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<td><a href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/index.jsf?function=view&lessonId=923">Potential Exposure to Asbestos Initiates Response Protocol - CNS Y-12</a></td>
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Statement of Lessons Learned</h2>
<pre>For a copy of the original report, see "Attachments" on Lessons Learned page.
A questioning attitude, when the potential for asbestos exposure was discovered, prompted the dispatch of response personnel.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Discussion of Activities</h2>
<pre>A worker, using a gas-powered string trimmer, was cutting weeds adjacent to an older building when contact with some material buried in the high grass was made. The material splattered onto the worker and his clothing. Because it appeared to be insulation fallen from an overhead steam pipe, the worker suspected that it likely contained asbestos. He suspended activities and immediately reported to his supervisor. The supervisor contacted the steam distribution system engineer who warned that the material would likely contain asbestos. (The subsequent material analysis did confirm that the material contained asbestos.)
The supervisor then took the worker to the site Occupational Health Services (OHS) for evaluation.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Analysis</h2>
<pre>The supervisor was unaware that the correct response for asbestos exposure is to:
1. Minimize exposure time by separating the worker from the source.
2. Assess the worker for injuries requiring medical attention.
3. Decontaminate the worker at the site (if no immediate medical needs are identified), and
4. Conduct follow-up surveillance activities until remediation has been completed.
In this case, moving the worker resulted in the spread of the material. All areas required isolation, decontamination and clean-up.
The PSS Office initiated the appropriate response to evaluate the circumstances and ensured all aspects of the event were controlled and addressed in the safest and most expeditious manner.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">Recommended Actions</h2>
<pre>Below are the consequences of the above event. They are provided for information and discussion purposes only.
The work area was isolated and bulk samples of the suspect material were obtained for analysis.
Because the worker was taken to OHS from the site, the transport vehicle, walking path, and OHS staging/treatment area, all had to be isolated, decontaminated, and cleaned by asbestos qualified personnel, then confirmed safe with air clearance samples.
All personnel were informed that older insulation material is likely to contain asbestos and what to do if disturbed.
Reviewed response protocols with supervisors to ensure they understand the difference between a medical emergency response and hazardous materials or chemical response.
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<h2 style="white-space:nowrap">JLab Preventive Measures</h2>
<pre>In accordance with ES&H Manual Chapter 6681 Asbestos Management - In 1992 Jefferson Lab contracted for a comprehensive asbestos inspection to identify and assess the condition of any asbestos containing material on site. It was found that all known material has been removed through abatement actions. Jefferson Lab also has a management plan that ensures any asbestos found remains in a safe condition. This is accomplished primarily through regular surveillance, employee awareness, and avoiding uncontrolled disturbance. When found, Facilities Management is alerted, the area is labeled, and master drawings are updated with special notations alerting project designers to the presence of asbestos.</pre>
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<h2>Comments</h2>
<h5 style="white-space:nowrap">12/1/2015 10:47:39 AM by Bailey, Mary Jo</h5>
<pre>Submitted to those current in:
SAF136: LEAD WORKER
SAF137: Chem Room Safety
SAF138: Silica Safety</pre>
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<legend>Summary</legend>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Lesson ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">923</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Status:</td>
<td class="dataval">OK</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Doc ID:</td>
<td class="dataval">2015-JLAB-923</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Priority:</td>
<td class="dataval">Info</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Safety Related:</td>
<td class="dataval">YES</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Originator:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Issued:</td>
<td class="dataval">12/1/2015 10:43:30 AM</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved By:</td>
<td class="dataval">Bailey, Mary Jo</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Approved On:</td>
<td class="dataval">12/1/2015 10:47:39 AM</td>
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<td class="label">Source:</td>
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DOECRD
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<td class="label" nowrap>Location:</td>
<td class="dataval">OTHER</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Cost Savings:</td>
<td class="dataval"></td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Contact:</td>
<td class="dataval">Don Taylor, 865-574-0507</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Queued Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Sent Emails:</td>
<td class="dataval">0</td>
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<td class="label" nowrap>Viewings:</td>
<td class="dataval">1 times</td>
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<legend>Attachments</legend>
<a name="attachments"></a>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://misportal.jlab.org/ll/downloadAttachment?attachmentId=4224">DOE-Asbestos.pdf</a></li>
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</fieldset>
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<legend>Hazard Issues</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>Asbestos</li>
<li>Chemicals</li>
<li>Hazardous Metals</li>
</ul>
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<legend>Skills</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>SAF136: LEAD WORKER</li>
<li>SAF137: Chem Room Safety</li>
<li>SAF138: Silica Safety</li>
</ul>
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<legend>Distribution/Notification</legend>
<ul class="lesson_attribute_listing">
<li>*Division Safety Officers (DSOs)</li>
<li>*Safety Wardens</li>
<li>*DOE Notification</li>
<li>*ESH&Q Liaisons</li>
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Do you have a lesson learned you would like to contribute? Contact the <a href="mailto:mbailey@jlab.org,sjsmith@jlab.org,cjohnson@jlab.org">Lesson Learned Coordinator</a>.