Question

Prohibitions. The following work practices and engineering controls shall not be used for work related to asbestos or for work which disturbs ACM or PACM, regardless of measured levels of asbestos exposure or the results of initial exposure assessments:

(A) High-speed abrasive disc saws that are not equipped with point of cut ventilator or enclosures with HEPA filtered exhaust air.
(B) Compressed air used to remove asbestos, or materials containing asbestos, unless the compressed air is used in conjunction with an enclosed ventilation system designed to capture the dust cloud created by the compressed air.
(C) Dry sweeping, shoveling or other dry clean-up of dust and debris containing ACM and PACM.
(D) Employee rotation as a means of reducing employee exposure to asbestos.

Answer 1

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Prohibited practices for working with asbestos include the use of certain saws without proper ventilation, employing compressed air without containment, and dry sweeping of asbestos materials. HEPA filters in Biological Safety Cabinets are critical in reducing asbestos fiber contamination in laboratory settings.

Step-by-step explanation:

Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can release fibers into the air when disturbed, potentially leading to serious health issues. Asbestos fibers may become airborne during demolition, maintenance, or remodeling of structures containing asbestos materials. The major health effects from asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma—a rare cancer found in the lining of the lung or abdomen—and asbestosis, a chronic non-cancerous lung disease.

Safe work practices are crucial to minimize exposure to asbestos. Prohibited practices include using high-speed abrasive disc saws without HEPA filtered ventilation, the use of compressed air for asbestos removal without an enclosed system, dry sweeping of asbestos dust, and rotating employees as a means to reduce individual asbestos exposure. Instead, it is important to use wet cleanup methods and proper protective equipment.

HEPA filters are an effective way to reduce airborne contaminants. Biological Safety Cabinets (BSCs) with HEPA filters are used in laboratories to ensure clean air enters and leaves the workspace, helping to prevent laboratory and environmental contamination.