What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been a popular building material since the 1950s. It is used as an insulator (to keep in heat and keep out cold), has good fire protection properties and protects against corrosion. It can be found in many places in a building especially if it was built or refurbished before 1990.
Because asbestos is often mixed with another material, it’s hard to know if you’re working with it or not. Asbestos is a silent killer and responsible for around 4,500 deaths per year.
Where Asbestos is Commonly used
Sprayed coating – Pipe Insulation – Asbestos insulating board (also referred to as AIB) ceiling and door panels – AIB window panel – Floor tiles – Asbestos cement roof sheeting – Textured decorative coating (such as Artex)
Who is at risk?
- Heating and ventilation engineers
- Demolition workers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plumbers
- Roofing contractors
- Painters and decorators
- Plasterers
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Fire and burglar alarm installers
- Shop fitters
- Gas fitters
- Computer installers
- General maintenance staff eg caretakers
- Telecommunications engineers
- Building surveyors
- Cable layers
What can Asbestos Cause?
Associated with the hidden killer Asbestos are 4 serious diseases which develop over a long period of time. These are Mesothelioma , Lung cancer , Asbestosis and Pleural thickening.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract . It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
Precautions to take when working with Asbestos
- Instead of using power tools you should use hand tools!
- Material need to be damp ( Not soaking Wet)
- The mask you wear needs to be properly fitted , wearing a dust mask will not be good enough.
- While working do not eat, drink or smoke. Asbestos particles can attach themseleves to your food , drink or cigarette!
- When getting rid of asbestos make sure the bags are clearly lable and double baged.
- Use a special vacuum cleaner ( Class H )
- Wear disposable overalls or wipe down your overalls with a damp rag when you have finished.
- Take your overalls off first , not your mask!
- Don’t take overalls home to wash – You will be bringing Asbestos into your home.
- Make sure you are not wearing laser boots.
- Disposable clothing items in asbestos waste bags and dispose of them properly