Toolbox Talk: Asbestos & Lead: Stop and Ask

Why it matters

Asbestos and lead were widely used in buildings for decades. Disturbing them releases fibers and dust that cause cancer, lung disease and nerve and brain damage.

Talking points

• Think old: buildings built before about 1980 may have asbestos in insulation, flooring, tiles, plaster, siding and roofing. Buildings built before 1978 may have lead paint.
• Stop and ask: before cutting, drilling, sanding, scraping or demolishing, ask for the asbestos and lead survey results or test the material.
• Don't guess: you can't tell by looking. Treat suspect material as if it contains asbestos or lead until tested.
• Don't disturb it: leave damaged or suspect material alone, keep people out and tell your supervisor.
• Trained workers only: removal must be done by trained, licensed or certified people using required controls. Lead-safe work practices apply for renovation.
• Protect your family: use wet methods where allowed, wear the required protection, don't eat or smoke in work areas, wash up and don't take dusty work clothes home.

Ask the crew

1. How old is this building, and do we have a survey?
2. What materials will we disturb today?
3. Who do we call if we find something suspect?

Before we start work today: Ask for the asbestos and lead survey, and stop work on any suspect material until it's tested.

Who attended

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Source: OSHA: Asbestos. General safety information only, not legal advice; follow your employer’s program, the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations. Keep signed sheets with your safety records. FirstDayTraining.com · Todd Allyn Media Inc.