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

General requirements for all asbestos removal137. In any case, the use of power tools in asbestos removal work needs to beavoided because of the potential generation of airborne asbestos fibres andthe possibility of internal contamination of the tool (which commonly occurswith such devices).138. Manually operated hand tools are preferred. If they are not adequate, low-speedbattery powered tools may be considered. Battery-powered tools fitted witha local exhaust ventilation dust control hood are likely to meet theregulatory requirements.139. The use of brooms or brushes in asbestos removal work needs to be avoidedbecause of the potential generation of airborne asbestos fibres. However,if the removal work is within an enclosure (refer to ‘Specific requirements forthe removal of friable ACM’ on page 55), the use of brooms or brushes wouldbe appropriate as any airborne dust generated would be captured.140. At the end of the removal work, all tools must be:• decontaminated (ie fully dismantled and cleaned under controlled conditionsas described in ‘Decontamination facilities and methods’ on page 33)• placed in sealed containers (to be re-opened at other asbestos removaljobs in the removal area under controlled conditions), or• disposed of as asbestos waste.Spray equipment141. A constant low-pressure water supply is required for wetting down ACM andrelated items to suppress airborne asbestos fibres. This can be achieved with amains-supplied garden hose fitted with a pistol grip. If no water supply is readilyavailable, a portable pressurised vessel (such as a pump-up garden sprayer)may be used. For very small areas, a small spray water bottle may be sufficient.In all cases, the use of water needs to be in the form of a mist to minimise thepotential to generate airborne dust (see Figure 5).Warning: High-pressure spray equipment must never be used.Figure 5: Spray using a low-pressuresprayer.Wet and dry methods of removing ACM142. Wherever possible, dry ACM should not be worked on.143. Techniques that prevent or minimise the generation of airborne asbestos fibresneed to be used. The following methods can assist in preventing or minimisingthe generation of airborne asbestos fibres.Wet spray method (preferred)144. A fine water spray needs to be applied to the ACM in a manner that ensuresthe entire surface of the ACM is saturated but minimises run-off. It needs to bemaintained in a wet condition.145 In many instances it is helpful if a wetting agent (surfactant), such as detergent,is added to the water as this facilitates more rapid wetting of the ACM.146. A manually controlled, consistent low-pressure, fine spray (such as from anadjustable pistol-grip garden hose) is recommended.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 31