Osha Regulations Asbestos
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Asbestos Insulation?
I work as a contractor in nuclear plants, and I get concerned over my safety sometimes, especially asbestos work. Today, a group was pulling off some insulation, and it got rather dusty. They did not have respirators on, nor was there a tent for them to work in. There were also no warning signs or HEPA vacs, and the insulation was placed in normal, single plastic bags with no warning signs. If this was asbestos insulation, wouldn’t more safety factors be in place? I don’t really know the regulations on asbestos, but I know that it is very harmful. I do know; however, that a lot of the asbestos insulation has been replaced with calcium silicate insulation in this plant. I would ask, but I was get shy about these things and just assume that the plant takes care of you, especially due to OSHA and NRC regulations. Any help would be appreciated.
If you’re worried about the presence of asbestos at a work site you should ask the facilities manager/site manager about it. You are perfectly within your rights to do so.
If the company knows that asbestos is present then they are required by law to provide suitable training and safety precautions for anybody working at the site. Failiure to do so will result in criminal prosecution and massive fines.
For the sake of your own peace of mind (and your health and those around you) you should ask the relevant person if they are aware of asbestos at the site. If they are unsure then insist they find out. If they refuse then contact your local government office and tell them of your suspicions. They will be able to advise you on what steps to take.
Please note that there have been cases of people transmitting asbestos dust to their spouses/children via their work clothes
http://www.thameslabs.co.uk/guidance/news/1170.html
Chances are that the company is responsible and has taken the relevant precautions for your work site…but your health is too important to ignore.
Blow Torch Test on Asbestos Roofing 1930