Guidelines for the Management and Removal of Asbestos

These guidelines have been revised to be used in conjunction with the new Health and Safety in Employment (Asbestos) Regulations 1998.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION

1. Asbestos - background information
2. Health aspects
3. Relationship with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
4. Definitions
5. Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL OF ASBESTOS IN BUILDINGS

1.1 General responsibilities
1.2 Inspection and hazard identification
1.3 Hazard control

SECTION 2: SAFE REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS

2.1 General

Part I: SAFE REMOVAL OF FRIABLE ASBESTOS

2.2 Planning and programming considerations
2.3 Information to be supplied by the property owner, occupier or agents
2.4 Information to be supplied by the contractor
2.5 Guidelines for asbestos contractors for planning and programming
2.6 Training
2.7 Supervisory personnel
2.8 Site preparation for the removal of friable asbestos from buildings and other structures
2.9 Preparation of a site for a major removal programme
2.10 Compliance testing of removal area containment prior to commencement of work
2.11 Decontamination facilities
2.12 Removal of decorative coatings
2.13 Small scale asbestos removal work
2.14 Equipment
2.15 Removal techniques for buildings and structures
2.16 Protective clothing and equipment
2.17 Dismantling of asbestos removal area

Part II: HANDLING OF NON-FRIABLE ASBESTOS

2.18 General
2.19 General precautions to be observed for non-friable asbestos products
2.20 Removal of asbestos cement sheeting
2.21 Removal of vinyl floor and wall coverings containing asbestos

SECTION 3: MONITORING ASBESTOS IN AIR LEVELS AND CLEARANCE PROCEDURES

3.1 General
3.2 Quality control in removing or encapsulating asbestos
3.3 Monitoring of removal work
3.4 Clearance and visual inspection procedures
3.5 Occupational sampling
3.6 Sampling equipment and analysis

SECTION 4: RESPIRATORY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION FOR ASBESTOS WORK

4.1 General
4.2 Respirator programme
4.3 Administrative system
4.4 Knowledge and assessment of risks involved
4.5 Correct selection of respiratory protection devices (RPDs)
4.6 Staff training
4.7 Medical assessment
4.8 Inspection, maintenance and storage of RPDs
4.9 Protective clothing

SECTION 5: STORAGE, LABELLING AND DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS

5.1 General
5.2 Labelling of asbestos materials (not asbestos waste)
5.3 Storage and disposal of asbestos
5.4 Handling
5.5 Disposal at designated refuse site
5.6 Reuse of asbestos

SECTION 6: ASSEMBLY AND REPAIR OF FRICTION MATERIALS

6.1 General
6.2 Servicing of brakes and clutches in garages or workshops
6.3 Vehicle maintenance
6.4 Relining of brake and clutch assemblies

SECTION 7: INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING

7.1 General
7.2 Type and scope of instruction and training required
7.3 Smoking
7.4 Training in maintenance of control equipment
7.5 Training in the use of respiratory protective equipment

SECTION 8: MEDICAL MONITORING

8.1 Initial medical
8.2 Personal medical information
8.3 Medical examinations
8.4 Further medical investigations
8.5 Asbestos Exposure Register

Appendix 1: Recommendations for Work with Asbestos Respiratory Protection Equipment
Appendix 2: Medical Monitoring (Schedule)