Which activities are prohibited in regulated areas?

In regulated areas where asbestos is present, certain activities are strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of individuals and limit exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Among these activities, eating and drinking are explicitly prohibited. The rationale behind this prohibition is rooted in the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure; ingestion or inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to severe diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. Consuming food or drinks in areas where asbestos is present may lead to accidental contamination and increase the risk of fiber ingestion, thus jeopardizing the health of workers or individuals in those environments.

While using tools and taking breaks may be allowed under controlled conditions with appropriate safety measures in place, eating and drinking directly introduces the risk of exposure in a manner that regulated areas must guard against. Therefore, the prohibition on eating and drinking is a critical part of the safety protocols designed to protect those working in or entering regulated areas.