Effect of changed working techniques on asbestos dust levels in the working environment

The methods are presented for correcting the working environment when asbestos dust concentrations are too high. Asbestos dust, being fibrous, remains suspended longer than most industrial dusts, and has a tendency to pack and cling together. Sophisticated monitoring techniques have made possible the attainment of standards that are effective in controlling risks of asbestos related diseases. The most difficult situation to control is the dust produced in stripping old asbestos lagging, but predamping has greatly reduced the contamination. Special attention has been paid to the special needs of people working with asbestos on building sites. Special hoods have been designed to protect workers drilling, cutting and sanding asbestos material. The Environmental Control Committee has prepared a series of Control and Safety Guides and a Code of Practice for the Disposal of Asbestos Waste Material as part of activities to promote new and improved methods of dust control.