Asbestos: How to save yourself

The World Health Organisation "estimates, more than 107,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis resulting from occupational exposures. One in every three deaths from occupational cancer is estimated to be caused by asbestos."

That is a scary statement, but it is one that we don't take seriously. That figure of 107,000 deaths is expected to continually rise for the next four years.

Do you know the risks?

Occupations with a high risk of asbestos exposure include (but are not limited) to the following

• Workers involved in the manufacture of asbestos products
• Asbestos mining
• Trades - insulators, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, metal fabricators, pipe fitters
• Power plant workers
• Boilermakers
• Shipyard workers
• Firefighters
• Teachers
• Asbestos abatement workers

Diseases caused by asbestos exposure occur 10-50 years after exposure. Early symptoms can be confused with other illnesses such as pneumonia.

What are the warning signs?

• A persistent cough that gets worse over time
• Coughing blood from the lungs
• Pain or tightening in the chest
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or anemia

How do we prevent exposure?

• Training - asbestos awareness training is a very good first step. This training will show workers the places where asbestos can be found, the correct PPE to be worn, how to identify asbestos and how to work safely with asbestos.
• Identify - prior to commencing work on a building you should consult either the Asbestos Management Survey or the Refurbishment/Demolition Survey which will identify where asbestos is located.
• Personal Protective Equipment - there are various types of PPE that should be worn when exposure to asbestos is probable. Basic PPE includes: Type 5/6 disposable coverall, P3 half mask or disposable mask, gloves, washable boots. For prolonged exposure it is recommended that workers wear a powered respirator.

When wearing a tight fitting respirator it is recommended that the wearer is facefit tested for the device.

The HSE in the UK is a great source of information on asbestos. They have a good checklist for workers on preventing exposure to asbestos.


More information on asbestos awareness training and asbestos surveys can be got from Phoenix Environmental Safety.