Asbestos Awareness Training

Asbestos Awareness Training. A picture containing text Description automatically generated.

By the end of the course you will be able to:-. Name the 3 main types of asbestos.

Naturally occurring material. 3 main types. Chrysotile – white.

Properties. Versatile. Hardwearing. What is Asbestos?.

What is Asbestos?. The groups of asbestos fibres differ in their mechanical and chemical properties. The different types of asbestos can be found on their own or as a mixture with any other of the fibres . They cannot usually be identified by their colour alone. Where asbestos is affected by heat and chemicals or is combined with other substances, its colour and appearance can easily change. Work with asbestos can release small fibres into the air. Although the body will get rid of most of the larger fibres that can enter the nose and mouth, tiny fibres can pass into the lower parts of the lung. They can stay there for years and in some cases work their way through the lung lining. The body naturally gets rid of any asbestos fibres that you might take in with food and water. Asbestos fibres cannot be absorbed through your skin..

Deposits of asbestos are found throughout the world.

All types of asbestos are classed as carcinogens..

Main diseases are asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural plaques..

Lung Cancer. Cancerous tumours in lung tissue. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing (up blood).

Pleural Plaques. Fibres lodged in the lung tissue push through and scratch the inside of the pleural membrane..

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance and everyone is exposed to very small numbers of fibres all the time..

Brings together three previous sets of legislation.

Requires employers to provide information, instruction and training to all employees likely to be exposed to asbestos – not just asbestos removal workers.

Uses of Asbestos. Insulating Board Structural fire protection – on steel work, behind radiators and boilers, inside doors, Also used for acoustic insulation, lining, ceiling tiles, general building board (resists moisture ingress) Up to 85% asbestos, semi compressed so very likely to give off fibres if broken, drilled or sawn Only to be removed by a licensed contractor.

Uses of Asbestos. Lagging Thermal insulation for pipes/boilers Common lagging up to 15% asbestos Quilts/blankets up to 100% asbestos Often has protective foil, paper or wire covering Only to be removed by a licensed contractor.

Uses of Asbestos. Asbestos Cement Products Roof sheets, flue pipes, guttering, down comers, roof tiles, permanent shuttering Only 10-15% asbestos (usually white asbestos) Sheets should be removed whole and kept wet by a specialist asbestos remover.

Uses of Asbestos. Asbestos Containing Plastics Floor tiles, stair nosings , sink pads, toilet seats and cisterns Can also find asbestos in the adhesive used with floor tiles Up to 25% asbestos Fibre release unlikely under normal use.

Uses of Asbestos. Asbestos Rope and Cloth Fire blankets, gaskets, cable insulation, flash guards Up to 100% asbestos Release of fibres depends on material All 3 types of asbestos used pre1970, only chrysotile since.

Uses of Asbestos. Sprayed Coatings Used as fire protection and acoustic control for structural steelwork. Up to 85% asbestos Fibre release likely if disturbed. Can also degrade as it ages..

Uses of Asbestos. Textured Coatings Commonly referred to as ‘ artex ’. Low percentage of asbestos Fibres may be released if the material is drilled or sanded..

Uses of Asbestos. Asbestos Paper Products Backing on fibre boards, floor tiles Covering on electrical equipment insulation, pipe insulation Damp proof course External Building Panels Asbestos boarding can be used for external cladding.

Personal Protective Equipment. Asbestos removal operatives wear:.

Respiratory Protective Equipment. A picture containing text Description automatically generated.

Major refurbishment works must not start without a type 3 (fully intrusive) survey to ascertain the presence of asbestos.

Emergency Procedures. If you discover or disturb asbestos.

We have reached the end of the course.. Now you should be able to:-.

If in doubt: STOP WORK CLOSE AREA OFF and NOTIFY PERSON IN CHARGE..