ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

Aspects Of Asbestos Management / Removal Qualifications And Training In Canada and the UK



Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

Abstract

The presence of asbestos in buildings does not necessarily constitute a health risk to either maintenance workers or other building occupants. It is only when the fibers become airborne that they may become hazardous through inhalation or breathing them into the lungs. Once in the lungs? they cause a biochemical reaction in certain individuals? which may result in disease. It is for this reason that regulations identifying the type and location of asbestos in buildings? controlling the production and dissemination of fibers and the training of workers has been developed. Work with asbestos can be performed safely providing that measures are taken to control the production and spread of asbestos dust and to protect the workers from breathing the fibers. In this study we try to explore the concept of Asbestos Management in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Asbestos Management and its relation with Canada and UK. The research also analyzes many aspects of Asbestos Management and tries to gauge its effect on Canada and UK. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for Asbestos Management and tries to describe the overall effect of Asbestos Management on Canada and UK. The presence of asbestos? the fiber level in the air? and the material's friability? condition? and accessibility are all considered in determining what potential exposure and? therefore? hazard exists in a building. The one thing you cannot do when asbestos is identified in your building? is nothing. Two activities? often done in parallel? must be implemented or considered: (a) an asbestos management and operations plan and (b) an asbestos control programme. The most common form is chrysotile asbestos. Amosite? tremolite? actinolite? anthophyllite? and crocidolite are other forms. Asbestos is relatively chemically inert and has a high tensile strength. These properties have led to the use of asbestos in the manufacture of thousands of products.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

ABSTRACTIII

LIST OF FIGURESVI

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Rationale of the Research3

Problem of the Research3

Purpose of the Research4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY58

Theoretical Framework58

Research Design62

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND RESULTS64

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION72

REFERENCES75

APPENDIX76

List of Figures

Page #

Figure 1: Types of businesses ------------------------------- 76

Figure 2: Percent of employee hazard awareness training ----- 76

Figure 3: Percent of employee's awareness of asbestos ------- 76

Figure 4: Belief of degree of disease risk ------------------ 76

Figure 5: Awareness of asbestos legal requirements ---------- 77

Figure 6 Percent of use of cleaning and dust control -------- 77

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background

Asbestos is a potent carcinogen associated with respiratory disease and lung cancer? as well as a fatal cancer of the pleural lining called mesothelioma. This disease results in such excruciating pain that families often pray for death to relieve their loved ones from the unbearable suffering it causes. Not surprisingly then? over forty nations have already banned the use of ...