Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals primarily used for its exceptional fire resistance, strength, and insulation properties. Unlike many other materials, asbestos fibers don’t burn or melt easily, even under extreme heat. Its ability to contain fires and prevent their spread was a major selling point and made it a common choice for fireproofing buildings, ships, and even protective gear for firefighters.
Asbestos deposits were natural, cheap, and in abundance, and these economic factors drove the popularity of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials up, even as health concerns began to reveal themselves amongst construction and mining workers.
Quick Asbestos Facts
- Asbestos was declared a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1987.
- At the height of its use, asbestos was found in more than 3,000 applications worldwide; however, production and use have declined since the 1970s.
- Effective April 1, 2016, the Government of Canada introduced a ban on the use of asbestos-containing materials in all new construction and renovation projects under the purview of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
- On April 17, 2017, the Government of Canada introduced new occupational health and safety regulations to minimize harm caused by asbestos in workplaces
Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, small, microscopic fibers are released into the air. These fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and other parts of the body. The body is unable to effectively break them down, leading to chronic inflammation, scarring, and cellular damage over time. This can result in serious and sometimes fatal diseases that can lay dormant for decades after exposure, including:
- Asbestosis
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Other Cancers
Regulations and Risk
Many countries and regions have strict regulations regarding the use, handling, and removal of asbestos. These regulations are designed to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure.
Despite bans, asbestos can still be found in older buildings built before the 1980s (and in some cases, later). Common locations include insulation (especially around pipes and boilers), roofing materials, flooring tiles, cement products, and brake linings. As a result, worker exposure to asbestos continues in many industries to this day.
Workers who may be exposed to asbestos include:
- Asbestos processing and milling workers
- Construction workers during renovations, maintenance, or demolition
- Mechanics performing brake and clutch repairs
- Insulation workers and heating trades
- Sheet metal workers, plumbers, and pipefitters
- Waste disposal and asbestos abatement workers
- Cement and concrete workers
- Custodial and maintenance staff working in older buildings
Employer and Worker Responsibilities
Employers must ensure asbestos hazards are properly identified and assessed in the workplace and that effective controls are implemented to minimize worker exposure. This includes developing and maintaining an asbestos awareness and control program, developing emergency response plans, and ensuring workers receive training. Employers are responsible for ensuring these controls comply with applicable occupational health and safety regulations.
Workers who may work around asbestos must take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of exposure. This includes completing proper asbestos awareness and task‑specific training, following established safe work procedures, and complying with all applicable regulatory requirements. Workers must use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and protective clothing, when required. Workers should never disturb materials that may contain asbestos unless they are trained and authorized to do so. Any damaged or deteriorating asbestos materials must be reported to a supervisor right away
Kasa Consulting can support you in keeping your workers safe by helping develop safety programs and procedures and by providing asbestos awareness and hazard control training. Training is available through our online portal at.
Training can be found through our online portal at https://www.bissafety.app/store/kasa-consulting-store/home