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Posted By Dominic Smyth
Hi
Can anyone provide information as to type of RPE to be used if people are working in an area where there is possible asbestos dust/debris.
Does anyone also have a suitable procedure for cleaning the RPE?
Many thanks
Dom
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Dominic - you need to confirm (quite urgently) the exact nature of that 'potential' asbestos dust/debris. Until then, you should keep your people out of the area.
Working in an area containing asbestos dust/debris is surely Licensed Contractor work.
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Posted By David Bannister
Hi Dom, HSE has produced masses of information relating to work with asbestos which includes how to select and maintain RPE.
However, I concur with Ron that if there is a forseeable risk of exposure to asbestos fibres then get a licensed contractor in. Alternatively, if you need to identify whether there are asbestos containing materials on your site, get a competent asbestos surveyor in.
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Posted By Peter MacDonald
You should be able to refer to the asbestos register for the building or a type 2 or 3 survey report. If you don't have one and can't identify the material then I would stop work immediately.
Just to point out you do not need a licensed contractor for all asbestos, for example if the asbestos dust and debris is from a bonded product such as asbestos cement, however, good practice is that until you know exactly what type it is then it should be treated as notifiable.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
If you have asbestos dust present it does not really matter where it came from, it's there!!
However if it came from cement then with adequate training (Class 2) and using the correct equipment (Type 5 coveralls, FFP3 Half mask and type H vacuum, tac rags, asb waste sacks etc) you may be able to clean it up yourself. See Asbestos essentials
If It is from AIB or lagging etc then you most certainly would need a licensed contractor. Lock the door and call a professional!
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Posted By MW
Hello,
Irrespective if the material is from AIB or AC, if it is debris the work should be undertaken by a licensed contractor.
Ta
MW
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Posted By Peter MacDonald
MW
Can you back up that claim as I don't think it's correct. For example, are you saying that a non notifiable job such as removing an AC roof would require a licensed contractor to deal with any debris generated.
Regards
Peter
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Posted By Ron Hunter
Peter, as we are presumably discussing "debris", there is no practical way that the 'lay' employer could satisfy CAR06 Regulation 5 & 6 requirements. This would be a job for the specialists.
RPE in any event would need to be fit-tested for the employees.Additionally, the disposal of all contaminated items & the debris(inc. PPE and RPE) through proper methods will be time-consuming and expensive as a "one-off" exercise.
These costs should support the proper conclusion that the use of analysts and licensed contractors is the correct way to go in this instance?
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Posted By Peter MacDonald
Ron, thanks but I'm aware of that but my question was to MW. I'm very interested in finding out if the statement that all asbestos debris must be treated as notifiable is true as I don't think it is.
For the record I'm not trying to point score here and I'll happily stand corrected.
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Posted By Dave Wilson
Technically according to the Regulations (3) if the likely exposure is going to be above the control limit 0.1 f/ml 4hrs or 0.6 f/ml 10 min STEL then the work is licensed.
If its dust this may be above this limit, if its debris (chunks of the stuff) and its AC this can be done by any contractor as long as they have the correct training and ppe & equipment etc and their EL insurance does not exempt asbestos works.
Some people are not aware that their Insurance has a clause specifically exempting Asi work
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Posted By Malcolm Greenhouse
No work should take place in a location suspected of containing asbestos dust or debris save for work to sample, remove or make safe the suspected dust or debris.
Any such work should be carried out by people who have had the right training and are licensed if that is necessary.
Anyone who had had the right training would probably understand this so I think you need to speak to an expert. With regard to cleaning the RPE, this suggests you want to take control of people working on it. If that is the case you will have to have your staff trained up by a recognised trainer. They will cover cleaning of RPE but in the case of licensed work this normally takes place in the clean up unit shower.
Please also remember that your insurance company must cover you for knowingly working on asbestos because whilst they cover accidental exposure, working on it knowingly, will need a higher level of cover costing a lot of money.
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Posted By Rodger Alan Ker
The original posting asked two very specific questions.
The responses have on this occasion, quite rightly, opened up the debate, one point at a time.
Let us now try and bring it all together.
The main, and most important point is this:
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES INVOLVING WORK WITH ASBESTOS CONTAININ MATERIALS (ACM's) THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A "LICENCE".
HOWEVER, ALL WORK WITH ACM's MUST BE CARRIED OUT TO CONFORM WITH THE CONTROL OF ASBESTOS REGULATION (CAR) 2006.
Briefly, this requires that the company's/individuals involved will require the following and a lot more:
suitable training
suitable equipment (type "H" vacuum cleaners)
suitable PPE
suitable RPE
training in the use of RPE including face fitting
waste packaging
waste transfer and disposal
For these reasons, it is going to be best to seek expert advice and use a licensed contractor.
It won't be cheap, but it will be more cost than trying to implement these requirements yourself.
Also consider the cost of a fine or prosecution if you get it wrong.
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Posted By Rodger Alan Ker
Sorry
Second last paragraph should have read "cost effective" not just cost.
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