b'CSAM NEWSTHE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF ASBESTOS SAFETY:Protecting lives and ensuring complianceIn Manitoba, the presence of asbestosWith three new training standards nowbe promptly addressed to maintain a continues to be a significant safetyin place (Awareness, Abatement andsafe working environment.concern, topping the list of seriousExposure) here in Manitoba, it is moreEnsure Proper Containment: Erect incidents for several years. Asbestosimportant than ever for businesses andphysical barriers and use negative air poses severe health risks when itsworkers to stay informed and compliantpressure units to contain asbestos fibres fibres become airborne and arewith the latest safety regulations. within the work area, preventing their inhaled. Asbestos-related diseases,Clear Signage and Labelling: Usespread to adjacent areas. Use sealed including asbestosis, lung cancer andclear signage to mark areas containingcontainers for asbestos waste.mesothelioma, can be devastating.ACMs. Labels should be visible and Consequently, businesses, contractorsinclude warnings about the presence ofProvide Personal Protective Equipment and employees must prioritize asbestosasbestos and necessary precautions. (PPE): Ensure that all workers handling safety to protect lives and ensureACMs are equipped with appropriate regulatory compliance. Regular Safety Meetings: IncorporatePPE, including respirators andThe first step in asbestos safety isasbestos safety into regular safetyprotective clothing.identifying its presence. Asbestos is ameetings and toolbox talks. DiscussRegular Air Monitoring and Health naturally occurring mineral composedrecent inspections, updates to theSurveillance: Conduct regular air of thin, needle-like fibres, which can beasbestos register and any changes inmonitoring to detect asbestos fibre found in various construction materials,procedures or regulations. levels and implement corrective actions including insulation, flooring and roofing.Open Communication Channels:if necessary. Provide ongoing health To effectively identify asbestos: Encourage workers to report anysurveillance for workers to detect any Conduct Thorough Inspections:suspected asbestos-containingearly signs of asbestos-related diseases.Regularly inspect buildings and sitesmaterials or unsafe conditionsCreating a culture of safety around for asbestos-containing materialsimmediately. Ensure there are asbestos involves not only compliance (ACMs), especially before renovation orclear channels for reporting andwith regulations but also fostering demolition activities. Engage certifiedaddressing concerns. awareness and vigilance among all asbestos professionals to conduct Controlling asbestos exposure involvesstakeholders. Employers must prioritize these inspections. implementing strict work practices andopen communication, regular training adhering to regulatory guidelines toupdates and continuous improvement Assessment of ACMs: Assess themanage and mitigate risks. Key controlof safety practices. Workers should feel condition of identified ACMs tomeasures include: empowered to report potential hazards determine the potential for disturbanceand actively participate inand fibre release. This includesDevelop Control Plans: Createsafety programs.checking for signs of wear, damage detailed asbestos control plansIn conclusion, asbestos remains a or deterioration. outlining procedures for safe handling,persistent threat in Manitoba, but Maintain an Asbestos Register: Keepremoval and disposal of ACMs. Thesethrough diligent adherence to the a detailed record of the locations andplans should comply with provincialIdentify, Communicate and Control conditions of ACMs within your regulations and best practices. protocol, we can significantly reduce facilities. Update this register wheneverImplement Safe Work Procedures:the risk of exposure and safeguard the new materials are identified orDeveloping and enforcing rigorous safehealth of our workers. By prioritizing conditions change. work procedures is vital to controllingasbestos safety, we protect not only Effective communication is essentialasbestos exposure. Regular auditsindividual lives but also the integrity to ensure everyone understands theand inspections should be conductedand reputation of our businesses. Stay risks associated with asbestos and theto ensure compliance with theseinformed, stay compliant and, above all, measures needed to stay safe. Keyprocedures, and any deviations shouldstay safe.communication strategies include:Educate and Train Workers: Provide comprehensive training to all employeesTheres nothing more convenient than resources you can on the dangers of asbestos, properdownload and study as you need or on the go. Please visit our handling techniques and emergencyresources page at constructionsafety.ca/resources/downloads response procedures. Ensure that workers involved in asbestos-relatedto download toolbox talks like Asbestos and much more.activities receive additional certification. Issue 2 | Summer Edition | 2024 BUILD MANITOBA 29'