Requirements for the removal of ACM
Requirements for removing any and all ACM
Requirements when removing friable asbestos
Requirements for removing any and all ACM
The Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 requires any removal of asbestos-containing materials at a workplace to be done in accordance with the asbestos removal code.
Part 9 of the asbestos removal code states requirements for the removal of all asbestos-containing material (ACM) from workplaces that must be followed.
The requirements include:
- determining the asbestos removal boundaries
- security, signs and barriers
- electrical and lighting installations
- preparation activities, including:
- minimising the number of people present
- using the correct tools
- personal protective equipment (PPE)
- decontamination materials
- methods for removing ACM, which include:
- wet spray method (most preferred)
- dry removal method (least preferred)
- inspection of equipment
- personal protective equipment including:
- respiratory protective equipment
- protective clothing and footwear
- air monitoring
- decontamination
- waste removal
- disposal of asbestos waste.
Requirements when removing friable asbestos
The removal of friable asbestos must be done:
- by holders of an A class certificate
- in accordance with the general requirements for the removal of ACM from workplaces (outlined in the section above) and detailed in Part 9 of the asbestos removal code
and
- in accordance with the additional requirements for the removal of friable ACM detailed in Part 10 of the asbestos removal code
Both sets of requirements under the asbestos removal code must be met when removing friable asbestos.
The asbestos removal code states ACM that are friable must be removed using wet methods, wherever possible, and within an enclosed area.
Wherever practicable, enclosed 'negative pressure' asbestos work areas must be established for any large-scale removal of friable ACM.
In addition:
- all ventilation and air-conditioning networks servicing the asbestos work area must be closed down for the duration of the asbestos removal work and all vents thoroughly sealed to prevent the entry of airborne asbestos fibres into the duct network.
- upon completion, and after final cleaning of the asbestos work area, all mechanical ventilation filters for recirculated air must be replaced.
- care must be taken to ensure that airborne asbestos fibres cannot escape at points where pipes and conduits pass out of the asbestos work area.
Part 10 of the asbestos removal code provides descriptions of methods used in the removal of friable asbestos which must be followed including:
- negative pressure exhaust units - to prevent the escape of asbestos fibres from enclosed asbestos work areas
- enclosures for large-scale asbestos removal work - including design and installation considerations, testing of enclosures and decontamination
- mini-enclosures for small-scale asbestos removal work
- glove bag removal method
View the asbestos removal code (non-Queensland Government link)
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