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852 Asbestos Safety
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Warnings

Regulated areas are demarcated using warning signs.

Post warning signs and display them at each regulated area.

Demarcation: A demarcation fixes a boundary or limits of something. The regulated area should be demarcated in any manner that minimizes the number of persons within the area and protects persons outside the area from exposure to airborne asbestos. Where critical barriers or negative pressure enclosures are used, they may demarcate the regulated area.

Warning Signs: Provide warning signs like that shown in the image to the right and display them at each regulated area. Here are some points to remember with warning signs:

  • Post warning signs at all approaches to regulated areas so an employee may read the signs and take necessary protective steps before entering the area.
  • If the use of respirators and protective clothing is required in the regulated area, the warning signs should include the phrase: "WEAR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IN THIS AREA."
  • Ensure employees working in and contiguous to regulated areas comprehend the warning signs. Means to ensure employee comprehension may include the use of foreign languages, pictographs, and graphics.

Access: Access to regulated areas is limited to authorized persons and to persons authorized by OSHA standards.

Respirators: Supply all persons entering a regulated area where employees are required to wear respirators with a respirator selected in accordance with OSHA standards.

Prohibited activities: The employer should ensure employees do not eat, drink, smoke, chew tobacco or gum, or apply cosmetics in the regulated area.

Qualified Persons: The employer should have a qualified person supervise all asbestos work performed within regulated areas.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-3. Which of the following activities is approved while working in a regulated area?