Can anybody shine a bit more light on this subject? I've looked on the HSE website for guidance but its rather wooly. The company i work for occasionally removes this product which is contained within a thermal expansion joint in a duct work system in power stations. The ceramics are exposed to high temperatures, which is an issue. At present we isolate the area, 'damp down' the product, provide disposable overalls, and P3 masks to the guys removing the product, double bag it and dispose of it as hazardous waste. Is this enough? I've spoken to the company who did our asbestos awareness training who said if we treated the subject as you would asbestos, you wont go far wrong. Well, they would say this wouldnt they, given the stringent measures required for asbestos removal. I'm not so sure we need to go this far. Comments please.

We carry RCF removal works fairly frequenly. Yes, if you use methods similar to that for asbestos removal you will be acting dilligently. Isolate the area, erect a containment enclosure, introduce air extraction (NPU), dampen the product, disposable type 5 cat 3 coverall, P3 RPE, use type H vacuum cleaner, ensure adqequate washing facilities (we use a DCU facility for showering), double bag the waste, dispose of as hazardous waste. I know this response pretty much repeats what you stated but there are one or two other control measures that you can consider. You should follow the advice given by the asbestos awareness training organisation, they may be touting for the business but the advice they have given you is good. RCF removal is not as regulated as asbestos removal that's for sure, so there is still some disparity between the two activities.