When working around asbestos, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is absolutely vital. After seeing the impacts firsthand when safety gear is skipped over a 20 year career, the author cannot overstate how crucial selecting and donning suitable PPE is. Here the essential asbestos safety essentials to keep workers healthy onsite are covered.
Respiratory protection
First and foremost, an appropriate asbestos respirator is the most critical PPE item. Inhaling loose asbestos fibres is by far the greatest risk, making approved masks imperative. For any asbestos removal or potential disturbance work, a minimum of a half-face respirator with P1 or P2 particulate filters is mandatory. But given risks involved, the author recommends full-face respirators for complete eye and face protection particularly in demolition situations.
When it comes to masks, fit and seal are just as crucial as the respirator specification itself. So make use of proper quantitative fit-testing by a professional to match workers with suitable mask types and sizes. Also confirm facial hair doesn’t prevent a tight seal. Constant checks for filter condition and mask integrity also can’t be skipped. Assuming a worn respirator still protects against asbestos could cost a worker dearly over 10-20 years.
Protective clothing
After safe breathing apparatus, single use coveralls and other protective clothing is essential. Disposable Tyvek or polyethylene suits provide shielding against asbestos dust and debris while containing fibres to avoid contamination spread. Elasticised hoods, cuffs and ankles give better barrier performance than loose clothing.
Of course gumboots, safety helmets/glasses and durable work gloves able to withstand asbestos and debris complete PPE fundamentals as well. Double-taping suit sleeves and pants at wrists and ankles also prevents inward fibre migration adding another barrier.
Recommended PPE features
Certain PPE features maximise reliable asbestos protection including:
Full-Face Respirators
- Enhanced breathability and vision field
- Built-in eye protection against debris
Disposable Protective Suits
- One-piece coveralls avoid exposure gaps
- Elastic hood, wrist and ankle cuffs improve barrier performance
HEPA Vacuums
- Specialist vacuums prevent fiber escape during disposal
- Achieve asbestos clearance air sampling standards
PPE Micron Ratings
Protective equipment and vacuums aimed at asbestos use micron filtration ratings indicating the particle size captured. Lower microns are better:
- P1 respirators filter to 1 micron (1000 nanometres)
- P2 respirators filter to 0.5 microns (500 nanometres)
- HEPA vacuums filter to 0.3 microns (300 nanometres)
Decontamination & disposal
Having donned suitable PPE, following precise site entry and exit procedures maintains containment. Use designated decontamination zones to vacuum suits before removal then shower thoroughly upon leaving contaminated areas. Responsible disposal of single-use suits and thorough respirator decon avoids spreading asbestos off-site.
The author continually reinforces PPE protocols because poor decontamination and disposal habits quickly negate even the best respirators and suits used onsite. Assume worker clothing under disposable suits remains contaminated requiring additional precautions like separate transport or laundry methods. Safety truly is in the detail with hazardous materials like asbestos.
Asbestos exposure risks
Inhaling airborne asbestos fibres triggers various lung conditions depending on factors like:
- Fibre size – Thinner fibres lodge deepest in lungs
- Asbestos type – Amphibole forms are more toxic
- Exposure extent – Frequency, concentration levels
- Time lag – Issues can manifest decades later
Conclusion
A career of asbestos abatements has proven that health impacts seen in veterans today often trace back to inadequate PPE decades ago. With mesothelioma and asbestosis stealing years of life even after brief exposures, complacency cannot put current workers at similar risk. Mandate and verify proper use of tested respirators, protective suits and meticulous decontamination in teams. It’s the only way working with asbestos can be called “safe” rather than “luckily didn’t adversely affect me…yet”. Put safety first.
