13 Sep Asbestos in Construction

Asbestos in Construction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in construction materials because of its strength, durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Construction workers may encounter asbestos during renovation, maintenance, repair, and demolition, particularly in older buildings and structures.

Asbestos-containing material should never be disturbed unless the material has been properly evaluated and the work is performed in accordance with applicable asbestos requirements.

Where Asbestos May Be Found

Asbestos was incorporated into many building products. Potential asbestos-containing materials may include:

• Pipe, boiler, and mechanical insulation.
• Sprayed-on fireproofing and insulation.
• Floor tile and associated mastics.
• Roofing and siding materials.
• Cement products.
• Ceiling materials and textured coatings.
• Wallboard systems and joint compounds.
• Gaskets and other heat-resistant materials.

The presence of asbestos cannot reliably be determined simply by looking at a material. Suspect materials should be treated appropriately until their asbestos content has been determined.

How Exposure Occurs

The primary hazard occurs when asbestos-containing material is disturbed and respirable fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Activities such as cutting, drilling, sanding, grinding, scraping, breaking, removing, or demolishing suspect materials can release fibers.

Workers should never drill, cut, remove, or otherwise disturb suspect asbestos-containing material unless they are authorized and the required controls are in place.

Health Effects

Asbestos exposure can cause serious diseases that may not appear until many years after exposure. These include:

• Asbestosis – Scarring of lung tissue that can make breathing progressively more difficult.
• Lung cancer – Asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, and smoking further increases that risk.
• Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other internal organs.

Because these illnesses may have long latency periods, preventing exposure today is essential.

Protect Yourself

Construction work involving asbestos is regulated by OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101. Before beginning renovation, demolition, maintenance, or other work that could disturb suspect materials:

• Determine whether asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing material may be present.
• Do not disturb unidentified suspect materials.
• Follow established asbestos work practices and exposure controls.
• Restrict access to regulated areas as required.
• Use appropriate engineering controls, respiratory protection, protective clothing, and decontamination procedures when required.
• Never dry sweep, blow, or otherwise spread asbestos-containing dust.
• Immediately report damaged or disturbed suspect material.

A qualified competent person must perform the duties required by OSHA for asbestos work, including appropriate inspections and oversight based on the class and type of work being performed.

Remember

You cannot identify asbestos by sight alone. If you encounter material that may contain asbestos, stop before disturbing it and follow established procedures. Proper identification, training, engineering controls, PPE, and work practices are essential for preventing exposure.