While excavating, you uncover an old cast iron drainage pipe wrapped in a greyish-white, fibrous material. What is the immediate correct procedure?

Question: While excavating, you uncover an old cast iron drainage pipe wrapped in a greyish-white, fibrous material. What is the immediate correct procedure?

Answer options:

• Wet the material thoroughly to prevent dust, and continue work carefully.
• Break it off with a hammer to get it out of the way quickly. ✅ Stop all work in the immediate area, secure the site, and report the finding to a supervisor.
• Use a shop vacuum to clean up any loose fibers.

Correct answer: Stop all work in the immediate area, secure the site, and report the finding to a supervisor.

Explanation: The material may be asbestos, which was commonly used for pipe insulation. The correct procedure for handling potentially friable asbestos is to immediately stop work, isolate the area, and report it for proper assessment and abatement by trained professionals.