What is a primary reason for ensuring personal decontamination in asbestos handling?

Ensuring personal decontamination in asbestos handling is primarily focused on protecting worker health. Asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks, including lung diseases and cancers, when inhaled or ingested. Effective decontamination procedures help remove these hazardous fibers from workers’ clothing and skin, significantly reducing the risk of exposure and subsequent health issues.

By prioritizing personal decontamination, organizations can create a safer work environment, ensuring that workers are not inadvertently carrying asbestos contaminants home or into other areas where they could spread. This practice is a critical component of health and safety regulations surrounding asbestos handling and underscores the importance of taking appropriate measures to protect individuals who are working in environments with potential asbestos exposure.