name: davis holmes injury prevention and management ... · injury prevention and management...
TRANSCRIPT
In the construction sector
Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of workplace fatalities
Asbestos represents 76% of all fatal claims
What we know about asbestos
• It’s a naturally occurring mineral found in the ground
• It has excellent durability, fire resistance and insulating properties
• The fibres are 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair
• Fibres can float in the air up to 30 days and can be inhaled into the lungs
• Asbestos fibres can be invisible to the naked eye
Common types of asbestos
• White asbestos (chrysotile) used as cloth
• Blue asbestos (crocidolite)
• Brown asbestos (amosite)
Possible health effects from exposure to asbestos
• Asbestosis – irreversible scarring that impairs breathing
• Lung cancer
• Mesothelioma – cancer of the linings of the lung
• Non-cancerous diseases that affect the linings around the lung and abdomen
Some of these diseases can take 20 to 50 years to develop There are NO KNOWN CURES
What is the likelihood of finding asbestos
As a general rule, if a building was built:
• Between the 1940s and 1980s it is highly likely that it would contain some asbestos materials
• Between 1980s and 1990s it is likely to contain asbestos materials
• After 1990 it is unlikely to contain asbestos materials
It is important to note:
• There are no safe exposure limit to asbestos fibres
• You must ensure that any exposure to asbestos is kept and maintained as low as possible
Be safe with asbestos
• If you’re unsure if the building has any material containing asbestos assume it does and take the required precautions
Two types of materials used in the construction sector that contain asbestos
• Non-friable
Is bonded asbestos and is found in all types of buildings
• Friable
Is loosely bonded asbestos and is potentially very dangerous. These materials can contain 100% asbestos
Commonly used friable asbestos materials can be found
• In old domestic heaters, stoves, hot-water pipe lagging
• In the backing of sheet vinyl flooring
• Inside fireplaces
Commonly used non-friable asbestos materials
• Roof sheeting and guttering
• Gables, eaves and soffits
• Water pipes and flues
• DT surrounds
• Wall sheeting, flat or weatherboard style
• Zelemite backing boards on switchboards
• Imitation brick cladding
• Flexible building boards
• Fencing and car ports
Stay away from damaged asbestos materials
• Fire damaged sheeting
• External cladding tiles that have started to desegregate
• Damaged ceiling tiles
If you find asbestos ….DON’T
• Cut it
• Drill it
• Saw it
• Sand it
• Scrape it
• Dismantle it
• Scrub it
• Water blast it
• Demolish it
If asbestos is present:
• Post warning notices
ASBESTOS HAZARD AREA – KEEP OUT
• Avoid creating airborne DUST
• Everyone on site must wear appropriate respiratory protection:
• P2 half face mask disposable or with cartridge filter
• P3 full face piece with cartridge filter
• A worker with facial hair may need to remove it when using a respirator
If asbestos has been identified:
• Stop all work activities and involve qualified expert assistance to confirm if asbestos is present
• Refer to NZ Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos
• If in doubt, obtain advice from WorkSafe NZ www.business.govt.nz/worksafe
Respiratory protection
NZ Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos (NZDAA)
• Undamaged or asbestos in poor condition P2 is recommended
• Maintenance work then a minimum of P3 is recommended
• Face fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) must be fitted to be effective in protecting the wearer
Asbestos is a silent killer
Ensure everyone has been trained
how to fit and wear the correct mask
so it functions effectively
The removal of asbestos is notifiable work
• WorkSafe NZ must be notified and issue approval to start work
• The person performing the work must hold a
‘Certificate of Competence’
• Large scale removal of asbestos requires airborne monitoring
• Use water spray or encapsulation if possible
Follow required procedures and monitor and document all activities
Conclusion
• You can’t do anything about a person’s past exposure
• But you can influence the future
• Ensure that you and your work mates wear the
appropriate respiratory protection until you are sure there is NO asbestos