NEBOSH GC 2

Latest Question of Asbestos

Key
(Masala)

What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the term used to describe a group of naturally
occurring fibrous mineral silicates.
TYPES:
Chrysotile (white asbestos) - commonly used found in 95% ACM.
Amosite (brown asbestos) - used in sprayed coatings, in heat
insulation products, and in asbestos cement products where greater
Crocidolite (blue asbestos)- rarely found in B.C. Before 1973 -was
commonly used in sprayed coatings on structural steelwork for
fire protection. Also for heat or noise insulation. It was also used in
gasket materials and asbestos cement pipe.

ACM
Asbestos-Containing Material
Regulation defines asbestos-containing material
as containing 0.5% or more asbestos as
determined by polarized light microscopy,
electron microscopy, or gravimetric analysis.
An exception is made for vermiculite containing insulation
materials (e.g., more than 25% vermiculite), which are
considered asbestos-containing if any asbestos (even less
than 0.5%) is
present.

Health hazards of asbestos

Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its
fibres are extremely fine and can
remain suspended in the air for
hours; workers exposed to asbestos
contaminated air can inhale the
fibres. If handled improperly,
asbestos may cause serious chronic
health problems and even death.

Health hazards of asbestos

The inhalation of asbestos fibres
causes incurable respiratory
diseases, mainly cancers of the lung
and chest lining. The diseases have a
long latency period and death occurs
15-60 years after exposure, though
the initial symptoms (breathlessness
and coughing) can appear sooner.

1.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease

resulting from prolonged exposure to
asbestos dust.
The fibres gradually cause the lung
to become scarred and stiff, making
breathing difficult.
This condition can cause progressive
shortness of breath, and in severe
cases can be fatal.

2. Asbestos related -Lung cancer

Lung cancer may be caused by
asbestos fibres in the lung.
Although it is unknown exactly how
asbestos causes lung cancer,
research has shown that the
combination of smoking tobacco and
inhaling asbestos fibres greatly
increases the risk of lung cancer.

3.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but

aggressive form of cancer affecting
the lining of the lungs or the
abdominal cavity.
There is a confirmed link
between asbestos exposure
and mesothelioma.

4. Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening may develop after
heavy asbestos exposure.
The lining of the lung (pleura)
thickens and swells, causing
shortness of breath and
discomfort in the chest.

Low Risk Activities

A work activity that involves working
with or in proximity to asbestos
containing material, if the material is
not being:
Cut, sanded, drilled, broken, ground
down, or otherwise fragmented
or
Disturbed in such a way that asbestos
fibres may be released

Moderate-risk work activity

A work activity, other than a high-risk work
activity, that involves working with or in
proximity to asbestos-containing material that
is being cut,
sanded, drilled, broken, ground down or
otherwise fragmented, or otherwise disturbed,
where it is necessary to use personal protective
equipment (PPE) or engineering controls to
prevent worker exposure to airborne asbestos
fibres.

Where can you find

asbestos?
Because asbestos is a good heat and electricity
insulator, it has been commonly used in many
applications, e.g.
lagging for boilers and pipe-work,
asbestos cement sheeting,
fire blankets, ropes, yarns and friction products,
sprayed applications, e.g. fire-resistant encapsulation
of metal girders or insulating boards in buildings,
roofing materials, loft and wall insulation, ceiling
tiles, panels and textured finishes, gaskets, packing
and plugs made of asbestos-containing materials.

Where can you find asbestos?

Inside
Sprayed coatingson ceilings, walls, columns
Asbestos cementwater tank
Loose fill insulation Laggingon boilers and pipes
AIBceiling tiles
Toilet seat and cistern AIBpartition walls
AIBpanels in fire doors
Asbestosrope seals, gasketsandpaper
Vinylfloor tiles
AIBaround boilers
Textileseg fire blankets
Textured decorating coatingson walls and ceilings
eg artex
Outside
Asbestos cementroof
Asbestos cementpanels
Asbestos cementgutters and
downpipes
Soffits AIBorasbestos cement
Asbestos cementflue
AIB = Asbestos Insulating Board

The risk associated with asbestos is

determined by:
the quantity inhaled over time;
the size of the particles inhaled and
whether they generate dust (in
general long, thin, durable fibres are
hazardous to health); and
the durability in the lungs.

Asbestos removal control plans

Licensed
Risk assessed
Controlling the risk by:
limiting access, displaying signs and installing
barricades
Competent workforce (Health condition)
Correct tools and equipments
decontamination procedures
respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Authorized waste disposal
air monitoring & clearance Inspection