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

Specific requirements for removalof friable ACM320. In most cases of friable asbestos removal work it will be practicable to enclosethe removal area. In nearly all cases it will be practicable to establish enclosedasbestos removal work areas under ‘negative pressure’ for any large-scaleremoval of friable ACM (refer to page 58 for guidance on the use of negativepressure exhaust units).321. The design and installation of the enclosure needs to take account of:• the methods used to contain the asbestos work area• the provision and locations of decontamination/changing facilities andnegative pressure exhaust units• the precautions that must be implemented to prevent the spread of asbestoscontamination outside the asbestos removal area• air quality within the enclosure (eg there must always be sufficient oxygenand machinery emitting any fumes or potentially dangerous gases needsto be placed outside the enclosure well away from any air intake for theenclosure)• the temperature within the enclosure (especially to avoid heat stress)• any other hazards in the enclosure (these must be identified and the riskscontrolled before any asbestos removal work commences).322. Work methods may also need to be adapted for the work environment withinthe enclosure. For example, rest breaks need to be based on a risk assessmenttaking into account factors such as the weather and heating/coolingrequirements.323. Heavy-duty plastic sheeting (200 micron minimum thickness) needs tobe used for the enclosure. Re-milled plastic sheeting should not be used.324. Every location where the asbestos work area connects either to the outsideenvironment or to the rest of the building (eg windows, ducts, wall cavities,conduits and lift entrances) needs to be enclosed so that an airtight sealis maintained for the duration of the asbestos removal work.325. The plastic sheeting needs to enclose all the walls, windows and doors.Wooden cleats may be able to be used to anchor the plastic sheeting to walls.326. Viewing panels need to be placed in appropriate locations so that the workarea can be seen from outside the enclosure.327. Adequate lighting needs to be provided within the enclosure, either:• naturally, using clear plastic or perspex panels in the enclosure walls, or• artificially, preferably from outside the enclosure using clear plastic orperspex panels (lights within an enclosure can increase the temperaturewithin the enclosure).328. All non-movable items (eg fixtures and fittings) need to be covered with plasticsheeting and all the joints sealed.329. All movable items need to be removed from the asbestos removal area. If thisis not possible, they need to be moved to a convenient location and coveredwith two layers of plastic sheeting with a minimum overlap of 300mm betweenthe layers. Both layers need to be double taped.330. Airlocks need to be provided at the entry points to the change area. Theyneed to be constructed using double sets of overlapping plastic with suitableprovisions for ensuring a seal.56 Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces WorkSafe Victoria