Accidentally disturbed asbestos can release fibres into the air. Breathing these fibres in can cause serious health issues like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. If you accidentally disturb asbestos, it’s important to act quickly and correctly to keep yourself and others safe. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Stop What You’re Doing
As soon as you realise you’ve disturbed asbestos, stop whatever you’re doing. Don’t try to clean it up or move anything—this will only make the situation worse by releasing more fibres.
2. Get Out of the Area
Leave the affected area immediately, and ensure that everyone else vacates the premises as well. As you exit, close all doors and windows behind you to help contain the fibres and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the building. Do not attempt to clean up or disturb the materials further, as this could increase the risk of exposure to airborne fibres.
3. Warn Others
Let anyone nearby know what’s happened so they can stay clear. If you’re at work, inform your supervisor or the health and safety officer right away. Block the area off and create signs to warn people.
4. Avoid Spreading Fibres
If you’ve come into contact with the asbestos, don’t touch your face or try to shake off your clothes. This could spread the fibres even more. Just leave the area and wait for advice from professionals.
5. Seal Off the Area
If it’s safe, you can use heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape to seal off the area where the asbestos was disturbed. This helps contain the fibres until experts can deal with it. If not, just shut doors and windows and keep people away.
6. Call the Professionals
Get in touch with a licensed asbestos removal company. They’ll assess the situation and handle the cleanup safely. Don’t try to deal with it yourself—asbestos is too dangerous and requires specialised handling.
7. Decontaminate if Necessary
If you think your clothes or belongings might have been contaminated, follow the decontamination advice provided by professionals. This often involves safely disposing of clothes and thoroughly washing exposed skin.
8. Report the accidentally disturbed asbestos
If this occurs in a workplace, public building, or any other communal environment, it is essential to report the incident immediately to the relevant health and safety authorities, such as your employer, site manager, or designated safety officer. Ensure the incident is formally documented, including details such as the location, nature of the disturbance, and any individuals who may have been exposed. This step is critical to ensure the situation is managed in accordance with local regulations and legal requirements.
Prompt reporting helps initiate an official investigation, ensures the area is safely contained, and provides the necessary follow-up actions, such as air quality testing or the involvement of licensed asbestos professionals. By following this procedure, you not only safeguard your health and that of others but also ensure compliance with health and safety laws designed to minimise the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
9. Keep an Eye on Your Health
While a single exposure to asbestos doesn’t guarantee health problems, it’s important to stay vigilant. Let your doctor know about the exposure and seek medical advice if you notice symptoms like persistent coughing, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
Why You Need Professionals
Asbestos isn’t something you can safely handle on your own. Professionals have the training and equipment to assess the situation, safely remove the material, and dispose of it properly. Trying to deal with it yourself puts you and others at serious risk.
Accidentally disturbing asbestos can be scary, but knowing what to do can make a big difference. Stop what you’re doing, leave the area, and call in the experts. Taking the right steps quickly can help protect your health and the health of those around you.
