Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure:The risks of asbestos-related diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaques, and various cancers, hinge on the frequency and duration of exposure. Airborne asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can lead to severe health issues, with symptoms including breathing difficulties and detectable lung scarring through x-rays.
Managing Asbestos Risks:It falls upon you to manage asbestos risks diligently, safeguarding yourself and others from potential illnesses. Undertaking a four-step risk management process aligns with your responsibilities under work health and safety (WHS) laws.
- Identify the Hazard:Recognizing asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACM) at your workplace is the initial step. Qualified individuals, as outlined in the How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace Code of Practice 2011, must conduct this identification. The Queensland Government's dedicated asbestos website provides valuable insights and information on high-risk prohibited work and asbestos registers.
- Assess the Risk:If asbestos is present, conducting a risk assessment becomes imperative. This involves determining the potential for airborne asbestos exposure, evaluating existing control measures, deciding on risk control actions, and assessing the urgency of those actions. Notably, asbestos in good condition and undisturbed poses a relatively low risk.
- Control the Risk:Employing effective control measures becomes essential after assessing the risk. This may involve eliminating the risk through safe asbestos removal, isolating the risk by enclosing or encapsulating asbestos, implementing administrative controls, and ensuring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in conjunction with other measures.
- Review Risk Controls:Regularly reviewing and reassessing control measures is an ongoing process in your workplace. Prompt reviews are necessary when control measures prove ineffective, new risks emerge, or changes in the work environment occur. Compliance with health monitoring requirements and updating asbestos management plans and registers every five years are integral aspects of a comprehensive risk management approach.
In essence, understanding and actively managing asbestos risks are pivotal aspects of ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Regular reviews and adherence to safety protocols contribute to sustained risk mitigation.
Asbestos Links to check out: