Asbestos Abatement - Lowering the risk:
Asbestos abatement relates to the testing and removal of asbestos containing material on OSU property. This section of environmental health and safety regulations has provisions for use of with a team of ten members for asbestos abatement process. They are responsible, for removal and abatement of all asbestos suspected material according to the rules set by Oklahoma state department of labor.
A certified worker accredited by appropriate governmental agency for this purpose can only undertake asbestos abatement. Asbestos abatement is required only for renovation, remodeling and maintenance works in OSU property. Sometimes emergency drills are also conducted in case of accidents pertaining to water leaks and contaminated ceiling tiles.
Asbestos abatement is done in a closed area. All air units are turned off until the work is complete. This is necessary to avoid the spreading of asbestos fibers. Workers wear respirators and disposable clothing that are disposed off after the procedure is over. Samples collected in the asbestos abatement are analyzed using polarized light microscopy in the EHS laboratory.
The area of asbestos abatement is also analyzed and then given a green signal or re-cleaned or re-sampled. The surrounding air is checked for any contamination using phase contrast microscope. If the area is clear then it is declared fit for occupancy.
Asbestos Abatement - Necessary Because of Health Issues:
Asbestos once named the "miracle mineral" is fibrous mineral. Asbestos was used for many years in construction of boilers, railroads, shipyards, buildings, insulation, fireproofing, and floor tiles. Asbestos fibers are very minute and invisible to the naked eye and could lead to serious of health implications when inhaled. Asbestos cannot be broken down in the body and leads to various respiratory disorders and fatal diseases such as asbestosis and Mesothelioma cancers. Moreover, the symptoms of these diseases are usually dormant many years, which makes it a difficult to diagnose at an earlier stage.
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.