Identify Hazards

You should carefully and thoroughly check the worksite for any materials that could contain hazardous materials. It can be difficult identifying all hazards by eye alone so it is recommended that you use asbestos contractors to inspect and test your worksite. If you are in doubt about any material, assume it is a hazard and seek professional help.

Prepare Work Area

If you are working inside, you should seal off the work area from all other areas inside the house. This will help prevent the spread of any airborne asbestos fibres into non-work areas. To do this, you should close all doors and tape sheets of plastic around any open gaps.

You should also tape plastic over the floor, which will make the cleanup process much more thorough and faster.

Finally, you should cover any power sockets, vents, air conditioning units and central heating ducts with plastic and tape. Again, this is to stop the potential spread of asbestos fibres should they become airborne.

If you are working outside, you should close any windows and doors and seal any vents to ensure no dust or debris goes into your house. You should tell your neighbours that you intend to remove asbestos from your home and get them to do the same. Make sure you seal off any other places where dust might settle if airborne.

You should lay plastic sheeting under the work area, and also in a place where you intend to store the asbestos waste.

Work Safely

You should aim to have any children, pets and pregnant women move out of or away from the work area until the work is done and the cleanup is complete.

When working with asbestos, try not to eat, drink or smoke in the area as it increases the chances of you inhaling asbestos fibres. Importantly, you should wash your hands and face with soap and water before any breaks and at the end of the work day.

When leaving for the day, dust can travel with you on your shoes or clothes. Never shake the dust off you, instead clean them with an industrial vacuum cleaner, recommended by a safety work wear store.

Do not use power tools when removing asbestos as this could damage the surface of the material and release fibres into the air. Instead, use hand tools if possible which generate less dust. Try not to sand asbestos material if possible.

Keep asbestos material damp by using a pump spray to keep down the dust, being careful of any electrics in the area. Do not use a high pressure jet spray on asbestos as this can damage the material and release fibres into the air.

Use a respirator that is approved for work with asbestos. A safety work wear store should be able to provide you with one. Also wear a hat, gloves, coveralls and goggles.

Clean Up Properly

At the end of each working day clean up the work site and remove asbestos waste from the area immediately. Do not sweep the area as this will cause settled asbestos fibres to re-enter the air. Instead, dampen the dust with water and clean up with sponges.

Wrap asbestos waste using heavy duty plastic while still in the work area and mark it clearly as asbestos waste. Dispose of any waste at an approved landfill site. You should contact your local authorities to find out your nearest approved site.

These are the first steps towards Asbestos Safety but please consultant a specialist for more information.

Written By Ply Plema