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Workshop:
Asbestos Awareness
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April 20, 2009
Ellington, CT
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Registration 8:30 AM
This seminar is open to CIRMA members only
SUMMARY
This CIRMA workshop raises awareness of participants about
the dangers of asbestos, possible sources of asbestos in public
buildings, and how to prevent release and avoid exposure.
| Employee Safety Series
Asbestos Awareness is one of many informative workshops in
CIRMA’s Employee Safety Series. This workshop is free to
CIRMA members.
For more information about CIRMA workshops, please email
CIRMA at cirmaworkshop@ccm-ct.org.
"Scientists have not been able to develop a
'safe' or threshold level for exposure to
airborne asbestos."
U.S. Department of Environmental Protection
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
It is strong, flexible, and does not burn. It is an effective electrical
insulator. It also resists corrosion.
"It" is asbestos, which was used widely in construction
because of its superior performance as a fireproofing and
insulating material. Many school buildings built between the
1940s and 1970s were constructed with materials that contained
asbestos. Asbestos continued to be used in the construction of
many other public buildings until the 1980s.
As a fireproofing material, asbestos was applied on steel
beams and columns during construction of buildings. It was
added to concrete, asphalt, vinyl materials in roof shingles,
pipes, siding, wall board, floor tiles, joint compounds and
adhesives for its strength. It was also used in acoustical plaster
and coatings applied to ceilings and walls.
Asbestos is also a major health hazard. Asbestos was one of
the first hazardous substances regulated under the Clean Air Act
of 1970. As its dangers became widely recognized, regulation
increased. In 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response
Act was signed into law to require school districts to manage
asbestos hazards.
Asbestos becomes a hazard when it is damaged, crumbles, or
in a state of disrepair, then its particles are released into the air
and inhaled or ingested. The risk is even greater if the building is
demolished, renovated, or remodeled. Because asbestos fibers
are microscopic in size and light, they can remain airborne—and
inhaled by students, staff, or maintenance workers—for a long
time. Exposure is linked to asbestosis, lung cancer, and an
aggressive cancer called mesothelioma, all very serious diseases.
Topics in this workshop include:
- Types and sources of asbestos,
- Asbestos-containing products,
- Risk and risk factors,
- Avoidance.
This CIRMA workshop will help participants understand where
asbestos may be located in schools and public buildings, and
how to avoid accidental exposure.
AUDIENCE
- Safety Directors
- Risk Managers
- Facilities Managers
- Custodians
- Public Works department employees
SPEAKERS
Mark Wantroba
Senior Risk Control Consultant, CIRMA
Mr. Wantroba has over twenty years
experience working in the commercial
insurance industry providing risk manage -
ment and safety and health services. Mark
holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in
Chemistry from Southern Connecticut State
University. He also completed his M.S. in Exercise Physiology
(Biomechanics) from the same institution. Mark is a Certified
Safety Professional and holds the Associate in Risk Management
and Associate in Loss Control Management designations. He
has been a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers
since 1989.
WHERE
ELLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICES
47 Main Street (Route 286)
Ellington, CT 06029
860-896-2300
COST per attendee
This seminar is open to CIRMA members only and is free of charge
DIRECTIONS
From Enfield, Somers, Stafford, Union:
Follow Route 190 to the intersection with Route 83. Take Route 82 south
to Ellington. At the third stop light turn right on to Main Street (Route 286).
The administration building is about 1/4 mile on the right at 47 Main Street.
From Tolland, Willington, Ashford:
Take Interstate 84 West to Exit 66 – Vernon. At the end of the ramp, turn
right. Turn left on to Bolton Road. At the lights (Route 30) turn right. Take
a quick left after the Vernon Police Station on to West Street. (Keep Police
Station on your left). Follow West Street north for several miles. At the
second stop light, West Street joins Route 83. Continue north toward
Ellington. Three more traffic lights will bring you to Main Street (Route 286).
Turn left on Main Street. The administration building is about 1/4 mile on
the right at 47 Main Street.
From Hartford:
Take Interstate 84 East to Exit 66 – Vernon. At the end of the ramp, turn
left. At the flashing light turn left again, and go over the highway. At the
traffic lights (Route 30), turn right. Take a quick left after the Vernon Police
Station on to West Street. (Keep Police Station on your left.) Follow West
Street north for several miles. At the second stop light, West Street joins
Route 83. Continue north toward Ellington. Three more traffic lights will
bring you to Main Street (Route 286). Turn left on Main Street. The
administration building is about 1/4 mile on the right at 47 Main Street.
From Windsor, Windsor Locks, Suffield:
Take Interstate 91 to Exit 45, the Route 140 & Ellington exit. Follow Route
140 east to Ellington. As you approach the center of town you will see the
Ellington Green on your right. Follow directions for Route 286, and make
a right turn. At stop sign turn left on to Main Street (Route 286). You will
pass the Congregational Church on your right – post office, town hall and
elementary school on your left. The administration building is on the left,
next to the elementary school at 47 Main Street.
BOE offices are in the red brick, one story building, next to small park.
Parking
lot is in the rear of the building.
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