Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-88-372-1953, Barbados Ministry of Health, Bridgetown, Barbados

Crandall, MS; Fleeger, AK

HERO ID

3656763

Reference Type

Technical Report

Year

1989

Language

English

HERO ID 3656763
Year 1989
Title Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. HETA-88-372-1953, Barbados Ministry of Health, Bridgetown, Barbados
Authors Crandall, MS; Fleeger, AK
Publisher Text National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
City Cincinnati, OH
Abstract In response to a request from the Pan American Health Organization to investigate the potential for exposure to asbestos (1332214) among workers and the general public on Barbados, NIOSH investigators visited five sites preselected for evaluation. These included the Treasury Building, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, St. Leonard's Secondary School, a sugar factory and a vehicle repair shop. At all sites, except the vehicle maintenance shop, asbestos containing materials were identified by bulk sample analysis. Both amosite (12172735) and chrysotile (12001295) asbestos fibers were found. All but one of the settled dust samples were negative, suggesting good housekeeping procedures were in place. General air concentrations of fibers were low at the time of the visits. The authors conclude that asbestos constituted a hazard since it was widely used and highly accessible to workers and the general public in Barbados. The authors recommend the following measures to control asbestos exposures: designation of a group within the Barbados Ministry of Health to coordinate and administer policies made regarding asbestos use on Barbados; development of guidelines and procedures to be followed for asbestos abatement activities; training of staff members from the Ministry of Health to perform air sampling and analysis for asbestos at the worksite; public education concerning asbestos hazards; and specific actions concerning asbestos materials found at the Treasury Building, the hospital, and the school.
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public No
Language Text English
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