Understanding the risk of asbestos content in hospitals
Many hospitals in Australia are known for providing quality and innovative healthcare. However, since most of them were built before the 1980s, the risk of asbestos content remains significant.
In the past, asbestos was one of the most popular building materials. It was used as a fire retardant, insulator, binding material, etc. Since the health risks of asbestos were discovered, dealing with this material in hospitals has been the ultimate challenge.
Asbestos is especially prevalent in roofs and roofing materials which may require asbestos roof replacement. Therefore, any time renovations are carried out in hospitals, there is the risk of friable asbestos being released into the surrounding air.
Risks of asbestos
The health risks of asbestos are well known. When harmful fibres are released into the air, they can cause respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, breathing complications, mesothelioma and asbestosis (scarring of the lungs).
In a hospital setting, patients and staff can be significantly affected by asbestos fibres. Patients who already have breathing complications (such as asthma) are more vulnerable to developing advanced conditions such as asbestosis. Furthermore, workers who spend long hours in a hospital can gradually develop lung cancer.
With these risks in mind, asbestos in hospitals should be handled with urgency.
Where the material lurks in hospitals
You may be wondering where asbestos may be present within your hospital premises. If your building was built prior to the 1980s, asbestos could be lurking in any of the following areas.
- Roofing tiles and sealant
Hospitals that used roofing tiles, asbestos cement and sealant during construction are likely to contain asbestos.
- Fireproofing
Fireproofing that was applied to columns to reduce the risk of fire is likely to contain asbestos.
- Ceiling cavities
- Flooring
- Steam pipes
- Electrical insulation of wires
As you can see, asbestos may be lurking in many different parts of your property. While roofs are one of the most likely culprits for asbestos content, your walls, floors and pipes may also contain asbestos.
Mitigating the risk
In most cases, asbestos exists in a non-friable form. This means that the asbestos material is stable and unlikely to release harmful fibres into the air.
However, the risk becomes significant when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. For example, if you're planning to replace your hospital roof, it should first be checked for asbestos content. Simply drilling and tearing out a roof with asbestos content can release harmful fibres. The same applies to steampipe replacements, window renovations and electrical rewiring.
Before carrying out any major renovations, make sure the area is tested for asbestos content. If the material is found, special procedures can be carried out to safely handle and remove the asbestos content.
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