In many job sectors throughout New York still today, asbestos remains a threat, whether hidden in aging infrastructure, or lingering in outdated machines and old buildings. Industrial workers in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, or shipbuilding crafts face the greatest risk for exposure with many being unaware of the severity of the threat. 

Repercussions from exposure are often dire – chronic respiratory disease being the lower end of the spectrum ranging up to aggressive cancers, including mesothelioma. 

On job sites with asbestos exposure , and where routine duties can potentially disturb toxic fibers, knowing the proper precautions to protect yourself goes beyond workplace safety; it’s a crucial long-term health practice. Whether you’re extensively trained in your industry or new to the trade, becoming familiar with safeguarding yourself can drastically reduce the potential for inhaling fibers and eventual harm years later.   

The Silent Threat:  Ways To Reduce Your Risk of Exposure

When asbestos is released into the air, the exposure isn’t dramatic; it’s silent and uneventful. Pipe insulation may be disturbed, ceiling tiles might crumble, or old drywall is pulled down. 

Hazardous materials like these blend in the surrounding environment; there’s no visible warnings or distinct odor. This is one reason the material is so dangerous; the fibers are invisible when released into the air and the threat they pose underestimated.

A keen awareness can help New York workers minimize the risk of exposure. If working in a building that predates the 1980s or with mechanical systems from that period, the presumption should be that the material is present, and the appropriate precautions taken. 

According to regulatory agencies, suspect materials are treated as hazardous until certified testing proves that it’s not. The highest risk often comes from ambitious workers who start a project without taking proper precautions.  

Consider the following tips for minimizing exposure when working around asbestos while on the jobsite.

Use wet methods to suppress dust

Water is among the most straightforward and powerful tools to control asbestos fibers. Before a renovation or demolition where the material will be disturbed, like floor tiles or cement siding, these should be thoroughly washed down with a sprayer and a solution of water and dish soap. 

This will prevent the fibers from being released into the air and reduce the risk of inhalation when removing, girding, or cutting into the material.

Rewetting often is essential to keep the asbestos from drying out. In areas like crawlspaces and attics that are more difficult to reach, long nozzle sprayers help safely and evenly apply moisture.  

Washing down the work area precedes all other steps. It’s easy to overlook but vital for controlling exposure. Visit – How to Safely Work With Asbestos – SafeStart – for tips on working safely with asbestos.

Air management using HEPA-filtered equipment

Conventional equipment can do more harm than good when dealing with asbestos particles; basic ventilation can further contaminate a structure. This is why HEPA – high-efficiency particulate air filtration systems are recommended by the EPA and OSHA for portable air purifies, scrubber, and vacuums, specifically for hazardous environments.

These tools are ideal for controlling asbestos fibers as they collect particles from 0.3 microns during active work and cleanup. Thorough decontamination is essential following use to avoid cross-contamination and then store securely. 

Use containment barriers to isolate the jobsite

Workers can limit fiber spread by establishing a defined containment zone. Plastic sheeting, 6-mil, will seal the work area, including the vent opening, floor surface, doorways, and windows. Contractors for high-risk jobs set up negative pressure environments to pull contaminants away from occupied spaces.

It’s time-intensive at the beginning of a project to properly contain the project, but it protects anyone with access to the structure. 

These individuals should have a clear path separating the contaminated area from the clean space. Often, temporary barriers with zippered doors for optimal control and mobility are used; signs and access restrictions are as important. Go here for symptoms associated with asbestos exposure – what to look for.

Maintain personal protective equipment

PPE – personal protective equipment is a worker’s first line of defense against asbestos fibers. All workers in contaminated zones should wear and maintain NIOSH-approved disposable coveralls, boot covers, nitrile gloves, and respirators. Smooth-soled but durable boots are recommended over lace-up styles since these can trap fibers in the treads and seams.

Infiltration points can be minimized by using duct tape to seal gaps around pant legs, sleeves and gloves. Reuse items such as respirators must be rigorously cleaned following a shift and stored in airtight containers to prevent exposure. PPE protocol must be monitored by leadership for compliance and clearly posted at entry points.

These may seem like excessive safety measures, but the cumulative impact can save lives over time.

Safe and legal waste disposal

The final step in the safety chain is disposal where mistakes will undo previous efforts. 

All asbestos-containing materials must be secured in puncture resistant polyethylene bags, double-bagged, and labeled with hazardous waste warnings, and taken to certified facilities. Bags should be securely sealed and never overfilled.

Rigid containers should be used to hold sharp or heavy debris from different projects to avoid the potential for rupture while in transit. Disposal logs will ascertain the original location, handling method, and quantity per load. Responsible disposal can mean the difference in an individual’s sanitation methods.

If the material is properly disposed, the logs will disclose the handling method, quantity, and origin. Even unsuspecting loved ones can be exposed when debris is improperly disposed. Responsible disposal methods should protect the community wholly from unnecessary harm. 

Final Thought

The foundation of asbestos protection relies on consistency as opposed to improvision. Shortcuts or guesswork only exposes workers to a toxicity that can follow them for decades. Fortunately, sealed jobsites, wet cuts, and proper protective gear are part of a system meant to safeguard workers’ lives.

New York workers and leadership must work together to identify hazards, create environments where coming forward is rewarded and follow critical safety protocol. This is how long-term change happens; it assures safety as a culture and not merely meeting compliance. 

Asbestos maybe an invisible threat but workers can take visible action. When awareness develops into a habit, that habit contributes to positive health results and that’s a legacy businesses today strive for.