Everybody knows that asbestos is toxic. It is associated with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other deadly diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid asbestos at all costs. So, aren’t you curious to know how asbestos removal services protect themselves from contracting asbestos-related issues? Allow us!
An asbestos remover has to wear a PPE to avoid exposure to asbestos
An asbestos PPE, which stands for Personal Protective Equipment, helps avoid exposure to asbestos while they are helping to seal off the area and remove it. It has all the protection of a hazmat suit, but it’s better at protecting against the tiny fibres that asbestos produces.
A standard PPE consists of disposable coveralls, two pairs of disposable gloves, a hooded coverall, and a full-face respirator. Most people don’t realize just how dangerous these fibres are until one gets in their lungs and becomes impossible to expel.
The Tyvek material used to manufacture these suits creates a strong barrier between the asbestos and your body. It is lightweight but durable, which is why it doesn’t rip or tear easily even when working with rough materials like insulation and drywall. It is also fire retardant and water-resistant, which means the asbestos remover doesn’t have to worry about getting soaked in sweat or caught on fire while at work. In addition, the material is also incredibly breathable, so you don’t overheat.
While asbestos is banned in many countries, it is still used in others because it is so cheap. The safety features of this suit are what makes it worth using even though it increases the cost of removing asbestos from homes or other properties.
Let’s understand the many ways in which a standard PPE protects an asbestos remover!
The Hat
The hat is used to protect the asbestos remover’s head from falling debris, chemicals, fire and cold, as well as simply keeping them warm. It also protects them from UV rays and asbestos dust. Mostly the hat is made of wool with a cotton lining inside and often has additional quilting or padding for added comfort.
The Boots
When it comes to boots, comfort and fit are the two most important factors. Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters, which not only cause discomfort but can also compromise the safety of the asbestos remover by exposing their skin to asbestos at any point during your work. Boots also protect against radiant heat, sparks and molten metal mesh splashes.
The Gloves
The gloves on the asbestos suit are typically made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber that is resistant to chemicals, oils and abrasion. The gloves are usually dipped in a chemical solution to help protect against asbestos fibres. It is important to check the hand protection regularly for wear and tear as well as replace it as soon as any damage is seen.
The Jacket
The jacket is worn over the top of the shirt, but not as a replacement for it. The sleeves are required to be pulled over the arms until they reach all the way to the wrists. The asbestos remover also needs to make sure that no skin is exposed while wearing this jacket. In fact, the fabric that touches their body should be their shirt, not any part of the jacket itself.
In addition, it is crucial not to wear this jacket outside of work and keep it separate from any other piece of clothing so that it doesn’t cause cross-contamination. If that wasn’t enough, being careful about how the jacket is removed is also extremely important for keeping asbestos fibres out of the air and off of the body.
The breathing filter system
The breathing filter system is a critical part of the asbestos suit as well as to the wearer’s safety. The filtration system consists of a series of filters that cleans and circulates air, so it is safe to breathe.
The filter itself is housed in a canister attached to the suit and connected to an airtight mask, which fits over the asbestos remover’s mouth and nose. As the user inhales, air passes through the mask, into the canister, through the filters, and then back into their lungs.
There are different types of filters designed for different situations; some are more effective at filtering out dangerous particles than others. Only expert asbestos removers will be able to determine appropriate suits for working in various settings based on information from technicians who have tested for contaminants in the area of operation.
Because these filters only work as long as they remain functional — and because breathing through them isn’t ideal — they aren’t meant to be worn constantly during work hours! Rather, they are meant to be used only when necessary (for example, if the user is near construction dust or other fine particulate matter). That said, they must still be maintained regularly as part of the regular wear-and-tear protocol.
Even when not in use at work, asbestos removers should check their suits regularly for any signs that indicate that parts need servicing or replacing (such as cracked or dry rubber gaskets). For instance, clogged filters become less effective; damaged masks can let particles in; broken straps may cause things not tightly connected to cause asbestos exposure; and so on.
Asbestos removal is a dangerous job that requires proper gear.
Asbestos removal is a dangerous job that requires proper gear as asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause cancer. The carcinogenicity of asbestos was first discovered in the 1920s, and it has been used as insulation for centuries. Though its use is now limited, it is still found in older buildings and homes and needs to be removed by professionals who are trained to do so safely.
Even with the proper training, asbestos removal remains a high-risk activity. It requires workers to take several measures to protect them from exposure to airborne asbestos fibres, which can lead to respiratory disorders if inhaled or swallowed. And that’s why it is so important not to DIY but rather work only with a professional asbestos removal service to ensure safety is maintained throughout the process.
