Asbestos in the Workplace

These naturally occurring fibrous minerals are found throughout the world, including Canada. Because it has heat-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was used in a wide range of manufactured products such as structural fireproofing and insulation, cement, plaster, and textiles.

Health risks

Workers who inhale asbestos fibres, particularly over long periods of time, are at risk of:

• Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe
• Lung cancer - smoking can greatly increase the risk
• Mesothelioma – cancer of the chest lining or abdominal cavity

Asbestos in Canada

• As of 2018, the federal government prohibits the import, sale and use of asbestos, and the import, sale, use and manufacture of asbestos products
• All provinces and territories have regulations regarding asbestos management including the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace
• Past uses of asbestos-containing materials in many workplaces still remain in place
• Approximately 152,000 Canadians are exposed to asbestos at work*

Workers at risk include

Carpenters
Cabinetmakers
Construction trade persons
Electricians
Plumbers and pipefitters
Plaster and drywall installers
Sheet metal workers
Auto mechanics
Shipbuilders
Custodial workers

Controlling asbestos

When asbestos is present, a control program to protect workers from exposure must be in place that addresses:

• containment of asbestos and asbestos operations
• controlling the release of asbestos fibres
• engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices
• providing workers with task-specific work instructions that address both the hazards and the controls
• providing, using and maintaining personal protective equipment and clothing
• the methods and procedures needed to monitor the concentration of airborne asbestos
• the methods needed to decontaminate worker’s clothes etc.
• the removal and clean-up of asbestos waste and related material

Asbestos exposure occurs when the fibres are airborne. Asbestos can be encapsulated and, therefore, the risk of exposure becomes low. Precautions are necessary when renovating, demolishing, removing, sanding, or doing similar activities.

*Source: CAREX Canada. Asbestos. www.carexcanada.ca