Geologist asbestos worries

[bl00dymary]

my bf is a junior geologist, he's concern about asbestos exposure. he's drilling in an area with serpentine rock that I know has chrysotile asbestos.
He's doing the core logging in a tent with one side open, and the core is kept wet the whole time. But the core is dry when it's stacked and transported.
he doesn't wear masks while logging. Am I overreacting, or should I be concerned? How can he lower his risk?
And should his company be doing any sort of air quality testing in the logging tent?

 

[_Denis2]

For asbestos work, he should use a P100 respirator, not just any mask. Keeping things damp helps keep stray fibers down too.

 

[rockdrillpro]

Absolutely, your concern is justified. Chrysotile dust can get into the air when the cores dry out. It's important that logging involves wearing masks and using wet methods consistently. Additionally, air monitoring inside the tent is a common procedure in areas with asbestos.

 

[mine.hunter]

Even wet cores can release asbestos fibers once they start drying, and working in an open tent doesn't completely eliminate exposure. He should at least be wearing a properly fitted respirator rated for asbestos when handling the cores

 

[pecan_man]

@bl00dymary thats bad, the company should absolutely be concerned about air quality. OSHA and NIOSH have clear guidelines for working with asbestos. The company has a responsibility to provide proper PPE and, in a contained space like a logging tent, they should be doing air quality testing to ensure the air is safe.
He should bring this up with his supervisor or the safety officer

 

[BanditSydonia]

Wet core helps, but doesn't eliminate residual dust. The tent's "open side" is a weak point... wind, drafts, or movement can drag fibers in. He needs a respirator, and ideally a negative-pressure tent or localized exhaust vent. And yes, the employer should run periodic air sampling (personal and ambient) to track fiber levels.

 

[Alan]

To keep everyone safe, let's add some exhaust fans where you work in the tent and set up a cleaning routine. Also, make sure everyone wears an air sampling badge so we can keep an eye on exposure levels. This helps us look after your health and meet the rules.