Appendix H: Type 2 – Removal of Drywall Containing Asbestos Joint Compound – Greater than 1 m2 (10 ft2)

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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:

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

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.
  • Negative air unit.
  • Asbestos disposal bags (6 mil) with asbestos warnings clearly printed on the bag
  • Utility knife
  • Clean rags
  • Flashlight and,
  • Other tools as required
    • Note: Power tools may be used ONLY if the area worked on has been wetted.
Procedure
  1. Eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking is not permitted in the work area.
  2. Ensure work is done during times of low or no occupancy.
  3. Remove all contents from work area or cover and seal using polyethylene and tape all items, contents, and things that will remain in the work area.
  4. Construct a polyethylene enclosure to the underside of finished ceiling or under side of structural deck (as required to access drywall) ensuring that all walls, floors, ceilings, and other surfaces are fully covered.
  5. Seal all seams and joints of polyethylene using tape. Ensure a clear polyethylene window has been constructed as part of the enclosure.
  6. Construct polyethylene double flap or zipper doors at all entrances and exits.
  7. Post asbestos warning signs at entrance(s) to the work area.
  8. Seal all vents, grills, etc. within the work area using polyethylene and tape
  9. Disable all ventilation serving the work area.
  10. Although negative pressure is not required for this work, it is recommended to aid in the control of general dust. If negative pressure is to be used, connect negative air unit to enclosure. Ensure that exhaust from negative air unit is exhausted to the building exterior using flex duct. Measure pressure differential between enclosure and adjacent area to ensure that 0.02 inches of water column or 5 pascal of pressure differential have been achieved.
  11. Don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  12. Enter enclosure and clean any existing dust/debris with a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
  13. Do not use compressed air to clean up or remove any dust from any surface.
  14. Using the sprayer with amended water, wet drywall to be removed and allow several minutes for water to absorb.
  15. Carefully remove drywall minimizing breaking, cutting, drilling, abrading, grinding, sanding, or vibrating.
  16. Immediately place removed drywall in an asbestos waste bag and seal waste bag with tape when full.
  17. Immediately upon completion of work, thoroughly clean wall cavity and all surfaces, tools, and other items including enclosure within the work area using a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
  18. Using HEPA vacuum or damp wipe methods, clean exterior of the sealed waste bags.
  19. Place sealed waste bag in a secondary waste bag, seal second waste bag with tape and place ACM waste bags in the designated ACM waste storage area to await disposal at an appropriately licensed waste site.
  20. Clean all surfaces of protective clothing with HEPA-filtered vacuum or damp cloth.
  21. Remove protective clothing (with respirator still on) and place protective clothing in asbestos waste bag and seal waste bag with tape.
  22. Repeat steps 19 to dispose of protective clothing.
  23. Exit enclosure and remove respirator.
  24. Proceed to wash-up area and thoroughly wash hands, face, and respirator.
  25. Dismantle enclosure.
  26. Return area and ventilation to service (if applicable) and,
  27. Ensure updated information of activities have been made to Asbestos Management Program (AMP) including retention of hard copy of documents when required.