Asbestos removal is a very sensitive event that requires high standards of precaution. The training phase is especially important to prevent adverse effects on the health of workers and homeowners.
Here is a simple guide that a qualified person will follow when preparing to remove loose products (material containing asbestos in powder form), based on information received from the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations:
1. Preparation for project deletion
Before attempting anything, you must follow these preparatory procedures:
- You must first get an Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP), as well as instructions for working.
- To ensure the highest standards of safety and project compliance, an on-site assessment is required. The relevant data can also be obtained from the existing asbestos register.
- It is necessary to make calculations of the required amount of materials based on quality requirements, specifications and plans.
- Applicable environmental requirements should be defined so that the project can fulfill all regulatory obligations.
- The health of workers involved in the project should be maintained. Therefore, you must apply all the processes necessary to meet the requirements of medical supervision. It also includes air monitoring.
- After completion of the preparation phase, authorization can be obtained (based on the requirements of the company and legislation).
- All employees involved in the project must be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) that is consistent with the work. Such equipment must first be checked for faults.
2. Preparation of the removal zone and the site
After the project is resolved, a second preparation of the actual site is required after the initial preparation phase. This includes the following actions:
• It is necessary to identify specific materials containing asbestos and check the asbestos register.
• By defining target materials, you can implement signage and barricade procedures. This is necessary to define workspaces within the site; which prevents unreasonable access of unqualified persons.
• Obviously, you should also set up a decontamination unit before starting a project.
• You also need to test decontamination procedures to ensure their effectiveness, while eliminating the possibility of an error.
• Similarly, before use, check all equipment and materials that will be used to remove asbestos-containing material (ACM).
• It is imperative that additional objects are evaluated in advance. Utilities such as power lines and plumbing may need to be decontaminated, deterred or leaked. This will avoid inevitable risks.
• The code of practice and applicable law will also require that you notify all passengers in the building, neighbors, and any other person who may be affected by the operation.
3. Closing the site to remove
This is the last step in preparing a removal project. The various activities include:
- You must determine the most appropriate type of housing and the removal process, depending on how extensive the removal project is.
“Since friable products are potentially more harmful than insoluble products (ACM in solid form), more stringent nesting procedures will be required.
- When a particular type of enclosure is selected, you must ensure that it maintains negative air pressure in accordance with legal requirements. It should also be checked and checked with smoke to make sure that it is completely sealed.
- After completing all these preparatory procedures, a licensed appraiser should be informed of the proposed asbestos removal project.
