Hey there, folks! If you work in home renovations, restoration or any of the trades that may be going in and out of buildings built before the 1990’s it’s vital to know about asbestos and how to protect yourself from its dangers.
You might be surprised to find it’s still lurking in many places and can seriously mess with your health. In this article, we’ll break down what asbestos is, the symptoms of asbestos exposure, and, most importantly, how to keep yourself safe with asbestos safety tips. So, let’s dive in!
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos isn’t some high-tech, space-age material. It’s actually a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once hailed for their heat resistance and durability. In the past, they were used in all sorts of things, from building materials to car parts. But here’s the catch: when asbestos breaks down into tiny fibers, it becomes a silent killer.
Asbestos Exposure
So, how do you get exposed to this sneaky stuff? Well, asbestos fibers can become airborne when materials containing asbestos get damaged or disturbed. When you breathe in these tiny fibers, they can get trapped in your lungs and wreak havoc over time. You might not even know it’s happening until it’s too late.
Asbestos Exposure Symptoms
Okay, let’s talk about symptoms. Asbestos exposure doesn’t give you an instant “ouch.” It’s more like a slow burn that can lead to serious health issues down the road. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Shortness of Breath: You might feel like you’re running out of air more often.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that just won’t go away can be a warning sign.
- Chest Pain: Asbestos-related lung issues can cause chest discomfort.
- Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual? Asbestos exposure might be playing a role.
- Clubbed Fingers or Toes: Your fingers or toes might become swollen and rounded at the tips.Your fingers or toes might become swollen and rounded at the tips.
- Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: If you’re suddenly not hungry and losing weight, it’s time to take notice.
- Crackling Sound in Lungs: If your lungs make a weird, crackling sound, it’s a cause for concern.
Asbestos Safety Tips
Now, you’re probably wondering how to keep yourself safe from asbestos exposure. Here are some down-to-earth tips:
- Identify Asbestos: Know where asbestos might be hiding in your workplace. It could be in insulation, roofing materials, flooring, or even older vehicles.
- Don’t Mess with It: If you suspect materials contain asbestos, leave them alone. Don’t cut, drill, sand, or disturb them in any way.
- Proper Protection: If you need to work around asbestos-containing materials, wear the right gear. That means a dust mask, goggles, gloves, and disposable coveralls.
- Work Wet: If you have to handle asbestos, wet it down first. This helps keep those pesky fibers from going airborne.
- Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas whenever possible to reduce the concentration of airborne fibers.
- Dispose Properly: Never toss asbestos-containing materials in the regular trash. They must be handled and disposed of as hazardous waste.
- Get Trained: Consider enrolling in an asbestos safety program to learn how to identify, handle, and manage asbestos safely (try our course here!)
Conclusion
Asbestos is no joke, and you don’t want to find yourself dealing with the health issues that can arise from exposure. Be aware of where asbestos might be lurking in your workplace, and remember the symptoms of asbestos exposure. Taking the right precautions, wearing protective gear, and handling asbestos safely are key to staying healthy on the job.
Your health is worth investing in, and Valley WorkSafe can help you do just that! We offer online workplace safety training and certification courses and in-person training in beautiful Renfrew County, ON. It’s our job to help equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to protect yourself and your coworkers so you can stay safe at work, “because there is no other way!”
Watch Our Safety Videos Here : https://www.youtube.com/@valleyworksafe