Naturally occurring asbestos, and altered forms, can cause serious harm to employees' health. Employers that expose employees to asbestos in their work, and building owners, have a responsibility to follow the California Occupational Safety and Health regulations.
- Employers ensure that employees working around materials containing more than 1 percent asbestos are exposed to asbestos no more than an average 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter in the air, as measured over eight hours. Short term exposure during work excursions cannot exceed an average 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter, as measured over 30 minutes.
- California regulates natural chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos and actinolite asbestos. Chemically treated or altered asbestos are controlled.
- Construction employers control employee exposure to asbestos by keeping the employees from a work area with asbestos, limiting daily exposure or using engineered physical protections. Or, the employer provides respiratory protective equipment.
- Shipbuilders working in confined or enclosed spaces have to work in clearly identified areas with signs that warn employees the area contains asbestos. Employers limit area access.
- Asbestos consultants and site surveillance technicians have to apply for state certification and pass a written examination.
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