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

Additional requirements for licensedasbestos removal271. The clean decontamination area needs to include:• storage for individual respirators in containers or lockers• airflow towards the dirty decontamination area• shower area with an adequate supply of hot and cold water and toiletries.272. The clean changing area needs to include:• storage for clean clothing• separate storage for clean and dirty towels• airflow towards the clean decontamination area.273. All water from the decontamination facility needs to pass through a particulatefilter or other trap before it passes into sewer mains. The filter or trap needsto be capable of capturing particles down to five micron.274. Workers must not smoke, eat or drink in any part of the decontamination unit.Use of remote decontamination units275. Remote decontamination units are decontamination units not located next tothe asbestos removal area. They can only be used if a decontamination unitcannot be located immediately adjacent to the asbestos removal area.276. When a remote decontamination unit is to be used, the asbestosremovalist would need to implement additional procedures to minimiseasbestos contamination. This may include wearing double coveralls, partialdecontamination at the removal site (refer to page 36) and methods forthe connection and disconnection of air-line respirators.277. The route of access from the asbestos removal area to the decontaminationunit needs to be suitably signposted and barricaded to restrict public access.278. Paraoccupational air monitoring must be conducted in the immediate vicinityof this access route and at other suitable locations outside the asbestosremoval area.279. An isolated changing area needs to be attached to the asbestos removal area.Before employees enter this changing area, all obvious signs of asbestos dustneed to be removed from their protective clothing using an asbestos vacuumcleaner. The isolated changing area is then used to discard outer garments,including coveralls and overshoes before employees can put on freshouter/protective clothing for the journey to the decontamination unit.280. Respiratory protection needs to be worn until the appropriate phase ofthe decontamination procedure within the remote decontamination unit.Entering the asbestos removal area281. Employees entering the asbestos removal area need to follow the procedurein paragraphs 282 to 284.282. Clean change area: Change into clean work clothes and put on clean protectiveclothing. Store any removed clothing in a dust-proof container. Pass through theairlock into the clean decontamination area.283. Clean decontamination area: Put on respirator. Check that it is workingproperly and there is a good facial seal (ie fit check). Move to the dirtydecontamination area.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 51