Asbestos the silent killer. Name: Davis Holmes Injury Prevention and Management Consultant ACC

Transcription

1 Asbestos the silent killer Name: Davis Holmes Injury Prevention and Management Consultant ACC

2 In the construction sector Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of workplace fatalities Asbestos represents 76% of all fatal claims

3 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

4 Common types of asbestos White asbestos (chrysotile) used as cloth Blue asbestos (crocidolite) Brown asbestos (amosite)

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 Be safe with asbestos If you re unsure if the building has any material containing asbestos assume it does and take the required precautions

9 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

10 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

11 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

12 Examples of non-friable asbestos Roofing Brick cladding Drainage trap surround Down pipes

13 Examples continued Textured ceilings Hardiplank Wall cladding

14 Examples continued Eaves Gables Switch boards External wall cladding

15 Examples continued Floor tiles Hardiplank fencing Hardiplank cladding Ceiling tiles

16 Stay away from damaged asbestos materials Fire damaged sheeting External cladding tiles that have started to desegregate Damaged ceiling tiles

17 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

18 What ever you do don t dump it

19 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

20 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

21 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

22 Asbestos is a silent killer Ensure everyone has been trained how to fit and wear the correct mask so it functions effectively

23 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

24 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

25 Thank You Name: Davis Holmes Injury Prevention and Management Consultant ACC