Asbestos Awareness

[Audio] Not all John Deere facilities have asbestos-containing materials on site. Your facility does. This training will provide you with information regarding asbestos and its risks..

[Audio] What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, still mined throughout the world. Asbestos is known as the " miracle mineral" because of its strength, durability, sound dampening capabilities, and extreme heat resistance. Asbestos is used in over 3000 commercial products.

Because it has heat-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was used in a wide range of manufactured products. Asbestos was used by industry, construction, and commercial sectors in products such as: Building materials (roofing shingles, roof sealants, ceiling & floor tiles, house siding). Friction materials (car clutch pads, brake linings, pads and shoes). Fire and heat protection wear. Industrial furnaces and heating systems. Heat, electrical, and sound insulation or wrappings. Insulation for hot and cold areas. Packing materials, gaskets, linings, and coatings. Filler in resins, plastics and caulking and in asphalt road surfacing..

[Audio] There are two main types of asbestos – friable asbestos, and non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Non-friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Non-friable asbestos was typically combined with cement, vinyl, asphalt or other type of hardening binder prior to use. Non-friable asbestos may become friable if pulverized during renovation or demolition activity Products containing non-friable asbestos may still be manufactured throughout the world..

[Audio] Exposure to asbestos is a known health hazard, but it is unknown what a safe level of asbestos exposure is. It is the inhalation of asbestos fibres that causes the significant health concerns Damaged asbestos containing material (or, ACM) is more likely to release asbestos fibres into the air When released, these asbestos fibres may be inhaled and become deposited in your respiratory system Each exposure increases your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease Smoking increases your risk of developing an asbestos-related disease by 50x.

[Audio] The health hazards associated with asbestos exposure are not immediate. Instead, health effects from asbestos exposure may not appear for 10 to 20 years after exposure. Asbestos-related health effects include: asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term non-cancer disease of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres that irritate lung tissues and cause the tissues to scar. The scarring makes it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. There is no effective treatment for asbestosis. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is found in the thin lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart. Almost all cases of mesothelioma are linked to asbestos exposure. Lung cancer causes the largest number of deaths related to asbestos exposure. People who work in the mining, milling, and manufacturing of asbestos, as well as those who use asbestos and its products are more likely to develop lung cancer than the general population. As mentioned, the risk of acquiring lung cancer from asbestos is increased by 50% for smokers..

[Audio] How is asbestos in Canada regulated Aside from asbestos in production, asbestos in the workplace is regulated provincially..

How is asbestos regulated in Canada?. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code. Requirements for Asbestos Management are described in the “Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual”. British Columbia Workers Compensation Act Requirements are also described in the “Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos” booklet. John Deere Environmental Standard.

[Audio] How is asbestos managed at your facility? Asbestos in good condition is generally left alone. If asbestos is not moved, disturbed, or damaged, it poses no risk. However, asbestos in poor condition needs to be repaired or removed. If you see asbestos in poor condition, contact your supervisor immediately..

[Audio] It is important to remember that no one at any John Deere facility in Canada is qualified to remove asbestos. Asbestos removal will always be performed by an approved and certified asbestos removal contractor..

[Audio] Asbestos at your facility is inspected annually. Your supervisor has a list of locations where asbestos can be found in your workplace. During your orientation walk-through, these locations will be identified for you. If you have any asbestos-related questions, speak with your supervisor..

Verify Completion. Once you have reviewed this presentation, please go back to the Safety Training Registration System to verify your completion.