Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Personal protective equipment is quite crucial when it comes to protecting oneself from asbestos exposure. If, for example, you work in an asbestos removal company, it is not enough that you use proper removal proceedings. It is important that you use personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment can protect you from developing asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. In this article, we will talk about, among other things, the types of personal protective equipment that can protect workers from asbestos exposure.
What is Personal Protective Equipment?
Personal protective equipment or PPE is any clothing or covering that provides protection to the wearer from a potential hazard. According to the EPA, personal protective equipment is necessary to protect against the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
Protective Clothing
According to the EPA, protective clothing that can protect against asbestos exposure is mainly that which is disposable and made of synthetic fabric that does not allow asbestos fibers to pass through. Protective clothing that can protect against asbestos exposure include;
- Coveralls
- Headcovers
- Foot covers
- Gloves
According to the EPA, contaminated protective clothing should never be taken home to prevent creating a possible risk to the worker’s family members.
Respiratory Protection
A respirator should be worn anytime a worker is in an environment where asbestos is present or suspected to be present to reduce the risk of breathing in asbestos fibers. This is because respirators purify the air you are breathing. When it comes to protecting yourself against asbestos exposure, you need to wear a respirator equipped with HEPA filtered cartridges or an N-100, P-100, or R-100 NIOSH rating. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, these cartridges are specific for filtering out asbestos fibers.
It is crucial to note that respirators provide little protection if they do not fit properly. Usually, respirators refuse to fit properly because of beards and goatees. Also, single-use, disposable paper dust masks should not be used when dealing with asbestos, as these masks do not filter out asbestos.
PPE Safety Tips to Consider
Firstly, it is crucial for employees to understand what gear they need to get, when they will need it, and how to wear it properly. Employees need to understand how to adjust PPE and how to remove it. Additionally, employees need to study specifications to understand items’ exact strengths and limitations.
Secondly, for workers using non-disposable protective clothing, it is crucial that they take time to decontaminate their protective clothing at work after use. In addition, all exposed skin should be washed to eliminate any contamination.
In conclusion, while workers should always wear PPE when dealing with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated materials, there are laws in place to protect workers who develop asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma because of the negligence of their employers or other parties. If you or a loved one developed an asbestos-related disease and you believe that happened at work and because of the negligence of an employer or another party, reach out to an attorney for legal help.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.