Safety tips for asbestos containing material maintenance or removal work
Below are some of the safety tips you should follow where you believe asbestos containing material (ACM) is present:
- STOP work immediately and have a sample tested.
- The asbestos work area must be clearly marked so that non-essential people do not enter the area. Entry points to the asbestos work area must be signposted or labelled.
- Do not use high-speed power tools such as angle grinders, sanders, saws and drills. Manual tools or low-speed battery powered tools, used in conjunction with wet methods (saturating the asbestos product using a manually controlled low pressure course spray) must be used instead as they generate less hazardous dust.
- Wet methods can only be used when there are no electrical hazards present so it is safest to turn off the electricity when you are working to prevent electrocution.
- Do not water blast or scrub asbestos cement sheeting with a stiff broom. If the material has been water blasted, or has suddenly deteriorated in some way, you will need to call a licensed asbestos removalist immediately.
- To prepare a surface for painting gently remove any loose paint with a scraper, keeping the surface wet to minimise the release of fibres. You can use sugar soap to clean the surface.
- Never prepare surfaces using dry sanding methods.
- Avoid drilling. Never cut into asbestos cement sheeting. If a hole is required, mask the area with tape, use a non-powered drill and wear a disposable Class P1 respirator (not a dust mask). If significant work is required it is advisable to remove the entire sheet and replace it with a non-asbestos material.
- Minimise exposure to others. Close doors and windows to limit the spread of any dust and ensure that people are kept out of the area.
- Consult with those who may be affected by the asbestos removal and disposal, for example, neighbouring properties.
- Don't drop asbestos cement sheets. Make sure you lower them gently to the ground. When stacking sheets, do not skid one sheet over another, as this can cause release of fibres.
- Remove all asbestos waste as soon as you can. Do not leave sheets lying about where they may be further broken or crushed by people or traffic.
- Put used disposable coveralls and masks in bags for removal with other asbestos waste.
- All asbestos waste must be double bagged or double wrapped. Wet all asbestos waste and collect in heavy duty polythene bags, wrap in heavy duty 200 µm thick plastic or put it in double lined bins. It is illegal to place asbestos waste in domestic garbage bins and compactors.
- Each bag must be correctly labelled: CAUTION - ASBESTOS AVOID CREATING DUST. SERIOUS INHALATION HEALTH HAZARD.
- All ACM must be disposed in accordance with your local council's requirements.
Asbestos waste is treated differently to normal household and industrial rubbish, and is usually buried at a special location. Before taking asbestos waste to a disposal site, make arrangements with your local authority about what is required.
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