WORKING WITH BONDED ASBESTOS MATERIAL

If products containing bonded asbestos are maintained in good order, they do not present a significant health risk. Nevertheless, safety precautions must be taken when working on any product containing asbestos. Work procedures should be developed to minimise the release of asbestos dust or fibres.

When working with bonded asbestos products and removing asbestos, you should:

• use barriers to restrict entry of unauthorised personnel to the work area and to control contamination
  place asbestos removal caution signs at the barriers, which comply with AS 1319 Safety Signs for Occupational Environment
• use personal protective equipment, including coveralls and a respirator (eg a half-face P1/P2 respirator) – coveralls should preferably be disposable and coveralls with Velcro-type fasteners are not suitable
• only use non-powered hand tools as they generate less dust – do not use power tools, such as abrasive cutters and sanders
• use wet methods to dampen material, or use a suitable vacuum cleaner that complies with the AS/NZ 60035.2.60 and is fitted with an appropriate attachment to reduce the release of dust – do not use a household vacuum cleaner
• work in well-ventilated areas, where possible
• use 200-micron thick plastic drop sheets to collect debris, and label and dispose of appropriately – take precautions to prevent slips and trips hazards
• clean-up using wet methods, or a suitable vacuum cleaner – do not use a household vacuum cleaner
• dispose of waste and collected dust in 200-micron thick plastic bags that are sealed and clearly labelled as containing asbestos waste
• avoid any abrading or scrubbing of the material’s surface
• recycled plastic is not to be used as it may contain flaws
• plastic used in asbestos removal is not to be reused.

Water Blasting Asbestos Containing Materials

It is illegal to water-blast asbestos containing materials because there is a high risk of asbestos fibres being released into the atmosphere and inhaled.

House Relocation & Asbestos

Although buildings clad in bonded asbestos material are considered to be in situ, it is recommended that all bonded asbestos be removed from the building before it is relocated. Moving buildings clad with asbestos cement can cause the material to become loose and fall off, causing a hazard in transit or when the building is re-constructed. This could result in expensive clean-up costs. Any bonded asbestos material that is removed cannot be reused. Weathered asbestos roofing and gutters should be cleaned and removed prior to relocation.

Bonded Asbestos Cladding

Over cladding of bonded asbestos material should not be undertaken unless it can be carried out without causing damage to the bonded asbestos. Over-cladding may result in more hazardous and
expensive removal at a later date. All buildings with existing cladding over bonded asbestos should be labelled appropriately, somewhere on the building, to highlight to tradespeople and occupiers that the building contains bonded asbestos material.

Source:WorkCover NSW
Working With Asbestos Guide 2008

Australian Enviro Services are a asbestos removal company in Sydney. They also offer professional waste management and contaminated soil remediation.