)

)

k) Protected storage area pending the removal of asbestos based materials.

l) Availability of water, power, heat and light.

m) Acconunodation and c<mteen facilities.

n) Provision of access equipment, e.g. scaffolding, ladders.

o) Protection of adjacent plant and machinery.

p) Clearing waste material from site and responsi­bility to leave the area clean without airborne fibre.

q) Temporary sealing of asbestos \oJhere necessary.

r) Notification of regulating authority where necessary.

)

2. HATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

In all cases, the type of a sbestos present i n the insulation material shall he positively identified (s ee Sec tion 2.3).

In Fl few insUmcc s , t h<:: insulation materia l may not ~ontain asbestos . Some tnsu l a tion materials may contain croci..dolite (blue asbestos) which requires additiona l precaut ions.

9 .

If in doubt at the early investigation stage treat the insulation as asbestos based materials.

2.1 The Bulk Sample

A representative sample of the insulation material should be obtained. Sufficient small core samples shall be taken from a minimum of 3 separate positions since some instal­lations may have been repaired with differing material over the years. The core samples must be taken to include material from all depths of the insulation. A small volume of sample only is required, say 10 cubic ems and the sample should be packed in a sealed jar or plastic bag and labelled appropriately. A 12mm wad punch has been found to be a useful sampling tool.

2.2 Visual Inspection of Sample

The major characteristic of asbestos is its fibrous nature. This is often clearly visible except in finely powdered samples. The asbestos type most frequently used in insula­tion materials is amosite, . which is characterised by · straight, colourless to grey or brown fibres.

Chrysotile is a curly, white to grey fibre, and it is difficult to separate individual fibres.

Crocidolite is similar in appearance to amosite , but the straight fibres have a dark blue colouration.

It is important to realise that visual inspection and colour can be used only as a guide. Fading and colour changes occur over the years and with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Addit~ves to the original insulation material may also affect the colour.

2.3 Laboratory Identification

For positive identification, the samples shall be analysed in a suitably equipped laboratory. Insulation materials can be adc~untely cha rac t erised by optical microscopy

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JO .

techniques. Eithe:~r dispersion staining or polarised light techniques may be used. These methods utilise the differences in refractive indices, the anisotropic property, and morphol~gical differences of the asbestos varieties.

Occasionally, x-ray diffraction analysis may be used to verify the identification.

Samples may be sent to the laboratories of the State or Australian Health Departments for positive identification.

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3. REl'10VAL METHOD FOR PIPE:\.JORK, TURBINES 1 BOILERS, ETC .

3 . 1 0 b j e c: ti ve

The remov<:il of asbestos-based materi<.lls from pipe\,'ork, turb i nes, boilers, refinery equipment, etc. sha l l be carried out by methods \vhich l•;ill minirnis e the relcas r:: of a sbestos fibres into the atmosphere during and after the operation.

3.2 Proven Wet Procedures

· ... :..:;-

The procedures detailed below have been proven by experience to minimise airborne fibres:

3.2.1 Spray Method

'/;

This method should be used only \.1here <relatively small quantities of asbestos~l?a·se.d ,. ma,terials are to

·· be removed and where .the foll'owing . co~ditions apply·. to the material: ~ : -··· , ,, :

I • '

i :2.'i. ( .. ;·The asb~st:'o·~~·b~s~d·; ·mate~iar' : i .s ·- .n~t covered ,, : \-lith other ·materials which requ:f.r.ed prior ., . removal such as calico .or aluminium cladding . .

3.2.1.2

3.2.1.3

There is no reinforcing wire or other similar material.

... - ·-' ' The asbestos-based-material ·":Ls not coated

with paint or mastic.

3.2.1.4 The asbestos-based material can be removed directly into the disposal container.

,. '

3.2.1.5 Where rapid temperature drop due to excessive water ·could cause damage to heated metal components.

3.2.1.6 Where no live electrical conductors are present and where no damage to electrical conductors can arise from water ingress.

The spray shall be applied in such a manner as to ensure that the entire surface of asbestos-based materials is wet but that minimal run-of f occurs.

In many instances, it will be f ound helpful if a wetting agent is added to the water to facilitate more rapid wetting of the insulation material.

It is desirable that th~ asbestos -based rnat.erlc:.l l::, ~~tted through its full depth a nd maintained in ~

'.·.f l r. ~ )llf.! it. ;:·~:~ .

The water spraying should be done shortly before removal .

12.

It is recommended that a manually controlled low pressure coarse spray be used such as adjustable pistol ·grip garden hose sprays (see Section 7.3).

The spraying equipment used will be depende.nt on access, availability of water supply and area to be sprayed.

It is important that the spray should be copious, but fine, so that the water droplets do not generate dust from the surface of the insulation on impact. The spray is directed at the cutting-up qperation in

_,.,; . progress and the wetted. rriateri..a:V -.removed: ~.-.~(:rt :}:is . · r ,- : ~ · . essentially a two-man job.::. ·i>f;i1;;~<~. · · '- · ;;:.;;·>:.. . ::. · · . · -<~·· ·

fD ·. -.· ·:~.. . ' ., ·:--', ·: :. ,::>:• · '· . _ · ~·. ·.- -. ' :t~t!.~~~~l-~\.. .. _ ~~~~i~~~·_: :~:i!::;- :''o\·:' .;/{,/:i~: .\; : .. · . ~ ·~' -?. r.:#x·,~_, ._ ,;~ -· :; .b,~.., :.The .. we *"ted · asbestos~ based;·:tmaterial~~liall~.,._iii \'l-!.removed >.; 1 r;~~;: :~.i~~~}~.1-1

t ..,, ~. 'J,~' l·~J,{t<i,tf./PI~t(~ :\.l:~, } l'O\:t«-~~,,. ~ .. -·>~ ·. :-~Y.~ ~. I \ · ::-: H~.:. ··~1 "-.'•.! ! ~i ·:f.f(;:~.iJ'/•'!f~1~0:t'f'~~1~~~fY-'i(j~~tlfh"ri· .• ' ~i~ , · "' !)!·1": •11-. :

a:; f: .. .. . . . ~\~ilt0tM'1;).;;~iy;,;~ :_1.~nj,~: sectio?s - ~an? : plac~~ '·if~~,~f:~~~J~~~~?~-~S~~~~:<t': :.1-y~ i~i:: ?ff.h_'~~?~-:\)1' : :: '· . . .. ,. <;.,; .;~ •;;;,-;. . . ~1 -·. labelled . conta~ners and < Sui-tablyfti.sealed~~it:iTbe !i:!" l_ry\-ji~:i· . ··· .. ·J - f-:::~ ·rr:; ·i :

• '· ' ... t-( .'1'"·.1, _ . ~ .... .,." •' .\ ... -.J., • .. , ,. ,.,., t• ' · • •· j"';~~ •• l ' .. i• .. :HAlSr.~:., j r ;~~fJ!";"i;-(~j_!"•~'f ,... 'J ~· . ·'1 ' • ,t' -~ ' '• "' I • • · ' · • ' '

· - :~ ~.:·~. :·; --- ·~·, :.-.~~bes~~;s.:..b':"sed ma~er.ial mu"s'~~~~~~~~o~.e~·tY:~~l.f:,~.~ed . _~n~ . · . · ,,-,·._ .. . •::l :.:Ji'·t\. ;' .;,t_.,;;;..;.:r.~~l~ ·,W~ct~ons wh~ch .,~yi,f;, .d slo<ig~. ro e ~Y · JJ;.~·~;~:.J- - · · . .

·~ . " ,; ' ' > ;·· /: J,)~Pos~d of. c. . ~ {/'~~/":· : "' . •" '"' ',J~~: ' .: ' ;•; ;,,: ·:., Dust is significantly . suppress·ed; ::S..Itho·ugh: not '· .

.. :. ,entirely eliminated and · thought~.;~9:~uld};~lways be · . , ; .. , . <. ·~ ':::~ ; .~ - . given to the need for: .. respiratozy';{\i.rot' ction:;:;,; rt. ,_,, . · (:!~;~-~ : ·>.;· 1, . '., • jo:._" ;~~ ~\·~_.t .._'. ' .... ~ . I • • •· ' • . :·: i. · • • f ~:~,-., .• Jt; .,.• • ,: ;,-. 1 .-'..· '~j~-. '· · :,:~ : ~_ ' ~ ' ·,: : ' ; ·; •,-,' .r , : · ,_ •.. ; .,~;·:;;,~.'J'r~p 'r< . . ·'·}:;· 1.s : always needed w~th .croc~doli :~ ·· · -r;~!,i'~~·vt~r;,;·.·-"--:> . :; .. ::.~,; ~,,-~:~,'\-~<'·--: · ... , .. :C-·, .. ···:tf';:(:; ~;:,_2-~---~::~s::.. ~)\:~ ~ - .'~·- .. :-. · . .J .. : '.; -~ :;Ei!~~~~~.f _ .J?.~ .. - :r~'~r, '/T/1 :·-_:.:; · · .. 'Y : ·;. :·. ·

. ,,: Safety Precautions: Refer ' to · Section· ·s for general details.

3.2.2 Removal by Soaking the Asbestos-Based Material

The removal of asbestos-containing insulation from pipes, etc. is often so extensive or- the material so thick that the spray method will not suppress the dust suffic.iently. The alternative is to soak the insulation by the introducation of water through appropriate applicators.

The soaking of the asbestos-based materials can start as soon as metal temperatures permit (i.e. where metal cracking could occur, the metal must be allowed to cool to a suitable temperature).

The following steps ar~ recommended for the "soaking procedure":

3.2.2.1 Where the asbestos-based material is covered by cloth, mastic or other such materials, loose asbestos based dust or other nuisance

1 .: • .

dust. shall b 2 removed by V<.\ C lll.!nl c 1 can ing ,., ;_ th a Pf l rov -=-d equ .i. ;-. :;1e n t '"' trl ~,.

3.2. 2 . 7. 'v.'h<11·£~ ~ L-1d<..!:ing hc:: s to be n :mo"·2d before. c\C C.C· :::-: ·3 j_S (:btai ned tO t.ht.: a~bes tos-based mated.al, ::~c · c: l addng ~. hdl l be removed L. f~rc-fully and :.;urfc:c.cs v::'!cu:J::. cleaned con­tinually or \\'here practicable, sprayed with ,,,at<:r.

3 .2. 2 . 3 Ho l es or cuts must be made in the outer covering to enable water to be injected in such a manner and quantity as to ensure that asbestos-based material is not just washed out through a water passage. It has been found · that slO\.;r saturation from the

) metal interface outvJards is quite successful.

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3.2.2.4 The quantity of water and the time to soak will be dependent on factors such as thick­ness of material, access, location of holes, etc.

3.2.2.5 Before removal is started, ensure that the asbestos-based material is saturated and that there are no areas where the asbestos­based material has become a slurry. In this case, the slurry shall be removed into appropriate containers and disposed of. - -·

3.2.2.6 The saturated asbestos-based material shall be removed in sections and placed immediately in properly labelled containers and suitably sealed. During the process, it may be necessary to carefully cut re-inforcing wire or similar materials. The asbestos-based material must be properly soaked and small sections which may be dislodged, properly disposed of.

3.2.2.7 Safety Precuation~: Refer t o Secti on 8 for general details.

3.2.2.8 \·~ater application shall be controlled so that slurries are not produced.

3.3 Dry Method

This method shall be used only \vhere the foll 0\·:i ng con­ditions apply:

\·:herr; the ~pr<.1y or. sf'Jakir:g. :;: ,. t:ho d c:muot be USE!d; <mc.J

. -~~ ·' • •• 1, 1 ~

I :.- ~ ·it

·;; ...

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.·: ... : ':",, .

' ... ·: ~; . . ;'

14.

\vhere there are live conductor s of electrical equipment \vhlch could be permanently · damaged or made dangerou s by contact wi t h water; or

where it is considered e ssential to remove a s bestos from hot met.:1l, it may be advisable n o t to us e we tting in o r der t o sa f eguo.rd the machi nery.

3.3 . 1 Proce dure

3 . 3.1.1 Fully iso l a t e the area where the asbes t os­based material · is to be removed using plast i c screening.

3.3 . 1.2 Clean outer surfaces with approved vacuum cleaners. • ~~! • .: ... • '

·, , ' ;, ~/ ' .'~{ . I .... ~.' , •, ;, , J ',J; .f ;~;~.,( ; ; 3. 3 .1. 3 Remove asbestos-based' · mat~;r'ia:L in,lsmall' 'p're;.. ' :.~; ~•' ·q· . ·· .

i I'~ 1 ; '";":·: '·r;· ,.: . . cut sec ~~pn,s:<wi tl},;:min~!ll~!)~~·~ stti#.l?~.~c~.-~'~o.~~~gy~r, .. ii':~*~~:ti· ! minimise·,:;.~ir~o~e· ·:: f~-bres\i:~~4}·~mm¢g:~~1:1e'~r,:!t~(f:i1F'·:)~·~-~f/ I

·. place waste .. ~!!ltO :J:~pprop;_iat.Ef~wet);ed '. c;:ontainers ' .''.:' · ~· , r'" ., .

'i "

-:·. ; 'i

; l '

~ ·.' ',:'·

. •· ' .. : . ... , . • . •• t :,•.! ,·c:

· (see Section ~), ~ 7J.. · :r.t Altern~tively ' · re.mova_l ·:<~ · ,., . using hig~ . P~":'e.~~d ,;v:as).lum . Y.~e:a,pers as . -~ ~):~}:\;·,;~.: .. ;(: .. _·;:

.. :; detailed .. in 1.:s:ec tion· ,· 7; 4 · ts"lrecornrnerided .:• :.:r :~~ ;;-?'·. ·. :r:·,_i: ·

: ·, ,, .,

, ' f. ' ! ' f, ' i '• .;~~: · :, • ·;'ol ' ' • ., . ~ ·. I :- l _. ; ,'

3.3.1.4 Safety Precautions: general deta~ls.

Refer · to ·-section 8 for

' · .. : . :· .. ..

Asbest:os. ... ~emoval contractors '-1:- staff ,. :shall use ·positive ; ~. _·.:-: ., \ .· .· .. ;:(;? pressure : supplied -a-ir respir~tors'· ' wh~n engag·ed in dry -r · ·. · _, _, .. ·."' · removal operations.

In some infrequent cases, it may be possible to use local exhaust ventilation to minimise airborne fibre concentrations. (see Section 7.6).

The area shall be fully isolated and the air sampled in accordance with .Section 9.

1 =·.

4. REHOVAL METHODS FROM BUILDINGS

The !'pray method is most commonly used but both wet remov.:d me thod s specified in Section 3 are equally applicable t o the removal of sprayed material from buildings with the followin s additional requ i rements:

4.1 All movab le furniture and fitt ings should be r emoved from the asbestos work area .

4.2 The floor should be covered with heavy plastic sheeting which must be turned up at the walls and taped to the wall

~ about 30cm above the floor. Plastic sheeting should also .l't' be hung around walls, window~ .. and . doors e~sur,ing that a

sui table air 'lock is pr.ovided "at all entrances • .. All non­removable· furniture and fittings shall be . covered with

I~ · , ··1 • . . h ... . . ·· .· d 11' ... . ; ·. · .. . : . 1. d , .,~:.>.!.GJ !l'~ ·· · ·j"'~;' :. ' ' • ~~ . . '.\ · p ast~c s eet~ng an a JOHlt·_s s .ea e •. !'~''P'"': ; . ;:1"/"<:.' ... :·· .

· .. ~ i:(t,!t~)~,~ . ,·~·~~~~ i'> ~; fv: /t·! ~~~~-~'~r-,:~~~~\~. :,. ~· ·- ... ~ . ~ ~~; ~· ~<'<.' L~~~~~~·~~~~;'f.:·~: .. :.~ _ ~·· · ·~~~~· ?1t~~~::r.; . ' ~ : 'l:h: ;~>+· ,:-' .:• .;: ,., ,., ,; ··f·£-:"~'4. ; ·3 ·· Air·,·condi:ti'oning· : systems·''must:,,oel ·-iso'lated:~if.rorii',~the : asbestos<-~:_ , ·!~.,. ·

' ' • • ' ' ' < ~ • ), (> '. :' I • ' } ' ':" ."'1 I • ' \

: ... : · ,- ·· \r~;- · removal. area or<' alternatively .. Closed · :'down:1~~6\, preve,nt · ·. ::; ; .:~; ::: .. ¥l!i:: .~ . · . . ·. · :.-·· · · · circ'ulation of asbestos · dust. ,' th:ro.ughout ,: th~;1 .bui~ging. Upo-oi';, .:

,. . · .. :· ·~ . .completion and .?fter_ final. -' <:,t~~ning '':0.£ ;- theJ.i,re~,F-:all _ .,.~ · .-1 (;.. ~,, !> :. . .. ) ~ ·:·: mechanical' . .'ventil<ltion plantf:tnters ~ shouldl' be:rreplaced if'_····\" ·, ,:

\ possible. ' · ··-r:·, ·: .. ,· ' .· .. '

4.4 Dry removal methods should only be used in extreme cases.

' ... I :. ' •

·, '· "'·?': · ~ .. · .. r .( ..

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5. SUPE~VISION AND TR~I~ING

:i.l Objective

To ad.:=quatE:J.y train ::;uper•;isory personnel for operations associated i.o.'ith the removul of asbestos-based materie.l and train all persons <lpp ropriot e to their function in the p<;l rt icular indu:::'-!'Y in the procedures for the removal of asbestos~based materials.

5.2 Supervisory Personnel

5.2.1 Shall be familiar with all the aspects of this code.

5.2.2 Shall be responsible for planning the total removal procedure, i.e. the pre-removal setting up, the actual removal and final cleaning-up operations.

5.2.3 Shall be responsible for selecting the most suitable procedure for the particular removal process.

5.2.4

5. 2. 5

5.2.6

Shall ens•1re that all equiJ?ment required is available and in proper operating condition.

Shall ensure that all safety prec~utions are implemented.

Shall take all measures necessary (even if not mentioned in the code or procedures) to ensure that airborne asbestos fibre concentrations are reduced to the minimum possible and in any case, shall not exceed those levels recommended by tlle -NH & MRC or State regulations.

5.2.7 Shall ensure that the removal is continually super­vised a nd that the operation is carried out in a proper and safe manner . Shall ensure that the proper work procedures are used at all times.

5.2.8 Shall arn.nge for and assess results of air sampling where appropriate.

5.2.9 Shall ensure that the work site is maintained in a clean condition, that waste is quickly and properly disposed of, that the personal hygiene procedure is continually observr:d in accordance \,>itb this Code. Asbestos h'aste shall be removed from the job promptly and not left unatt ended in readily accessible places.

5.3 7raining

5. 3.1 Opl~ratives for the Removal of Asbestos-Based Hat~rial

s~ch 0mployces shall b0 ;iven intensive training in ~::c snfet.v pT"ocedurc for. t he rl:-tauval of nsb~st~")s-

5.3.2

( )

Operatives shall b~ familiar with the general r~:quin:rm: nts of t his Code.

17.

Ooeratives shall be trained to observe the personal hygiene standards set by this Code and local procedures.

Immediately before any removal of asbestos-based material on every new job, the supervisor shall ensure that al l operatives have been properly instructed.

Employees Generally

All employees in a factory or industry where sub­stantial removal of asbestos -may take place shall be trained in the general procedures set down in the Code.

The training should be appropriate for their trade and function in the organisation and sufficient in detail to ensure proper understanding of the safety and procedural requirements as it affects them, and be a\o.'are of the reasons for those requirements.

The training may include lectures, visual displays, films, literature, etc which will assist to develop an intelligent approach to the handling of _asbestos.

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6. SIT£ PREPARATION AND CLEANING

6 . 1 0 bi e c t i v <.:

To set do\·.'11 sr.andards to be observed in the pr eparation of sites Eo:: r..:·!i iU 'v-.:1 i ~)£ subst.an Ual qun.nti t ies o f asbestos and to defin..:~ the. wor.k area t o bi2 i.sola t ed f r om pe r s onnel n o t involved in the removal of asbestos.

6. 2 Detennination of "Asbestos Harking Area"

The asbes to s working area shall be determined by a s s e ssmen t by supervi sory staff, but at a distance nonnally not less than Sm from the asbestos work face. This distance may be decreased or shall be increased on the basis of dust monitoring results.

The work area shall be defined by barrier, rope or rail and -·by appropriately placed signs indicating that · it is an . asbesto.s \o.rorking area. ·

The signs shall be labelled "Asbestos t.Jorking Area - No Unauthorised Entry".

Static air sampling may be necessary· to confirm the suitability of the selected boundaries.

Experience will generally enable supervisory staff to quickly determine and set boundaries for most types of removal.

In the case of dry removal, the asbestos working area shall ~be fully isolated using plastic sheeting or other suitable

material.

Employees or persons other than the operator engaged in the removal of a sbestos-based materials will then be required to obse rve the appropr i ate safety precautions before entering the asbestos working area.

6. 3 Site Preparation

In the asbe st os work ing a rea, a ll equipment such as ladders, scaffdlding , hoses, e tc sha l l be a rranged so that removal can proceed in a sa f e manner and in accordance with the set standards and a ppropria te Re: gu lat i ons.

6 .4 Site Cleani ng

After the removal joh has been comp l e ted , t he as be s tos h'Orki ng area ~ha1l be left i n a c l e;;~r1 co nditi on by \._lashing and/or vacu•..;;n .:.J, .. ~lning. This prucc:ss !:11:1y net.:d to bE· ir=.:pe<:t t t:d :1t:- Vc:.. !: ~~ 1 t j _nH:! _...; r. r.: ;.-: usure: t:.o:rq~ l c t t! .t:i.?rnova l .

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19.

Protective plastic sheeting or any materials used to limit the spread of asbestos dust should be treated as asbestos waste and disposed of in the approved rnitnner.

The ropes and warning signs shall not be removed until the complete area has b~en thorou~hly cleaned. In most cases the area should be vacuum cleaned a second time the day after completion of the job before the barriers are removed. If any doubt still exists, static air sampling may be taken to confirm the cleanliness of the area.

Adjacent areas and buildings shall be checked to ensure that there is no residual fibre present.

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20 .

7. EQUIPt-JEr;T

7.1 Cutting Tools

Breaking through the fi nishing compound and cutting the reinforcing wi r.e .fire operations v;bich can liberate much dust. The use of i.1 h<mcl saw such as the all -purpose Eel :i.pse is 3n in~ provr.~n:c nt on hamme:c and chisel and wi:re cutters. The use of hammer and chisel should be avoided as far as po s~ible.

A pneumatic powered saw suitably equipped with air exhaust hose is a further improvement enabling cutting of the insulation into small sections whilst keeping dust to a minimum.

The use of pneumatic chisels is not recommended because of the inherent possibility of flying debris. Instrument lines under insulation, particularly on turbines, are vulnerable to damage from cutting tools. Re-routing of such lines to avoid this possibility is suggested.

Caution regarding the use of any pO\vered tool is necessary since not all types are suitable, particularly as regards dust collection and electrical safety in wet conditions. In case of doubt reference should be made to the State Regulatory authority.

7.2 Total Saturation Eouipment

This is useful for large areas of insulation where time can be a llowed for the water to soak in. The equipment con­sists of an injection harness of light rubber hose with a nu11ber of outlets, each termi nating in an injection head \•ii th its o~m shut-off control. These heads (see diagram Appendix C) have numerous side holes through which the water is fed to the in.sulation, the shut-off being closed during transfer of the head from one position to the next only. The heads are moved progressively at 200-300nm intervals as the insulation soaks, until the \.;hole area is covered. Water at approximately 170kPa is desirable and this can be achieved by t :-!pping a higher pressure source through a reducing valve.

7.3 ~ray Equipment

.SurfacE: soaking by ::,rray is useful for small areas and \v·here total s .:.1turation j s not practicable. The equipment can be an adjustabl~ pistol grip garden hose spray nozzle fe:d from ~ 1:1a ins supply ( SOOkPa) or, v..·here no supply i s reo.dily uvCJilal.llc, irum "' portabl(:! pres s urise:d vessel, such <1 ::- :-:t pU!r.p- u ~ ~:n~dcn .-:pr.:~.rer.

'-..

' ·

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21.

7. 4 Dry Re;:wval Eouipment

High e fficiency vacuum dust equipmen t approved by the Statf· r-·:: .s•.i l <l t: in.; aut: horitie::.s and placed close to the remo '.''?ll opr.:r.allon \·. i!:h ef fic.ien c filtration must be used. A mi.rd;ilurn ai.r vr:!loci. t y at the ext1·action point of lm/ sec ond is r~commended a nd the area of the nozzle should be large Enough to ensure efficient dust collection. Filtration must be sufficiently complete to permit the return of air into the building.

Local exhaust equipment should have an adequate capture velocity and otherwise comply with the recommendations set down in the American Conference of Goverrunental Industrial Hygienists - Industrial Ventilation, 13th Edition, 1974. It should be fitted with a high efficiency filter so that the air discharged from it does not contain asbestos fibres in excess of 1/10th of the standard recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council for workplace air.

7.5 Vacuum Cleaning Equipment

All vacuum cleaning equipment should conform to the vacuum cleaner specifications now under preparation and be approved by the appropriate regulating authority (see Appendix A).

7.6 Polyethylene Bags (for disposal of asbestos)

Heavy duty. (Preferably 20Qum - low density)

Haximum size: 900mm x 1200rnrn x 200mm

Recowmended loaded weight: 30 kg .

. Mar:.ked "Caution - Asbestos - Do Not Inhale Dust"

Marked "Caution - Blue Asbestos - Do Not Open or Damage Bag - Do Not Inhale Dustn.

7.7 Inspection of Eouipment

All equipment used for the removal of asbestos based material must be inspected at least once in every sever! days \vhere continuously used or before commencing a job and any defects rectified irmnediately. At least once in every period of six months, all safety equipment must be examined and tested by a. competent person and a register, containing details of the examinations, state of equipment a.nd repairs (if any), maintained by the designated person uppointed.

FiltE:·rs used in the vacuum cleaning and dust extrac c.:i.on t!quiprnL.nt should be inspecL~d for darnagt~ regularly m1(: :.::ll! ~-i n~~d Gr· rc:pl <:Ct;:d a~ soon [tS the ::-~lJCt:i.on efficiency ~:-. : j": f>.., .i ~ 1.:· (: .

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22 .

. 3. HYGIENE REQUIRENENTS

8.1 Hygiene

3 .1.1 Persons wo~king with asbestos materials shall observe ~ high standard of hygiene and good house­keeping to ensure that asbes tos dust is not taken from the asbestos working area to other environments.

8 .1.2 Persons lecving a work area shall first ensure that protective clothing and footwear is thoroughly de­dusted by vacuum cleaning or hosing dmvn with water. All such wate r shall be caught in a suitable sump and any asbestos collected disposed of as asbestos \vaste. Removing dust from clothing with a pressured air supply or by shaking .is ferbidden. Where use is made of temporary changing facilities at the work area, de-dusting must be carried out before the protective equipment is placed in the dust-proof accommodation provided.

8.1.3 Persons shall not eat, drink or smoke in the asbestos work area since respirators are necessary and should not be removed.

8.1.4 In general, persons engaged on working with asbestos materials should be provided with a changing room and toilet facilities which are separate from those used by other groups of workers. Clean overalls, outer clothing and dirty overalls should be segregated. Work clothing should not be taken home.

8.1.5 Thorough washing of any parts of the body which have been exposed to asbestos dust as soon as possible after completion of the job. Particular attention should be made to head and beard.

8.1.6 Before any meal is taken, working clothes shall be removed and .the hands and face thoroughly washed.

8 .1. 7 Persons engaged in the removal of asbestos-containing insulation should shower before changing back into their own clothing. ~.)here those persons are changing from one set of provided work clothing to another, the washing of face and hands should be sufficient. See Sectiqn 8.3.3 for further details.

8. 2 Personal Protection Eql.tipment (Respirators )

8.2.1 All persons engaged in asbestos removal work must '-'Jear an approved resp i rator conforming to the requirements of AS1715 and AS1716, but which have Division of Occupational Heal~h/Dep3rtment of Lnbour a~mr,.w,1l ft)c· ;;:;bc-~->tos use (s~:c~ Ap];,,ndix D).

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8 .2. 2 Resp i rators should be i s sued on a persona l basis and arrangements made for regular inspection and s • .: rvic:i.ng of non-disposable respir~tors. Users should receive instructions on the correct method

8.2.3

of using respirator atid importance of correct facial f:i.t . The aperators nc;me should be clearly maTked on the respirator where this is non-disposable.

Positive pressure air supplied respirator operated in the continuous flow mode (not in the demand mode) shall always be used -- Where crocidolite (blue asbestos) is expected. - Whe re facial characteristics preclude an effective seal between the wearer's

face and an approved dust respirator (e.g. beards) .

·- Where dry removal methods are employed - and for all other removal methods except for inspection and supervisory

personnel not physically engaged in the r11moval operation and where removCJI of insulating materials such as· calcium ~~~;cate pipe section is concerned .-Jhich is in good condition and where the job is sufficiently small that it can be completed within one hour.

8.2.4 Individuals with Beards

Persons with beards and/or extensive facial hair growth are not properly protected by air purifying half face respirators since an airtight seal is not possible. However, protection is offered by positive pressure supplied air respirators providing air is continuously expelled from around the face piece; but if there is any doubt about the adequacy of protection, bearded, etc persons should not be permitted to work in asbestos insulation removal areas.

8.2.5 The removal contractor must be familiar with AS1715 ) code of practice for respiratory protection and shall

ensure the provisions contained within are adhered to a t all times.

8.3 Protective Clothing

8.3.1 Work Clothing

Suitable work clothing shall be provided to persons engaged in removal of asbestos-based insulation. Suitable clothing comprises coveralls or similar full body protective clothing without pockets or cuffs , toge ther with head covering and gum boots. Such clothing may be disposable, re~usable and \mshable, or alternatively, suitable wet weather. gear ~vhich can be hosed dcw11.

Where only minor handling of asbestos-containing insulation is r~quircd for short per iods, for example, in gaining access to a. particular par:: r; :: th 0 :::qt; iprn·:-nt f0::: r •. ainten,:mc i? purpose s , th!?

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requirement co supply special ~ork clothing mny br de l eted wit hout prejudicing safe wo r king conditions provided -

aj n :e hl s11lati on d oes not contain crocidolite; and

b) 'Ih=: OPeration is not likelv to res ,dt in the clothin~ or anv part thereof becomins;; undulv d11s tv; and

c) Adequate dust suppression techniques are emp loyed ; and

d) Asbestos dust levels do not exceed those recommended for unprotected persons.

8.3.2 Suitable work clothing shall always be supplied where the insulation contains crocidolite

8.3.3 Laundering Facilities

The asbestos-based material removal contractor shall undertake or arrange for disposal or laundering of work clothing. Asbestos-contaminated clothing may be safely laundered in conventional equipment if it is thoroughly wetted on being discarded by the worker, and not allO\ved to dry out until it has been \vashed. Bags containing contaminated clothing to be launderEd by a commercial laundry shall be despatched therPto in an impermeable container clearly marked as containing "asbestQs-contaminated clothing11

• The corrunercial laundry shall be supplied with guidelines as per Section 10 in respect of residual waste requirements .

8.3.4 Removal of Protective Clothing

Immediately on removal, disposable or \llashable contaminated clothing shall be placed in a dust­proof container reserved for this purpose. Only then shall respiratory protection be removed.

Wet weather overalls may be hosed dO\•m and re-used.

8.4 Health Register

8. 4. 1 A register should be k~::pt of employees '"hose work requir0s them to handle asbestos-based materials.

8.4 . 2 Only the names of persons who have been declared to be fi t for the kind of work here considered by the authorised Medical Officer wil l be placed on the Regist<?. r. /-. :·nedical surveillance progr amme as suggested in th ~ NH & }ffiC Model Asbestos Regulation i.s rf.· ·:.:cl;,~r,;· nrl .. d.

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9. DUST MONITORING

A dtJst monitoring programme is often necessary in order to ensure that, as f~r ~s practicable, the precautions and work procedures described in this code are being applied in a .satisfactory manner., anc that pennitted dust exposurE: le ve ls are not exc0edcd.

Dust monitoring is not intended to be used as a preventive or control measure, but as a check at intervals, which may be random, in order to ensure that ~vorkmen are not exposed to harmful environments.

9. 1 Recom:nended Dust Levels ----------- -In the light of present knowledge:

(a) Exposure to all forms of asbestos dust should be reduced to the minimum that is reasonably practicable; and

(b) In any case, occupational exposure to asbestos dust \vhen averaged over a normal 8 hour working day should never exceed -

(i) for crocidolite (blue asbestos) 0.1 fibres per millili tre.

(ii) for amosite and chrysotile 2 fibres per millilitre.

These hygienic standards are believed to prevent the earliest signs of the appearance of asbestosis in a normal \vorking .life time. In work places wher.e asbestosis is controlled the risk of asbestos induced lung cancer in srr.okers is minimized. Unfortunately no hygienic standard f.or mesothelioma induc·tion has been determined, especially for crociclolite and the concentration of this mineral \vhich could be dangerous to health might be very small indeed.

9. 2 Sampling

~voile work is in progress, asbestos dust concentrations should be measured at a nur.1ber of positions inside and outside the barriers around the site of work. Such data is an important input in determining the positions of barri2rs. Dust monitoring should also be done in decon­tamination areas. Generally, it will not be necessary to monitor e:ach individual job \·:here asbestos material is

' being removed by the same procedure.

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Offic.e r , the he.:Jlth of employee~ whose names have be on entered in th(· Re,gistc: r, should be rev:iew?d and an entry made in the Register.

3.4 . 4 EniplOj'f'(·· ~ ..;hou.i.:i LH: c:nco;_Jr.agPd to a <hr!.!'<~~ thei-r pr"?s:.:n :: au.j f11turc, rn:-; dic: -31 stt(;ndan ts of t h<:i r work with asbestos.

8.5 Changing and Toj_let Facilities

8.5.1 Genera l

Changing room and toilet facilities should be made available for the exclusive use of persons working in an Asbestos Working Area. Storage provision should be made for portable equipment, respirators, clothing, etc.

8.5.2 Permanent Installations

Where a permanP.nt facility is necessary (e.g. on certain larg~ power station sites) the changing room shall have separate sections designated as clean conditions and working conditions sections, with clothes lockers in each. To prevent dust from passing from the working conditions section to the clean conditions section an air lock should be provided.

8. 5.3 Temporary Facilities at an Asbestos ~.Jorking Area

8.5.3.1 Mobile Facilities

In many instances the only really satis­factory method of providing change and toilet facilities is by the provision of a mobile unit separated into three areas, viz

a) decontamination area

b) washing/shower area

c) clean area.

The areas should be separated with a suitable air lock lvhene'\,.er blue asbestos is involveci. (See Appendix E for details).

8 . 5.3 .2 M.Lnor removal op~rations

For operations involving only the removal of small amocmts of asbestos and \.:here the changing £aciliti0s describ~d ar~ not avail­~ble ~n arrangement shall be adopted to e:nsu:ce that protec r.iv.:.- c lothin~. v-.>orn ;·rJr

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Dus t monitor-ing should pre fe rably be done a5 a number o[ check samples on various shi fts when asb2stos ~emoval work is b (;·:~ ng underta k,:: n and on completi on of the: job.

Dust monitoring s hal l be carried out only by suitably r.. r a.ined personnel who have bc c:n specially ins truc tPd in the sampling techniques and in the analytical procedure s , since the measurement of airborne asbestos concentrations is a highly skilled process.

The measurement of airborne asbestos concentrations shall be by the method set out in the NH & MRC publication "Membrane Filter t·1ethod for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Dust". Sampling \vill include general environment samples as well as personal breathing zone samples.

Accordingly, it is recommended that the following sampling procedure be adopted for general environment and personal samples:

Filter diameter:

Filter holder:

Flow rate:

Sampling time:

25mm

A protective cowl must be used to prevent contamination of the filter.

1 to 2 litres per minute. ·

1 to 8 hours.~·:

A sufficient nwnber to enable en assessment of the effectiveness of the dust control measures.

,·:Note: 1 hour minimum to preferably one whole shift.