Asbestos, once praised for its durability and fire resistance, is now considered a dangerous mineral. Extended exposure to this material can lead to serious conditions like lung cancer. Luckily, the federal government has implemented several regulations that reduce these risks.
The regulations did not completely prohibit the use of the material in commercial and construction products. However, they aim to restrict its use and provide frameworks for those exposed to the hazardous fiber to take legal action. The following are the top federal regulations that govern the use of the product.
History of Regulations
The journey of regulating the use of the mineral reflects a growing awareness of its health risks and the need for stringent controls. Medical bodies started documenting the health hazards of the mineral as early as the 1920s. The legislation took a significant shift in the 1970s with the establishment of occupational and environmental regulations.
The product also faced several bans, including the phase-out rule of 1989. However, it was canceled in 1991 by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, leaving only a few asbestos-containing products prohibited. This presented great challenges to the standards, necessitating a more detailed review.
Fortunately, the fight against the use of the mineral is not yet over. For example, several federal and state laws exist to control the material application. Previous regulations are also undergoing new expansions to review existing products and lay the groundwork for future bans.
Top Asbestos Regulations for Worker Protection
The government has established a comprehensive system to effectively protect workers from the health hazards of mineral exposure. This system is enforced by key agencies, each with specific responsibilities to ensure workplace safety and health. These include:
Environmental Protection Agency
The act is responsible for protecting people and the environment. Its formation was approved in early 1970, and it began operation in December of the same year. The body was tasked with controlling the use of environmentally dangerous products in workplaces and other public places. The EPA enforces numerous asbestos-related acts. These include:
- Clean Air Act classifies the mineral as among the causes of air pollution. It requires the agency to set guidelines for safe handling and disposal during demolition and renovation activities to prevent contamination.
- Hazard Emergency Response Act requires schools to inspect their buildings for dangerous materials. Under this law, states are required to create management plans to prevent or reduce dangers.
- Toxic Substances Control Act allows the agency to ask for reporting and testing requirements related to dangerous substances.
- Worker Protection Rule extends standards set by OSHA to employees not covered by OSHA laws.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The administration promotes safe and healthy working conditions. It was formed as a response to the increasing cases of work-related injuries and deaths. Today, it sets and enforces safety standards by providing training and outreach.
OSHA works jointly with other laws to protect workers against exposure to dangerous materials. Its enforcement standards include:
- General Industry Standard: This applies to all work exposures in the general industry. It sets an acceptable openness limit of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air.
- Construction Standard: This standard applies to all construction projects involving the dangerous mineral, including demolition and renovation. It gives specific work practices, engineering controls, and training requirements to minimize exposure.
- Shipyard Employment Standard: This addresses asbestos exposure in shipyard employment. It requires similar protections as those in the general industry and construction.
Mine Safety and Health Administration
The administration checks work safety and health in the mining sector. The Mine Act created the agency in 1977, alongside the review commission that gives an independent review of the body’s actions. The act sets respiratory protection measures for surface and underground miners. The act serves several purposes, including:
- Setting openness limits in mining operations, aligning with OSHA’s standards.
- Providing and enforcing safety engineering controls and the use of personal protective equipment.
- Regularly reviewing air quality and training plans to educate people about the dangers of the products.
Steps to Take When Exposed to Asbestos
The above regulations are designed to reduce workplace exposure. However, incidents can still occur and put workers at risk. The following are key immediate steps to take after exposure to this dangerous material.
Decontaminate to prevent secondary exposure
The mineral can stick to clothing or the body and cause secondary exposure. Workers should change their clothes as soon as possible and place them in a closed bag. They should also shower thoroughly and clean any tools used during the exposure with recommended methods like wiping or using a filtered vacuum.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is crucial for individuals working in high-risk environments. For example, mesothelioma is a rare condition that is strongly linked to prolonged exposure to the mineral. Detecting it earlier can help doctors schedule treatment options, such as mesothelioma immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.
Filing for Worker’s Compensation Claim
Filing for compensation enables workers to receive financial assistance to cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from exposure. Several payment programs exist to help workers file for payment and improve their quality of life. However, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial for helping individuals and families battling mesothelioma secure fair compensation.
Joining Mass Tort Lawsuits
Asbestos compensation cases are often filed individually. Each affected individual is also evaluated and settled confidentially, which can create differences in settlements. To reduce these differences, most victims now prefer mass tort lawsuits, which involve multiple people suffering from similar injuries.
Mass tort cases enable victims to gather their resources and present more comprehensive evidence, as well as stronger court representation. They also save time as lawyers do not have to start from scratch every time they have a new case. This leads to a faster process and enables people to begin their new lives sooner.
Endnote
The fibrous mineral remains one of the most significant dangers that can cause serious health issues. However, several rules have been essential in reducing these issues. These rules set strict standards for exposure limits, use of personal protective equipment, and workplace training. Workers can reduce their exposure to hazardous products by following these guidelines and maintaining a safe culture.
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