OSHA Fact Sheet about Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that are used in certain products like building materials to resist heat or corrosion.

Often asbestos can prove to be dangerous to those workers who are constantly exposed to it. It is well recognized as a health hazard and is regulated highly. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung diseases and affect other organs. The biggest threat is that these health hazards won’t appear sooner but at later stages after the exposure has occurred. Since asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eyes, workers are at greater risk of developing some extremely dangerous asbestos related health risks.

An estimated number of 1.3 million workers in the construction as well as general industry are exposed to asbestos on the job. Construction workers are heavily exposed to this hazard partly due to the removal of asbestos during demolition and renovation of buildings. In general industry, workers are exposed to this hazard during the manufacture of asbestos containing products. Even employees in the marines are also exposed to asbestos hazards while demolishing or renovating ships.

Due to its highly risky characteristic, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has put forward three standards to protect workers from the exposures to asbestos at the work sites. They are: 29 CFR 1926.1101 applies to the construction works that include renovation, repair, demolition and alternation of asbestos containing structures, 29 CFR 1910.1001 covers the general industry work which includes exposure during clutch and brake repair, manufacture of asbestos products and custodial work and finally the 29 CFR 1915.1001 which applies to the asbestos exposure during work in the shipyards industry.

For controlling asbestos exposure, you must reduce the employee exposure levels and supply them with respiratory protection. Any employee exposed to the airborne asbestos concentration exceeding a PEL, must be provided with protective clothing like coveralls, head covers, gloves and foot covers. Face shields, goggles and other proper protective equipment must also be provided.

Again, those workers exposed to asbestos above a PEL or those who are involved in each identified work classification must be provided with accurate training. The specific training would depend on the type of work being performed.

The OSHA safety training is one program where workers will be able to learn more about this occupational hazard and the procedures to control them. The OSHA training will also help to comply with the three asbestos standards set by OSHA.

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