According to OSHA regulations, what must be done if the Excursion Limit for asbestos is exceeded?

When the Excursion Limit for asbestos is exceeded, the required response is to stop work and manage asbestos waste. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of all workers in the vicinity, as exceeding this limit indicates a potentially hazardous level of exposure to asbestos fibers, which can pose serious health risks, including lung disease and cancer.

Ceasing work immediately allows for the implementation of necessary safety measures to protect workers from further exposure. Managing asbestos waste is also vital because it prevents the spread of asbestos fibers, which can result from disturbance or improper handling of materials containing asbestos. This response aligns with OSHA’s regulatory framework, which mandates immediate action to mitigate risks associated with dangerous airborne contaminants.

While safety gear, ventilation, and audits play important roles in an overall safety plan, they do not directly address the immediate requirement to halt operations when exposure limits are breached. The priority must always be the immediate health and safety of personnel in the event of an excessive exposure incident.