos material at the scene, needs a quick emergency repair response. What should be done when the situation arises?

1. stop work

When a storm hits, remember to stop all activities in the area, as the storm may release some asbestos fibers into the air.

2. Restrict access to the site

A restriction to the area suspected of contamination can be made by closing all entrance doors and posting warning signs in vital areas to prevent workers from entering the facility and risking asbestos exposure. Don’t forget to turn off any air treatment systems to avoid a larger area of ​​exposure.

3. Notify site authorities.

Never try to disturb anything on the wreck site. Contact the authorities, for example facility management or security personnel and report the situation as soon as possible.

4. Let the incident information flow

Other members of the workplace should also be notified of the situation. Those who are responsible for maintenance, especially with regard to asbestos material, should be the priority of the information flow. The more people know about the incident, the more people can prevent others from entering the damaged site and risking their lives by being exposed to asbestos fibers.

However, the maintainer will have the responsibility to take the next step.

5. Inform the asbestos consultant

This step is necessary to obtain a risk assessment and the appropriate management plan as soon as possible.

6. Site visits

The asbestos consultant will then go to the contaminated area to verify the suspected material. Sample collection can also be performed if necessary. When the sample taken has a positive result, notify the asbestos materials management coordinator and continue with the next step (item 7). The sample result is negative, inform the asbestos materials management coordinator and continue with point 9.

7. Contact a licensed asbestos contractor for the cleanup process

The asbestos materials management coordinator hires a licensed contractor to do the cleanup. This process is carried out in the company of the asbestos consultant.

8. Air monitoring

This process is done in the contaminated area to ensure that the dust level remains acceptable based on the level of exposure. A physical inspection is also performed after the removal process, to confirm that the removal has reached a standard procedure.

The measure is taken to ensure the safety of unprotected workers entering the site. When complete, the asbestos consultant issues an authorization document.

9. Evaluation

All personnel managing the remediation process organize a meeting to review the asbestos management plan.

10. Update the asbestos registry

Any changes to asbestos-containing materials in the area must be included in the asbestos register.

As part of sharing knowledge of safety equipment and the procedures that need to be carried out, it would be wise for more than just a professional to understand the steps of emergency procedures. However, it is highly recommended that you use an experienced and licensed professional to do the job.

If you live or work inside a property that you simply know may contain Asbestos Containing Material (ACM), it is recommended that you invest in an ‘Asbestos Emergency Personal Protection Kit’.

This kit must consist of disposable materials classified as asbestos:

• P2 mask

• full jumpsuit

• boot covers

• latex gloves

• Leather Gloves – Large enough to fit over latex gloves.

• Safety glasses

You also need to have on hand:

• plastic spray bottle

• Adhesive tape x 4 rolls

• A roll of resistant construction plastic (approx. 3 x 20 meters).

• Heavy-duty garbage bags.

• Paint, PVC glue or silicone sealant.

If you accidentally break ACM, such as interior or exterior flat sheets, asbestos-containing sheets (ACS) or asbestos-containing corrugated sheets (ACCS), probably an essential factor would be to cut the spread of asbestos fibers/dust.

The Foundation believes that it only needs to deal with ACM in an emergency situation, to create small amounts of secure broken ACM.

Before you begin, you must fit and don your ‘Asbestos Emergency Personal Protective Equipment’:

• P2 mask

• full body jumpsuit [Note: When the cuffs are loose fitting wrap duct tape around them]

• boot covers

• Safety glasses

• Latex and leather gloves.

Instantly wet the affected broken region and clean up any visible dust or debris with a damp mop, place the wet mop in a heavy-duty garbage bag and fold the bag. Seal all exposed broken edges of the ACM with paint, PVC glue, or silicone-type caulk; this will ensure that asbestos fibers do not leach out of the ACM. Wrap broken pieces of ACM in heavy plastic sheeting and dispose of at the nearest licensed ‘asbestos’ removal facility.

Carefully remove your ‘Asbestos Emergency Personal Safety Kit’, keep your face covering and latex gloves to last and place all tools in heavy-duty double trash bags, tie each bag with tape and dispose of properly. safe. Never use a power tool or vacuum to clean or work on ACMs.

Better yet, try reading up on asbestos do’s and don’ts. A better understanding of how to avoid asbestos can keep your exposure to deadly fibers low or even zero.