Asbestos Emergency Procedures

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that is used for fireproofing and in electrical work. When inhaled through the lungs, asbestos causes lung disease or asbestosis cancer. Due to the potentially harmful effects of inhaled asbestos, when asbestos containing material is released or disturbed, protocol or procedural methods must be followed to ensure safety of all exposed individuals.

Evacuate

• When asbestos exposure is considered a major event---affecting a wide area and many people---evacuation procedures are implemented. Major release events occur when more than three square feet or three linear feet of asbestos containing material is disturbed. The immediate area of asbestos exposure must be evacuated. Evacuation procedures may require individuals to be at least 100 feet away from exposure.

Isolate

• Once the exposed area is evacuated, isolation measures take place. Isolating the area means posting signs, assigning monitors and locking doors. Isolation does not mean making attempts to clean the affected area, as cleaning released asbestos materials is in direct violation of the law.

Contact

• The appropriate authorities must be contacted after a major asbestos spill. Emergency contact information should be readily available in case of an emergency of this nature. During the call notify authorities of location, individuals evacuated and time of asbestos release.