Asbestos Management

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in various building materials and industrial products.

Where might I encounter asbestos-containing materials while working at PFW?

Asbestos is found in a number of building materials, including: sprayed-on insulation, trowled-on insulation, acoustical plaster, pipe insulation, boiler insulation, duct insulation, floor tile, transit cement board, vinyl flooring, wire insulation and ceiling tiles. It is also used as thermal insulation in some devices and in friction products such as brake shoes.

Why should I be concerned about asbestos?

Over-exposure to asbestos has been shown to cause two types of lung disease (asbestosis and mesothelioma), as well as cancers of the lung and peritoneum. Diseases associated with asbestos exposure were caused by high, long-term exposure and, much less often, by very high short-term exposure.

Will having asbestos-containing materials in my work area hurt me?

No. Asbestos must be airborne and inhaled in order to be harmful, and asbestos-containing materials must be disturbed to become airborne.

What should I do if I have to work with or on a material that I suspect may contain asbestos?

Contact your foreman or supervisor. He/she will contact EHS personnel and request a sample of the material be analyzed for asbestos.

What should I do if my intended work operation is going to disturb asbestos-containing material?

Contact your foreman or supervisor. He/she will contact EHS, who will have asbestos-containing materials removed in a safe manner using properly trained and certified personnel.

What types of work practices might cause me to be overexposed to asbestos?

Sweeping asbestos-containing debris, improperly removing asbestos-containing materials, disturbing asbestos-containing materials (sawing, drilling, sanding or otherwise)

Who can I call regarding questions about asbestos?

Call Environmental Health and Safety at 481-4193. Contact PFW EHS

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