Emergency Procedures Flashcards

If you accidentally drill into a material that starts releasing fibrous dust in a pre-2000 building, what is the FIRST thing you should do?

Answer: Stop work immediately and put down the drill

The first action is to stop work immediately. Continuing to drill would release more fibres. After stopping, you should leave the area, warn others, restrict access, and report the incident.

After an accidental asbestos release, who should be notified?

Answer: Your supervisor, the dutyholder, and potentially the HSE

Following an accidental release, you must notify your supervisor and the dutyholder immediately. Depending on the scale of the release, the HSE may also need to be notified. This ensures proper remediation and assessment of exposure.

What should you do with your work clothes if you have been exposed to asbestos fibres?

Answer: Bag them as potentially contaminated waste — do not take them home

Contaminated work clothes must be bagged as potentially contaminated waste and should never be taken home, as this could expose family members to asbestos fibres. This secondary exposure is known to have caused mesothelioma in family members historically.

In an asbestos emergency, why is it important to restrict access to the affected area?

Answer: To prevent other people from being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres

Restricting access prevents other people from entering the contaminated area and being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres. The area must be sealed off until it has been professionally assessed and decontaminated.

What record should be made following an accidental asbestos exposure incident?

Answer: A detailed record including names of exposed persons, duration, and circumstances

A detailed written record must be made including the names of all exposed persons, the estimated duration and level of exposure, and the circumstances. This record must be kept for 40 years and is essential for any future health claims.

If an asbestos fire breaks out in a building containing ACMs, what additional hazard does this create?

Answer: The fire can release large quantities of asbestos fibres into the smoke and surrounding area

Fire can damage and break down ACMs, releasing large quantities of asbestos fibres into the smoke and surrounding area. This is why firefighters and building occupants must be warned about the presence of asbestos, and the post-fire contamination zone can be extensive.