Risk Level Was Determined to be Low

Understanding the level of risk was essential in determining how best to protect workers from overexposures to asbestos. Mr. Clouser and Ms. Velleri reviewed extensive air monitoring data on airborne asbestos that had been collected during a previous railcar restoration project they had been involved with at NWS Earle.

The data indicated that the previous operation had released relatively few asbestos fibers. The impending project to restore 65 railcars was similar, and no additional damage of the ceiling material was expected, so the risk of release of asbestos fibers was anticipated to be very low. This was confirmed through additional new air samples.

Although sample data indicated that relatively few asbestos fibers would be released, the NNMC industrial hygiene team ensured that site workers and the work environment were maximally protected from contact with airborne asbestos fibers and dust.

Ms. Velleri monitored continually for airborne asbestos in the work environment throughout railcar restoration to verify that the risk of overexposure remained very low. Ms. Velleri monitored the workers and collected air samples during all work shifts to determine the amount of asbestos in the air within the railroad cars.

She also made arrangements with the Navy laboratory (NEPMU-2) to ensure that she had asbestos monitoring results as quickly as possible. The laboratory results confirmed that the workforce was safe from overexposure to asbestos.

see also:

Risk Level What are the risk levels of asbestos for railcar workers?
Know the risk level involved with working with asbestos

Protecting Workers Protecting workers from the dangers of asbestos
Protecting railcar workers from asbestos is important