Possible Exposure to Asbestos Alert

DANGER – OFFICES CONTAINING ASBESTOS MAY CREATE DUST CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARDS WHEN DISTURBED AND OR CONTROL METHODS ARE IMPROPER

To: All Western Region Locals
Re: Regional Alert to Drilling & Possible Exposure to Asbestos

Information from the Employer indicates that work may be done at Postal Facilities that have Asbestos. Asbestos fibers are very toxic and are known to cause cancer and other diseases.

Work activities can involve removal, drilling into or otherwise disturbing roofing, insulations, elbows, tiles, wall board, etc. that contains Asbestos.

I AM ISSUING THIS ALERT SO THAT YOUR LOCAL CAN BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR ANY SUCH WORK ACTIVITY.

…

Enclosed is a summary of OSHA Asbestos Standards. It is not exhaustive! Please reference OSHA Standards and Guidelines in particular OSHA 1926.1101. Please review the summary and be prepared to ensure local management complies with notice, exposure monitoring, regulating areas and all other protective measures.

Also please reference AS 556 USPS Asbestos Management Guide. If you have issues with local management over these matters or have any concerns please contact the Regional Safety Representatives or my office directly at 659-685-7402 or email me at ogonzalez@apwu.org. Also please submit PS 1767s as appropriate.

Yours in solidarity,
Mark [Dimondstein]
[President, American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO]

For a full electronic copy of this letter & document, go to the To Your Health page, or click here.