Asbestos Tips for Plumbers
You often hear about builders being the most at-risk people for asbestos exposure. While they are, of course, working with asbestos-containing materials (ACM) more than others, other tradespeople can also be at risk – plumbers included.
If you’re a plumber or plumbing apprentice, being aware of asbestos exposure can be crucial for your health. Here’s what you need to know before you head off to your next job.
Asbestos is a Health Hazard
Many buildings and structures in New Zealand contain asbestos. When exposed, you may be at risk of inhaling fine asbestos particles that may increase your chances of lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related conditions later in life.
It can take upwards of 20 years, if not longer, for such conditions to present themselves. As a result, it’s imperative to do all you can to keep exposure risks to a minimum.
Where Plumbers Can Be Exposed to Asbestos
Plumbers entering homes and businesses under renovation but built before 2000 can be at risk of asbestos exposure. However, even structures that aren’t being renovated may pose a risk, especially if you are carrying out plumbing work with old materials and components created and used before the risk of asbestos was widely realised.
There is a long list of building materials that are known to contain asbestos, but we’ve included some plumbing-related materials below:
Hot water pipe and tank insulation (lagging)
Lagging in wall cavities
Mains water pipes
Joining compounds, adhesives, and sealants
Tiles
Water tanks
Swimming pools
Outdoor toilets and laundries
Asbestos cement downpipes
Gully trap surrounds
Side flashing
Rainwater heads
Gutters
Toilet seats and cisterns
Stormwater traps
Wet area lining substrate
Stormwater and sewage piping
and more…
Plan For Asbestos Before Commencing Work
When you’re so busy thinking about your customer’s requirements, you may not think to ask about the presence of asbestos. However, it’s crucial to get into the habit of doing so.
New Zealand has old housing stock, which means an alarming number of homes still have asbestos-containing materials that you may be working with or near.
If you are carrying out plumbing work at commercial premises, ask for the business’s Asbestos Management Plan. This is a legal requirement for any workplace that contains asbestos or where asbestos is likely present. The plan outlines where the asbestos is, its condition, and what measures have been put in place or should be put in place to manage the risk.
If you are working in someone’s home, ask the homeowner if they are aware of the presence of asbestos. If they aren’t, consider putting control measures in place just in case there is. You may also see the value in asbestos testing for peace of mind.
If you know this information ahead of time, you can plan the job around making sure no asbestos is disturbed. If you do have to disturb it, you at least have time to learn about protective measures you can have ready to implement.
Attend Asbestos Awareness Training Courses
While there are plenty of helpful resources online, such as those on the WorkSafe website, it can be worth attending an asbestos awareness training course targeted towards your industry. The more you learn, the more steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you.
These courses are designed to help you identify asbestos-related hazards, understand safe handling measures, and enlighten you on the different asbestos types.
Use the Right PPE
You might think that a medical mask is all you need to stop yourself from inhaling dangerous asbestos fibres. However, that’s simply not enough to keep yourself safe. Respiratory protective equipment includes a single-use P2 mask with a valve. A P1 dust mask is not suitable.
Disposable coveralls are also necessary, with the legs fitting over the top of your footwear rather than being tucked in. These can be disposed of as asbestos waste after the job is complete.
Carry Out the Job Safely
Even though your job can be less invasive than that of a builder, that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. You can take several safety measures to keep yourself safe in a structure containing asbestos.
Refrain from using power tools around asbestos, and keep dust damp to prevent it from spreading around the room. Ensure you clean as you go to prevent waste from building up, and don’t use domestic vacuum cleaners.
Once you’ve completed the job to a high standard, you can remove any ACM in heavy-duty plastic bags with gooseneck twist ties and adhesive tape. Mark these as asbestos waste and take them to an approved rubbish dump that accepts asbestos waste.
Take Asbestos Seriously
Whether you’re a plumber, builder, or another tradesperson, being careful with ACM is crucial. Now might be the right time to start looking at your asbestos training options while putting measures in place to keep yourself and others safe.