Asbestos exposure is the single largest on-the-job killer in Canada, accounting for more than a third of total workplace death claims.

There were 368 death claims (2014) last year alone. This represents a higher number than fatalities from highway accidents, fires and chemical exposures combined.

Since 1996, almost 5,000 approved death claims stem from asbestos exposure, making it by far the top source of workplace death in Canada.

Source: The Globe and Mail, data from Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada

‣ It could be on your clothes and then released into the air where you and your fellow workers are at. Ex. In the truck.

‣ After a long day at on the job, workers could potentially carry home fibers on their hair, skin and clothes and create a secondary exposure risk for their families.

‣ Asbestos can remain on tools. If you did not clean the tool after the job, then the next time you pick up the tool the spurs which remained on the tool get released go into the air where it can be inhaled.

Mesothelioma

Asbestosis

Pleural Thickening

is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum).

CITYHALL-#4804623-v1-Asbestos_Info.PPT

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.

is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

The following personal protective equipment (PPE is required for AC pipe cutting and/or drilling)

NIOSH approved face piece respirator (minimum), complete with combination cartridges for particulate (P100) and organic vapors (OV)

Disposable, impermeable protective coveralls (complete with hood, booties and elastic gathers at wrist)

Disposable gloves

Goggles (to protect eyes from chlorine and mist)

Lace less rubber boots with steel toes (non-laced is proffered)

Hard hat

Hearing protection

Note all PPE and equipment must be cleaned with a damp cloth or a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner prior to removal

Pending changes see Lidia

Source: WorkSafeBC

Negative-pressure user seal check

For a negative-pressure seal check,close off the inlet openings with yourpalms and inhale gently.

Positive-pressure user seal check

For a positive-pressure seal check,cover the exhaust valve and breatheout slightly.

Set up barricade with Flashers then put the Asbestos Hazard Tape to seal off the area.

Only personnel authorized by the supervisor 2 in charge of the worksite and who are equipped with PPE may enter the work area.

Entrance to work site

You can get patroller to deliver Flashers to set up around the area then put up the Asbestos Hazard Tape. This set up must be in place before any work is started