Appendix D: Type 2 – Working with Asbestos Debris Laying on Top of Ceiling

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Prior to the start of the work the facilities management supervisor shall be notified of:

  • The name of the worker performing work
  • The dates and the times of the work and,
  • The location and type of the work to be conducted.

The following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be used:

  • Full-face air purifying respirator with N-100, R-100 or P-100 particulate (HEPA) filters,
  • A disposable suit (Tyvek® or equivalent) with a hood,
  • Protective gloves and,
  • Safety glasses with side shields and safety shoes/boots.

The following equipment shall be used:

  • Pre-constructed polyethylene enclosure to prevent the spread of dust from the work area.
  • Sprayer containing water and a wetting agent.
  • Signs warning of the asbestos hazard (See Appendix OHS-015(N)).
  • Polyethylene sheeting (6 mil).
  • Duct tape.
  • Vacuum equipped with a HEPA-filter.
  • Asbestos disposal bags (6 mil) with asbestos warnings clearly printed on the bag.
  • Utility knife.
  • Clean rags.
  • Flashlight.
  • Other tools as required.
Procedure:
  • Eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking is not permitted in the work area.
  • Ensure work is done during times of low or no occupancy.
  • Disable all ventilation systems to be worked on.
  • Seal, using polyethylene and tape, all vents and grills within the work area.
  • Erect pre-constructed polyethylene enclosure, to underside of finished ceiling (where a pre-constructed enclosure is not appropriate, constructed a custom enclosure using polyethylene and tape).
  • Post asbestos warning signs at entrance(s) to the work area.
  • Connect HEPA filtered vacuum to pre-constructed enclosure to provide negative pressure within enclosure (draw air from inside enclosure through vacuum and exhaust to the exterior of the enclosure). Turn on HEPA vacuum and observe inward deflection of polyethylene.
  • Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Enter enclosure and clean any existing debris/dust with a HEPA filtered vacuum.
  • Do not use compressed air to clean up or remove any dust from any surface.
  • Wet asbestos, which will be disturbed with water using the sprayer. Do not wet asbestos which will be cleaned-up using the HEPA vacuum.
  • Carefully remove one ceiling tile without disturbing asbestos debris. Clean ceiling tile using the HEPA vacuum and immediately place tile in an asbestos waste bag.
  • Thoroughly HEPA vacuum all debris from remaining tile(s), surfaces, and other items prior to removal or disturbance.
  • Temporarily repair or encapsulate damaged asbestos, where possible, using a spray sealant or duct tape.
  • Conduct assigned work as required, provided work will not disturb or damage asbestos further.
  • Immediately upon completion of the work, thoroughly clean all surfaces, tools, and other items, including enclosure within the work area using a HEPA filtered vacuum.
  • Install new ceiling tiles.
  • Clean all surfaces of protective clothing with HEPA filtered vacuum or damp cloth. Remove protective clothing (with respirator still on) and place protective clothing in asbestos waste bag.
  • Using HEPA vacuum or damp wipe methods, clean exterior of the sealed waste bag.
  • Place sealed waste bag in a secondary waste bag, seal second waste bag with tape. Remove from enclosure and place ACM waste bags in the designated ACM waste storage area to await disposal at an appropriately licensed waste site.
  • Exit enclosure and remove respirator.
  • Dismantle the enclosure.
  • Proceed to wash-up area and thoroughly wash hands, face and respirator.
  • Ensure updated information of activities have been made to Asbestos Management Program (AMP) including retaining hard copy of documents when required.