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

AppendicesAppendix P – How to use rags to clean asbestoscontamination from smooth surfaces and equipmentThis procedure is specific to the use of rags. It does not address other removal/cleanup requirements (eg isolation of the area, personal protective equipment and personaldecontamination).Avoid any potential electrical hazards when using this procedure.1. Pick up bigger pieces of debris and put them in a suitable 200 micron plasticwaste bag or suitable alternate waste container that is clearly labelled with anappropriate warning sign indicating asbestos waste.2. Soak the rag in a bucket of water. Fold in half or quarters and then wring it out.3. Wipe the contaminated surface.4. Re-fold the rag to give a clean surface.5. Repeat until all the clean surfaces of the rag have been used.6. Put the used rag in the plastic waste bag. Take a clean rag, and continueuntil all surfaces are clean.Warning: Use each wet rag surface only once. Never re-soak a contaminatedrag. This will contaminate the water. If contamination of the bucket of wateris avoided, no special precautions are needed for disposing of the water.7. Tape is useful only for removing small dust deposits. Surfaces may needrepeated tape applications.• Place a strip of tape over the contaminated surface. Peel it off slowly.• Put the used tape in the plastic waste bag. Repeat with a fresh piece.8. Put sealed bags of used rags and tape in a second waste container and seal.9. Dispose of the waste bags and containers at a site licensed by the EPA Victoriato accept waste asbestos.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 113