Appendix G : Event of Unexpected Asbestos Release

University of Toronto ASBESTOS CONTROL PROGRAM June 2003(R)

Appendix G    

Procedures in the Event of Unexpected Asbestos Release

Exit Procedures for Injured Asbestos Workers

Procedures in the Event of Unexpected Asbestos Release
(DRAFT pending review)

In the event that an individual unexpectedly disturbs or discovers damaged known or suspected asbestos-containing material, the following procedures are to be immediately implemented to prevent or minimize the exposure of individuals to airborne asbestos fibres, and to report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

1. Immediately stop all activities which may disturb the friable asbestos material.
2. Leave the area, and do not resume any work in the area until advised to do so by the supervisor or Project Manager. If work clothing or equipment have been contaminated with asbestos, do not leave the immediate work area until appropriate decontamination has been carried out.
3. Promptly notify your supervisor, who in turn will inform the Property Manager or Project Manager in charge of the work, and the Manager, Environmental Hazards and Safety (or the Asbestos Coordinator (CP) for all Capital Projects work).
4. The supervisor or Project Manager must shut down the ventilation system to and from the affected area.
5. The supervisor or Project Manager, in consultation with the Manager, Environmental Hazards and Safety (or the Asbestos Coordinator (CP) if involving Capital Projects work), will:
   (a) Determine whether the material contains asbestos or not, by consulting with the Asbestos Inventory and/or taking a bulk sample for rush analysis.
   (b) Arrange for appropriate asbestos remediation and cleanup should the results be positive for asbestos.
   (c) Give authorization for return to work when safe to do so.
   (d) Investigate the incident and determine the cause. Prepare a list of all employees who were involved in the incident and who may have been exposed to asbestos.
   (e) Complete an Accident/Incident report and submit to the Health and Wellbeing Programmes and Services office, with a copy to the Manager, Environmental Hazards and Safety, the Trades/Utilities Joint Health and Safety Committee, and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
   (f) After a complete investigation of the incident, file a written report detailing the events, the cause and the control measures taken to prevent recurrence, in consultation with the Manager, Environmental Hazards and Safety, with a copy to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Trades/Utilities Joint Health and Safety Committee.
   (g) For all confirmed asbestos materials, to complete an Asbestos Exposure report and an Accident/Incident report for each employee that has been exposed.
   (h) Provide any employee potentially exposed to asbestos as a result of the incident, with the opportunity to consult with the Occupational Health Service or their own physician.
   

Exit Procedures for Injured Asbestos Workers
(Draft, pending review)

In the event that an emergency arises during Type 2 or Type 3 asbestos work, these procedures provide guidance for removing an injured worker from a contaminated asbestos work site, and for preventing undue exposure to emergency response workers.

1. If an employee has been appropriately trained and it can safely be done, he/she can provide first aid to the injured party. 
2. Contact the University of Toronto's Campus Emergency phone number (416-978-2222 - St. George Campus, or 9-911) and the supervisor or Project Manager.
3. If the injured worker is ambulatory and can be moved safely from the contaminated work area, follow standard decontamination procedures prior to removing the injured worker from the contaminated area.
4. If the injured worker is not ambulatory or movement of the injured worker would be unsafe, in waiting for the emergency response personnel:
   (a) Make the injured party as comfortable as possible.
   (b) Conduct standard decontamination procedures on the injured worker only if it is safe to do so. Clean obvious contamination from the worker using the HEPA vacuum or damp wiping methods.
   (c) Mist and clean the work area using water to reduce fibre levels prior to the arrival of the emergency response personnel.
   (d) Emergency response personnel are to wear respirators equipped with HEPA filters and disposable coveralls prior to entering the contaminated work area.
   (e) Assist the emergency response personnel in covering the injured party with clean polyethylene prior to removal from the work area.
   (f) Continue to mist the work area with water during and after the removal of the injured party.