Information, labelling, education and training

• Pages: 32-33

11. Information, labelling, education and training

11.1. General

11.1.1. Because of the importance as a risk factor of cigarette smoking

interacting with asbestos, particularly in relation to bronchogenic carcinoma, specific

information regarding the importance of cigarette smoking as a risk factor m this

disease and in causing other health effects should be provided to all groups concerned

with occupational exposure to asbestos dust.

11.2. Labelling of products and of risk areas

11.2.1. All asbestos-containing products should have an internationally

recognised warning symbol designating the product as asbestos-containing and warning

the user that inhalation of asbestos dust may cause serious damage to health.

11.2.2. Where practicable, asbestos-containing products should be accompanied

by a safety data sheet or other approved form, containing such information as:

(a) the product designation on both front and back of the sheet or form to facilitate

filing and retrieval;

(b) the name and address of the manufacturer or supplier of the product;

(c) the chemical or widely recognised common name of all asbestos ingredients;

(d) the approximate percentage by weight or volume (indicate basis) which asbestos

bears to the whole mixture;

(e) health hazard data including dangerous properties of asbestos;

(f) detailed procedures for the cleaning up and safe disposal of leaked or spilled

asbestos, including procedures for the proper labelling and disposal of containers

retaining residues or contaminated materials;

(g) requirements for personal protective equipment, such as respirators and protective

clothing;

(h) any other general precautionary information on handling the product.

11.2.3. All workplaces where asbestos dust may cause a hazard should be

clearly indicated as an asbestos dust exposure area through the use of a well-displayed

sign which identifies the hazard and the associated health effects.

11.2.4. The information on warning labels and signs should be written in the

vernacular language understood by the workers.

11.3. Education and training

11.3.1. (1) All workers should, on employment and periodically, be provided

with education and training in regard to sources of asbestos dust exposure, potential

health effects, risks associated with asbestos dust exposure and smoking, and methods

of prevention.

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