Removing asbestos in workplaces - Compliance ... - WorkSafe Victoria

Appendices12. Avoid breaking the asbestos cement products. If breakage is absolutelynecessary to remove/dislodge the product, dampen the material and minimisebreakage.13. Remove the asbestos cement product wet/damp by applying a fine water sprayunless this creates an electrical risk. Once removed from its fixed/installedposition, spray the back of the product with a fine water spray. Frequentapplication of a fine water spray may be required depending on circumstances(eg a very hot day) but be careful not to create a slip hazard.14. If asbestos-contaminated nails are to be re-used, they must be decontaminated.This may be done by carefully wiping them with a damp rag. Nails that cannotbe decontaminated or will not be re-used must be removed from the timber anddisposed of as asbestos waste.15. If the system of removal involves walking on the roof to remove roof sheeting(this needs to be the last option when choosing a method to remove roofsheeting), spray the asbestos cement roof sheeting with a PVA solution prior toremoval. Ensure the PVA is dry before removing it so as to avoid a slip hazard.Once removed, spray the back (underside) of the asbestos cement with eithera fine water spray or the PVA solution.16. Where the asbestos cement product requires lowering to the ground, ensurethis is done in a manner that will minimise the generation of airborne dust –do not use chutes, ramps or similar gravity dependent devices. Examples ofappropriate lowering methods include:• by hand – over short distances• using scissor lifts or similar devices• using scaffolds.17. Check for debris in fasteners, bolts, etc and remove with either a HEPA-fittedindustrial vacuum cleaner or damp rags.18. Clean the removal area with either a HEPA-fitted industrial vacuum cleaner ordamp rags. If the timber is to be re-used and cannot be effectively wet-wipedor vacuumed, it needs to be sealed with a PVA low pressure spray. A pigmentedspray would assist in identifying which areas had been sprayed.19. Clean the equipment used for removing the asbestos cement productswith either a HEPA-fitted industrial vacuum cleaner or damp rags.20. Dispose of all damp rags, plastic sheeting (used to cover items in theremoval area) and drop sheets as asbestos waste.21. Ensure all waste is double wrapped/bagged in 200 micron plastic.The following methods would be appropriate depending on the typeof asbestos waste being packaged:• Plastic waste bags (half-filled) – see item 24 below.• Plastic sheeting wrapped and taped around an individual or a manageable(small) number of asbestos cement products – ensure the exterior of theplastic is cleaned.• Double lining a waste bin/skip with plastic sheeting.Ensure waste containers are clearly labelled with an appropriate warning signindicating asbestos waste.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 101