Personal protective equipment
There is a potential for asbestos fibres to be released when
removing asbestos-containing materials (ACM). In addition
to using proper removal procedures, using personal protective
equipment will protect you from asbestos fibres.
In any situation where there is more than 10 square metres
of ACM or any situation in which maintenance is being conducted
with one metre of friable asbestos, a licensed asbestos removalist
must be employed to remove it.
The following equipment is recommended when removing ACM.
Please review the following list of protective equipment prior
to beginning work. All equipment listed is available at hardware
stores or safety equipment supply companies.
Respirators
Disposable coveralls
Appropriate footwear
Gloves
Eyewear
Decontamination
Respirators
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For the removal of asbestos cement material a half-face
disposable or cartridge type particulate respirator
Class P1 or P2 is satisfactory.
The degree of respirator protection required for asbestos
work is determined by the nature of the work, the type
of asbestos, the work method and the potential for exposure
to dust.
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Due to the variability of contaminant and the unpredictability
of asbestos level, people requiring respirator protection
for asbestos work are encouraged to use the highest level
of protection.
Note: The degree of protection is governed by the type of
filter and facepiece type, and the effectiveness of the individual
facial seal each time the device is put on. Significant leakage
will occur if facial hair passes under the seal.
Respirators must be worn continually by each person removing
ACM.
Disposable coveralls
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Disposable coveralls are used to keep ACM off your
body. Several pairs of disposable coveralls with built-in
feet should be available during the removal work and
clean up.
Every time you leave the work area, once ACM have been
removed, coveralls should be removed inside the work
area and be disposed of in a designated asbestos waste
bag. This will help to ensure all asbestos material
remains in the work area.
Oversized coveralls make it easier to move around.
Most coveralls do not breathe, so you will get hot and
uncomfortable.
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Appropriate footwear
Appropriate safety footwear (eg steel capped rubber soled
work shoes or gumboots) should be provided for personnel involved
in the removal of asbestos-containing materials. Where possible,
footwear should not have laces to prevent contamination of
laces and eyelets.
Footwear should remain inside the asbestos removal area for
the duration of the asbestos removal work and are to be decontaminated
at the completion of the job or upon leaving the work area,
or sealed in double bags for use only on the next asbestos
removal site.
Alternatively, work boots that cannot be effectively decontaminated
must be disposed of as asbestos waste at the completion of
the work.
Gloves
| Protective gloves are to be provided for all workers
involved in asbestos removal work. Gloves should are to
be worn at all times during the handling and removal of
asbestos-containing materials. |
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Protective gloves are to be provided for all workers involved
in asbestos removal work. Gloves should are to be worn at
all times during the handling and removal of asbestos-containing
materials.
Eyewear
| Safety goggles or glasses protect your eyes from any
falling or flying debris. Eyewear should be used when
removing materials from overhead. Eyewear is also recommended
during floor tile removal. |
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Decontamination
All equipment and tools should be washed down prior to leaving
the work area. Inspect all surfaces of your safety equipment
to ensure no contamination is leaving the work area. In addition
to equipment, all exposed skin should be washed off to eliminate
any contamination. Any material that cannot be cleaned must
be disposed of as asbestos contaminated waste.
Using personal protective equipment in conjunction with
appropriate safe work and decontamination practices can reduce
health risks when removing ACM.
Other general information
What is asbestos?
Health risks
Your safety
Legislation
Common locations
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