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

AppendicesAppendix K – Removal of non-friableasbestos-containing floor tilesThis appendix provides an example of how to perform a specific asbestos removal task.It does not address hazards other than asbestos (such as fall from heights or electricalhazards) – these hazards also need to be identified and the associated risk controlled.1. Obtain and review the asbestos register (from the person who commissionedthe removal work). This is not relevant if the removal work will be undertakenat a domestic premises used solely for domestic purposes.2. If the amount of floor tiles to be removed is greater 10 square metres or willtake longer than one hour in any seven days, the removalist must have anasbestos removal licence and complete a control plan.3. Ensure a nominated supervisor is accessible at all times where licensedremoval work is being conducted.4. Establish where the removal area will be and move all items and furniture outof the area or cover them with 200 micron plastic sheeting if they could becontaminated during the removal work.5. Identify and isolate the removal area with appropriately placed durable signsand barricades using methods which may include temporary fencing, bollards,tape, rope or plastic sheeting. Ensure signs and barricades remain in place untilremoval work is completed or in the case of removal greater than 10 squaremetres, until a satisfactory visual inspection is achieved as part of the clearancecertificate.6. Put on personal protective equipment (PPE) including disposable coveralls withhood, boots and respirator. Preference needs to be given to boots without lacesas laced boots can be difficult to decontaminate.7. The minimum respiratory protection for this task is a half-face mask with a P1particulate cartridge or alternatively a disposable P1 respirator, provided thata proper fit can be assured.8. Place a tool (such as a scraper or wide blade) between the tiles and lift the tileaway from the floor being careful to minimise breakage. A hammer or malletcan be used to tap the tool under firmly adhered tiles to assist separating thetiles from the floor.9. Minimise dust by spraying fine water mist under tiles as they are lifted.10. Place the tiles into a 200 micron plastic waste bag or suitable alternate wastecontainer dedicated for asbestos waste that is clearly labelled with anappropriate warning sign indicating asbestos waste.11. Use the scraper to remove any adhesive that is left adhered to the floor aftereach tile has been removed and place this waste into the asbestos waste bagor suitable waste container.12. Ensure waste bags are not filled more than half full to assist with sealing andto avoid bag tears.13. After all tiles, adhesive and any debris has been removed, clean the entire areausing an industrial vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. Alternatively thearea can be cleaned by wet wiping with damp rags.14. Use damp rags to clean the equipment that was used for removing the tilesand any adhesive.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 103