Geoffrey A. Clark, M.Sc., CIH, ROHSenior Occupational Hygienist, WorkSafeBC

Geoffrey.Clark@worksafebc.com

Asbestos – Still a Killer in B.C.

Fatal Injuries and Diseases(1999 – 2008)

Motor Vehicle Accidents 321

Other Injuries 645

Asbestos Diseases 446

Other Diseases 167

Total 1,579

Number of Asbestos Claims by Year(1990 to 2008)

1. Excavate around the A/C pipe a sufficient distance to ensure adequate tool clearance in the area to be cut. Care must be taken to avoid any pipe abrasions.

2. Put on protective equipment (disposable coveralls, twin cartridge 1/2 face respirator equipped with "HEPA" filters, rubber boots, hard hat, leather or rubber gloves) and have sufficient clean water available before entering the trench.

3. Clean the pipe in the area to be cut and attach the snap cutter.

4. Apply water to the cut area until cutting is complete.

5. Operate the cutting tool (manual or hydraulic snap-cutter) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions making sure that water is applied in sufficient quantities to continuously wet the cut surface and prevent A/C dust creation.

Procedure to Repair Asbestos Pipe

6. Detach the cutter, move to the next cut location on the pipe.

7. Upon completion of the final cut, thoroughly wash all equipment with clean water to remove A/C debris. Allow the water to drain into the bottom of the trench before removing the equipment.

8. Install other pipe and fittings as required, taking care to avoid any abrasion to the A/C pipe.

9. When all pipe work is completed, remove disposable coveralls and gloves. Leave them in the trench with any A/C debris. Thoroughly wash hands, boots, and all small tools (i.e. wrenches, hammers, shovels) with clean water to remove A/C debris and let the water drain in the trench.

10. Exit the excavation so that your clothing and tools will not be contaminated with A/C debris.

11. Back fill the trench.

Procedure to Repair Asbestos Pipe

• 20.112 Hazardous materials – asbestos

• 20.2 Notice of project – asbestos

• 6.3 Exposure control plan

• 6.4 Inventory

• 6.5 Identification (signage)

• 6.7 Control of friable asbestos

• 6.9 Prohibitions (crocidolite)

• 6.27 Waste removal

Applicable Regulations

20.112 Hazardous materials

Before work begins on the demolition or salvage of machinery, equipment,buildings or structures, the employer or owner must

a) inspect the site to identify any asbestos, lead, or other heavy metal or toxic, flammable or explosive materials that may be handled, disturbed or removed,

b) have the inspection results available at the worksite, including any drawings, plans or specifications, as appropriate, to show the locations of any hazardous substances,

c) ensure that any hazardous materials found are safely contained or removed, and

d) if hazardous materials are discovered during demolition work that were not identified in the inspection required by paragraph (a), ensure that all work ceases until such materials are contained or removed.

20.2 Notice of Project

The owner or, if the owner engages another person to be the prime contractor, then that person must ensure that the Board receives, in writing or by fax, a notice of project (NOP) at least 24 hours before starting a construction project if

(c) the construction activity involves

i. the removal, encapsulation or enclosure of friable asbestos building materials, or

ii. the demolition, dismantling or repair of any building or structure, or parts thereof, in which insulating materials containing asbestos have been used, or in which asbestos products have been manufactured, or

iii. an abatement project or other activity involving significant disturbance of lead-containing coatings on buildings or structures, or

iv. similar activities which may expose workers to a significant risk of occupational disease.

Part 6 – Asbestos

6.3 Exposure control plan1) If a worker is or may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of

asbestos, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan meeting the requirements of section 5.54.

6.4 InventoryThe employer must ensure that an inventory of all asbestos-containing materials present in the workplace is prepared and kept current.

6.5 IdentificationThe employer must ensure that all asbestos-containing materials present in the workplace are identified by signs, labels or when these are not practicable, other effective means.

Part 6 – Asbestos

6.7 Control of friable asbestos1) The employer must ensure that a friable asbestos-containing

material in the workplace is controlled by removal, enclosure or encapsulation so as to prevent the release of airborne asbestos fibre.

2) The employer must not allow any work that would disturb friable asbestos-containing material unless necessary precautions have been taken to protect workers.

6.9 Prohibitions1) Except for waste intended for disposal, the employer must

ensure crocidolite asbestos or material containing crocidolite asbestos is not brought into or used in a workplace.

Part 6 – Asbestos

6.27 Waste removalThe employer must remove all asbestos dust and debris from the work area with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA-filtered exhaust, or by other means acceptable to the Board, while the work is in progress, at the end of each work shift, and at the completion of work involving asbestos.

• All asbestos cement pipe must be included in your asbestos management program.

• You must have an inventory marking locations where asbestos remains buried.

• You must have an exposure control program (ECP) for asbestos that covers workers who might be subsequently exposed to asbestos waste in the trenches.

• You must have a respirator program for workers who might be exposed to asbestos in the trenches.

• You must submit a Notice of Project for asbestos, prior to pipe repair work or subsequent work in trenches containing asbestos waste. G20.2(1)(c) Notice of project for asbestos - Ongoing work

• No crocidolite asbestos must be used in the workplace.

Requirements?

More Questions

and Discussion?