At the end of the workday, what must workers do regarding asbestos exposure?

After working with asbestos, it is crucial for workers to prioritize their health and safety by taking specific decontamination steps to minimize exposure to this hazardous material. By removing all clothing and showering for a minimum of five minutes, workers effectively reduce the risk of asbestos fibers lingering on their skin or clothing. This practice is essential because asbestos exposure can lead to severe health problems, including lung disease and cancer.

Showering helps to wash away any fibers that may have settled on the worker's body, while changing into clean clothes ensures that they are not carrying any harmful contaminants home or into non-contaminated areas. This process aligns with safety protocols aimed at protecting both the workers and the environments they return to. On the other hand, leaving clothing on for inspection does not eliminate the risk of contamination, and simply changing into clean clothes without showering would not adequately remove asbestos fibers from the skin. Similarly, disposing of contaminated clothing at the site is not permissible since proper disposal methods must be followed to prevent further exposure.