b'ASBESTOS CRYSTALLINE SILICAWORKING WITH ASBESTOS & CRYSTALLINE SILICA PPE - BODY PROTECTIONAsbestos is a material with numerous qualities which was used on aSilica is Silicon Dioxide, which is a naturally occurring mineral that massive scale before being shown to be highly toxic. Prohibited forforms the major part of many rocks and soils (granite, shale, sandstone, import and use across Australia since the end of 2003, it can still besand). Its also used to make concrete, mortar and composite stones. found in many buildings and machines. Helping to keep workers inComposite stones are often used to fabricate benchtops for kitchens such environments safe, protective coveralls can provide durable,and bathrooms, as well as other products. When workers fabricate these comfortable and robust protection against asbestos fibres. products (cut, saw, grind, drill, polish, etc.), very small silica dust particles are generated, and become airborne.Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos How Particle Sizes Affect Compliance EffortsAsbestos is the common name forOne of the more dangerous traits of respirable crystalline silica is the several naturally occurring fibrousextremely small particle size, which allows them to flow when airborne, silicate minerals. Asbestos fibres areand travel on air turbulence (even indoors), for long periods of time.very heat resistant and strong and were used for many years in thermalAccording to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, insulating materials such as laggingsthe size of dust emissions from silica containing substances varies from and coatings, floor tiles, roofing,0.01m (micrometers) to 100m in diameter. For perspective, the diameter asbestos cement products, electrical insulating materials as well asof the average human hair is about 70-100m. Depending on their weight, vehicle clutch and brake linings.dust particles must typically be 200m or smaller to become airborne and Since asbestos is a very friable material, microscopic fibres can releaselinger, while 50m and smaller particles are invisible to the naked eye.into the air in smaller or larger quantities. Inhalation of asbestos fibresParticulate matter of 10m (PM10) is the approximate size threshold can have serious health effects, including asbestosis, lung cancer andfor particles to be able to penetrate the bodys natural defences (mucus mesothelioma. membranes, cilia, etc.) and reach deep into the lungs, potentially In Australia, a nationwide ban on importing and using all formscausing serious health issues such as silicosis.asbestos took effect on 31 December 2003. Reflecting the ban, the Silica dustSome of the most National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)ranges inharmful airborne size and isparticles are too revised asbestos-related material to promote a consistent approachcharacterizedsmall to see, which by its jaggedcomplicates silica to controlling exposure to workplace asbestos and to introduce best- crystallinedust compliance practice health and safety measures for asbestos management, controlform. efforts.and removal. The ban did not cover asbestos materials or products already in use at the time the ban was implemented. Managing Risks & Worker Exposures to Silica - Using the Although Australia has only a third of the UKs population, its asbestosHierarchy of Controlsdisease fatalities approximate Britains of more than 3,000 people per year. According to the Model WHS Regulations, managing risks and worker exposures to silica can be achieved by selecting and implementing Minimising the Risk when Working with Asbestos measures using hierarchy of controls. More than one control will normally The European Council Directive 83/477/EEC on the protection ofbe required to adequately protect workers, and these are as follows;workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work and itsSubstitution such as sourcing composite stone benchtops with a amendments, deals specifically with protecting workers from the riskslower percentage of silicarelated to exposure to asbestos at work. Isolation of the hazardusing principles of safe work design to Before any work is done, a comprehensive risk assessment has to bedesignate areas for tasks that generate dust and appropriate worker carried out and preventive measures have to be established. Employerspositioning during these tasks, using enclosures and automation to have to provide the necessary organisation of work, appropriateconduct dust generating tasksequipment (including suitable personal protective equipment), safeEngineering Controls that minimise the risk of exposure to generated systems of work, training, information, and supervision. Suitabledust, for example, local exhaust ventilation, water suppression (wet personal protective equipment in general includes respiratorycutting) or using tools with dust collection attachmentsequipment, coverall, gloves and safety boots.Administrative Controls, including good housekeeping policies, Choosing Appropriate Protective Clothing shift rotations and modifying cutting sequencesBuilding maintenance and site remediation workers are at a high riskPersonal Protective Equipment including appropriate of coming into contact with the fibres when working on insulation inrespiratory equipment and work clothing that does not collect dust.buildings and industrial installations such as pipes, roofs, walls etc. Implementing a strong Last Line of Defence at your Work SiteIn order to avoid cross contamination, ie: Asbestos fibres attached toWork Clothing that DOES NOT COLLECT DUSTa persons skin or underwear are carried to uncontaminated places,Regulations require that disposable protective coveralls for handling hazardous released and then inhaled, protective coveralls must provide a high barrierparticles meet the EN 13982-1 Type 5 standard. However, as the Total Inward against airborne particles (Category III EN 13982-1 Type 5 - The Type 5Leakage (TILA) allowed under this standard is very high (15% in 8 out of 10 suits product standard allows for an inward leakage of up to 15% in 8 out of 10tested); the more stringent standard of EN 1073-2 Class 2 is desirable, as this suits tested). They have to meet the following general requirements: requires the Average TILA to be less than 2% for 6 suits tested.High particle barrier (material, seams); Workers using coveralls that meet the EN 13982-1 Type 5 Standard Smooth surface to prevent particles from adhering to the garment; may be unaware that up to 15% of the hazardous fine particles may be Tight fit at arm and leg openings (elasticated cuffs and ankles); entering inside the suit. If appropriate decontamination procedures are Compatible with additional PPE (masks, goggles, gloves); and not implemented, this can lead to secondary inhalation of silica particles Comfortable to wear, high freedom of movement. by the worker and family members, if contaminated garments worn under the disposable coveralls are worn home.Material Courtesy of DuPont Technical Safety Bulletin. Australian Workplace Exposure Standard Material Courtesy of DuPont Tyvek for Airborne Contaminants revised December, 2019.CLICK&COLLECT190 Call 132 100 or shop rsea.com.au FREE Pick-up from our Stores'