Asbestos – the silent killer

Name: Davis Holmes

Injury Prevention and Management Consultant

ACC

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

Examples of non-friable asbestos

Roofing Brick cladding

Drainage trap surroundDown pipes

Examples continued

Textured ceilings

Hardiplank Wall cladding

Examples continued

Eaves Gables

Switch boards External wall cladding

Examples continued

Floor tiles Hardiplank fencing

Hardiplank cladding Ceiling tiles

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

What ever you do don’t dump 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

Thank You

Name: Davis Holmes

Injury Prevention and Management Consultant

ACC