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t 7 • CRA Chemical Safety Sheet • Asbestos Applicable Regulations Cal-OSHA Asbestos in Construction Standard,8 CCR 1529. General Locations and Forms Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fiber, which is typically found in California in serpentine rock, in varying percentages. Serpentine is a soft,greenish rock found throughout the state. Asbestos has been used in many products,but on excavation projects the typical product occasionally encountered is transite(asbestos-cement)pipe. Routes of Exposure Lead is not absorbed through intact skin,and does not cause skin damage. The primary route of exposure to asbestos is inhalation of fibers carried in dust. Potential Hazards The primary hazard associated with asbestos exposure is lung damage resulting from inhalation of fibers. This damage may occur as asbestosis,a scarring of the lung tissue;lung cancer;and mesothelioma,a cancer of the sac surrounding the lungs. Asbestos-related disease typically occurs between 5 and 30 years after exposure. There are no acute hazards of asbestos,and no immediate symptoms of exposure. Smoking compounds the risk of asbestos exposure many times. Permissible Exposure Limit 8-Hour Time-Weighted Average TWA Permissible Exposure Limit 1 0.1 fibers/cc 15-minute Short-Tenn Exposure Limit STEL I fiber/cc Medical Monitoring Medical monitoring for asbestos consists of an occupational history, symptom survey and exam to identify symptoms of lung disease associated with asbestos exposure,and lung X-rays to identify scarring of the lung tissue. Medical monitoring is only required if employee exposures are at or above the Permissible Exposure Limit. Exposure Assessment Exposure assessment is based upon an analysis of the work, the potential for disturbing asbestos materials or serpentine, visual determination of the presence of airborne dust,and air sampling. Air sampling follows NIOSH methods for personal exposure sampling, generally performed on the first day of a project involving asbestos material or serpentine. Air sampling is typically done to verify the adequacy of dust controls such as water application. Safe Work Practices Safe work practices for work around asbestos for most of CRA's work will consist of efforts to control airborne dust to prevent inhalation exposures,and personal hygiene and decontamination practices to control spread of contamination. Examples of these practices include use of water spray;prohibitions against dry sweeping,use of compressed air,and shaking out of clothes;the use of HEPA vacuums to provide housekeeping;and provision of convenient hand washing and boot wash facilities to employees. Protective Equipment and Respirators Protective equipment and respirators are only required if exposures may be above the PEL. It is not anticipated that any of CRA's work will involve these types of exposures. If PPE is deemed necessary,coveralls and respirators fitted with P 100 filters(NEPA)must be used. Respiratory protection use must be in accordance with CRA's Respiratory Protection Program. Any employee who cannot wear a negative pressure respirator shall be given the option of wearing a respirator with less breathing resistance such as a powered air-purifying respirator or supplied air respirator. Protective Clothing and Equipment. Personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn where appropriate to prevent eye contact and limit dermal exposure to liquid benzene. Protective clothing and equipment shall be provided by the employer at no cost to the employee and the employer shall assure appropriate use. Training Requirements All employees who may be exposed to asbestos on site must receive asbestos hazard awareness training,and receive a copy of Appendix H of the Cal-OSHA Asbestos in Construction Standard. This training is typically accomplished during the Hazwoper-required training. Signs and Postings Projects where asbestos or serpentine materials may be contacted should post Proposition 65 warning signs(these are typically already in place at gas station sites).