What immediate actions should be taken if a power outage occurs and negative pressure fails?

In the event of a power outage that leads to the failure of negative pressure systems, the correct immediate action is to evacuate the area and assess the situation. Negative pressure is crucial for controlling the spread of asbestos fibers during abatement activities. Its failure poses a risk not only to the workers in the space but also to the building's occupants and the environment.

By evacuating, workers remove themselves from potential exposure to hazardous materials that might be released due to the loss of containment. Assessing the situation afterwards allows for a clear evaluation of the risks posed, and it provides an opportunity to implement effective containment measures before any further work is attempted or before entering the area again.

Continuing to work carefully in a compromised environment is not advisable as it can expose workers to unsafe conditions. Waiting for instructions may delay necessary action in an emergency. Keeping the negative pressure machine running is inappropriate, as a power outage indicates that the machine is no longer operational, meaning it cannot provide the protection needed during asbestos work. Thus, evacuation and assessment are critical for safety in this scenario.