Asbestos

The main types of asbestos most commonly encountered in industry and housing are:

• 1. Crocidolite (blue asbestos) has been largely used in textiles, thermal and acoustic insulation material and as a filler in plastic components.
• 2. Amosite (brown asbestos) utilized in fire resistant boards and insulation material.
• 3. Chrysotile (white asbestos) has been used chiefly in asbestos cement, insulation and other building materials and in road surfacing.

Health Effects

Repeated and prolonged inhalation to elevated airborne asbestos fibres may cause irreversible lung disease and cancer. However, the health risk to PDO staff and families is considered insignificant from the breakage of asbestos cement insulation boards on the exterior of houses.

Identification

In cases where it is not certain that the insulating material contains asbestos, STOP the Job and contact the Corporate Industrial Hygienists (MSE3 Team). Under NO circumstances shall an asbestos removal job be undertaken in PDO Concession and PDO Buildings without the prior approval of MSE3 Team. Testing of suspected asbestos materials shall be performed prior to any handling to confirm asbestos content. This can only be performed through microscopic analysis e.g. dispersion staining.

Marking

Existing asbestos materials in buildings should be clearly marked "ASBESTOS" as a warning. PDO has prohibited the future use and importation of Asbestos containing materials/products.

Asbestos Removal

The presence of existing asbestos insulation may not in itself be a significant risk to health when it is covered or encapsulated. Dangers arise if asbestos fibres are released when the material is damaged, either accidentally or during maintenance or repair work. Exposure to high concentrations may result from cutting, deliberate breaking, drilling or machining dry dusty materials particularly where high speed tools are used.

The decision to remove or encapsulate existing asbestos should be preceded by an assessment of the perceived risks and benefits in combination with MSE3 Team.

All persons handling asbestos should be trained and assessed as competent to work or remove asbestos containing materials.

Asbestos Do's And Don'ts For The Homeowner

• Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
• Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
• Do any removal and repair work using trained and qualified people (UIB).
• Don't generate airborne dusts by sweeping, or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos.
• Don't saw, sand, dry scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
• Don't walk material that could contain asbestos through the house. Hose the area down and avoid walking through the area. Have it cleaned with a wet mop.
• Don’t clean-up material from damaged asbestos sheering without consulting UIB or call an asbestos removal professional.