Safe work procedures should be followed when removing asbestos cement products (including sheeting, guttering and down pipes) from buildings and other structures. To minimise breakage, care should betaken when removing asbestos cement products.
It’s vital that site remediation, tank removal, asbestos removal and waste management projects are completed safely and professionally.
Typical Procedures for Removal of Asbestos Cement Products
You should:
- for external work, close all windows and doors to the building to prevent dust entering the building
- use barriers to restrict entry of unauthorised personnel to the work area and to control contamination
- place asbestos removal caution signs at the barriers to comply with AS 1319 Safety Signs for Occupational Environment
- when working on roofs, take appropriate precautions to prevent workers from falling off or falling through the roof – eg use suitable fall restraint devices or elevated working platforms
- where practical, seal the asbestos cement with a PVA sealant or dampen with water (wetting down may not be necessary on previously painted or sealed AC products) – when removing asbestos cement roofs, dampening should be done well before removal to allow the roof to dry sufficiently so workers do not slip
wear disposable coveralls and respiratory protection (eg a half-face P1/P2 respirators) during the removal and clean-up process - remove bolts and screws, and remove the asbestos cement sheets with minimal breakage – asbestos cement products should not be thrown into bins or onto the ground, but rather lowered as whole sheets where possible
- wrap the asbestos cement products in 200-micron thick plastic sheeting, label, then transport to the waste facility as soon as possible
- clean gutters by wetting down after removing the asbestos cement roofs – contaminated waste material must be bagged, labelled and disposed of as asbestos waste
take precautions to prevent slips and trips hazards when working on roof surfaces - if using a building skip or loading directly into trucks, line the internal surfaces with 200-micron thick plastic sheeting and ensure the load is securely covered and labelled before transporting to an authorised waste disposal facility
- pick-up visible asbestos cement debris in the roof space and around the removal area, then decontaminate using wet methods or a suitable vacuum cleaner
- use PVA to seal any residues of asbestos cement that cannot be removed, such as that on timber beams
- recycled plastic is not to be used as it may contain flaws
- plastic used in asbestos removal is not to be reused.
- Plastic used for drop sheets and debris is not to be reused and is to be disposed of as asbestos waste.
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.
