Safety Information about working with asbestos.

3.  Asbestos exposure is the single largest on-the-job killer in
Canada, accounting for more than a third of total workplace
death claims.
 There were 368 death claims (2014) last year alone. This
represents a higher number than fatalities from highway
accidents, fires and chemical exposures combined.
 Since 1996, almost 5,000 approved death claims
stem from asbestos exposure, making it by far the top
source of workplace death in Canada.
Source: The Globe and Mail, data
from Association of Workers’
Compensation Boards of Canada

5. ‣ It could be on your clothes and then released into the
air where you and your fellow workers are at. Ex. In
the truck.
‣ After a long day at on the job, workers could potentially
carry home fibers on their hair, skin and clothes and
create a secondary exposure risk for their families.
‣ Asbestos can remain on tools. If you did not clean the
tool after the job, then the next time you pick up the
tool the spurs which remained on the tool get released
go into the air where it can be inhaled.

6. Mesothelioma
Asbestosis
Pleural Thickening

7. is a cancer which
affects the lining of the
lungs (pleura) and the
lining surrounding the
lower digestive tract
(peritoneum).
CITYHALL-#4804623-v1-Asbestos_Info.PPT

8. is a serious scarring condition of the lung that
normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos
over many years. This condition can cause
progressive shortness of breath, and in severe
cases can be fatal.

9.  is generally a problem that happens after heavy
asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura)
thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung
itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness
of breath and discomfort in the chest.

10. The following personal protective equipment (PPE is required for AC pipe cutting and/or drilling)
NIOSH approved face piece respirator (minimum), complete with combination cartridges for particulate
(P100) and organic vapors (OV)
Disposable, impermeable protective coveralls (complete with hood, booties and elastic gathers at wrist)
Disposable gloves
Goggles (to protect eyes from chlorine and mist)
Lace less rubber boots with steel toes (non-laced is proffered)
Hard hat
Hearing protection
Note all PPE and equipment must be cleaned with a damp cloth or a
HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner prior to removal
Pending changes
see Lidia

11. Source:
Negative-pressure user seal check
For a negative-pressure seal check,
close off the inlet openings with your
palms and inhale gently.
Positive-pressure user seal check
For a positive-pressure seal check,
cover the exhaust valve and breathe
out slightly.

12. Set up barricade with Flashers then put the Asbestos Hazard Tape to
seal off the area.
Only personnel authorized by the supervisor 2 in charge of the
worksite and who are equipped with PPE may enter the work area.
Entrance to
work site
You can get patroller to deliver
Flashers to set up around the area
then put up the Asbestos Hazard
Tape. This set up must be in place
before any work is started