What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction and other industries due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it has been found to pose serious health risks, leading to its ban in many countries. Asbestos can be found in various forms, including fibrous, non-friable asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
It is crucial for individuals working in industries that may encounter asbestos, such as construction and demolition, to receive proper asbestos awareness training to understand the hazards associated with the material and how to safely handle and remove it. This training is not only a legal requirement in many jurisdictions but also an essential step in protecting the health and safety of workers and the public.
Types of asbestos
There are generally six types of asbestos, each with distinct properties and health risks:
- Chrysotile: Also known as white asbestos, chrysotile is the most commonly used type of asbestos. It has curly, white fibres and was extensively used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and ceiling tiles.
- Amosite: Also referred to as brown asbestos, amosite has straight, brown fibres. It was primarily used in insulation boards, cement sheets, and pipe insulation.
- Crocidolite: Often called blue asbestos, crocidolite has blue, straight fibres. It was commonly utilised in insulation materials, particularly for steam engines and chemical plants.
- Tremolite: Tremolite asbestos can be found in both fibrous and non-fibrous forms. It is typically present in talc products, vermiculite, and certain building materials.
- Actinolite: This type of asbestos is commonly found alongside other minerals. It can be present in asbestos-containing materials such as insulation and paint.
- Anthophyllite: Anthophyllite asbestos has flexible, grey fibres. It was rarely used commercially but can occasionally be found in older insulation materials.
Health risks associated with asbestos exposure
Exposure to asbestos can have severe health risks, potentially leading to life-threatening illnesses. When asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause a range of lung diseases. The most commonly known illnesses include asbestosis, a chronic lung condition characterised by scarring of the lung tissues, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the thin lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
In addition, exposure to asbestos fibres can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly in smokers. These health risks highlight the importance of understanding and managing asbestos exposure.
Proper training in asbestos awareness is essential to ensure individuals can identify asbestos-containing materials and understand how to handle them safely. By following safety protocols and using appropriate control measures, workers can minimise the risk of asbestos exposure and protect their health.
Asbestos Awareness Training
Asbestos awareness training is a vital aspect of workplace safety, particularly for those in the construction industry or any field where contact with asbestos may occur.
The primary purpose of asbestos awareness training is to ensure that workers can recognise and appropriately handle ACMs in their normal work duties. By being able to identify these materials, individuals become aware of the potential hazards, enabling them to implement necessary safety precautions. This includes understanding the health risks posed by asbestos and the control measures required to minimise exposure.
Proper adherence to safety requirements and protocols is crucial to safeguarding the wellbeing of workers. By promoting safe work practices and providing the necessary knowledge, training in asbestos awareness ensures that workers across various industries are equipped to protect themselves and others from potential harm.
Who should undergo training in asbestos awareness?
To ensure the safety of workers, it is strongly encouraged that individuals that may have or are likely to be exposed to asbestos, undergo asbestos awareness training. Occupations that are commonly associated with asbestos exposure include transport workers, asbestos miners and millers, asbestos cement manufacturing workers, builders, plumbers, insulation installers, gas fitters, electricians, and mechanics.
Asbestos awareness training is not limited to those who are directly involved in asbestos removal work, but also includes workers who may encounter asbestos during their normal duties.
The training covers various important aspects such as asbestos identification, safe handling of asbestos, and suitable control measures. By understanding how to identify asbestos and handle it safely, workers can effectively minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. They will also learn about the appropriate control measures that need to be implemented to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
Legal Requirement for Asbestos Training in the Construction Industry
In the construction sector, it is a legal requirement for workers to undergo asbestos training to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Asbestos awareness and removal training courses are accepted as part of meeting this legal requirement.
Successful completion of the required training courses and obtaining the necessary units of competency, construction workers can confidently carry out their duties while minimising the potential risks of working with ACMs.
Asbestos Awareness Training Provider
At Survey Services, we offer comprehensive asbestos awareness training courses that cover everything from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure to the identification and safe removal of asbestos.
Our courses are tailored to you. We understand that your normal work duties may involve contact with asbestos, which is why our training focuses on control measures and safety requirements specific to your industry. We have over 30 years of experience working with asbestos and other hazardous materials.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to asbestos. Take that step towards a safer workplace with Survey Services. Call us today on 08 6491 9032 to discuss your training requirements.
References
Asbestos.com
https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/types/