Asbestos Awareness

Caliber Construction Alaska Asbestos Awareness Policy

Overview: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber known for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Caliber Construction Alaska is committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees by implementing comprehensive asbestos awareness and management practices.

Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees are aware of the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure and to provide guidelines for identifying, handling, and managing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the workplace.

Policy:

Identification and Assessment:

Caliber Construction Alaska will conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials in its facilities and worksites.
Employees will be trained to recognize common asbestos-containing materials and report any suspected ACMs to their supervisors.

Training and Awareness:

All employees, including supervisors and contractors, will receive comprehensive training on asbestos awareness, including the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, common ACMs, proper handling procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Training sessions will be conducted regularly to ensure that employees remain informed about asbestos-related risks and best practices for prevention.

Handling and Management:

Any work involving the disturbance or removal of asbestos-containing materials will be performed by trained and licensed asbestos abatement professionals in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Employees shall not disturb or attempt to remove suspected ACMs unless authorized and trained to do so.
Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, disposable coveralls, and gloves, shall be provided and worn by employees when working in areas where asbestos exposure is possible.
Engineering controls, such as wet methods and HEPA vacuuming, will be employed to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during construction, renovation, or maintenance activities.

Communication and Reporting:

Clear communication channels will be established to ensure that employees can report suspected ACMs or asbestos-related concerns to their supervisors or the designated safety officer.
Any incidents involving the disturbance or release of asbestos fibers must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities and documented for investigation and follow-up action.

Regulatory Compliance:

Caliber Construction Alaska will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing asbestos awareness, handling, and management, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for asbestos in construction and general industry.

Policy Review: This Asbestos Awareness Policy will be reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and compliance with regulatory requirements. Updates and revisions will be made as necessary to ensure the continued protection of employees from asbestos-related hazards.

Conclusion: By adhering to this policy, Caliber Construction Alaska is committed to minimizing the risks associated with asbestos exposure and fostering a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. Together, we can prevent asbestos-related illnesses and protect the well-being of our workforce.