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FILE NAME: Asbestos Cement Pipe and Sheet (ACPS) DATE: DOC#: ACPS0 KhMENT DESCRIPTION:ZZWZ W. CLARK COOPER, M.D. 2150 SHATTUCK AVE. (SUITE 811) BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 94704 PHONE (510) 649-8640 FAX NO. (510) 649-8748 February 24, 1992 WCC-5371 Dr. Barry Castleman, 1722 Linden Avenue Baltimore, MD 21217 Dear Barry: I am enclosing copies of two booklets on work practices for those handling A/C pipe, one (1977) prepared by the A/C Pipe Producers Assn, and the other(l978) by the American Water Works Assn. The contens are essentially the same. As I told you in San Francisco, I supervised industrial hygiene studies of workers handling such pipe while I was with Equitable Envirornental Health. The actual work was done by-:Barbara Kawahara, now Barbara Jimbo. I was glad I had a chance to see you on Friday, although you can have no doubt about my view of the meeting as a whole. What a demonstration of combining truth and fiction! I could write or talk for hours about the fallacies and the retrospective misjudgements expressed about industry (which is not an entity but combines good and bad individuals), about labor, about government, and about researchers. Some of the latter were objective, others were out to prove preconceived ideas on both sides of the questions; some were honest, some were dishonest, And so on and on. As the world moves on,and on also, I send my best wishes. Cooper, MD I , (@--~-F:; > : ' __ .,._-- .. _ ; ~rr~ A/CPipe-Producers~C~f'l".llti0fl Jnrn1 \\',""" Bouln.,rcl,Suitc110S A ~ .~ " - - u ; ~ , ,\i!1ngton . \ t1gin1.1 222()9 Contents Introduction ........................................2 Asbestos and Health, ................................3 Summary of OSI-IA Asbestos Standard ...............4 Products and Operations ............................5 Recommended Work Practices Shipping, Receiving, Handling and Assembly .........6 Cutting A/C Pipe Carbide Blade Equipment .......................... 7 Snap Cutting Equipment ..........................8 Machining A/C Pipe Field Lathe-Manual ..............................9 Field Lathe-Power ..............................10 Rasp-Manual ...................................11 Cutting Holes in A/C Pipe Shell Cutters .................................... 12 Drill and Rasp ................................... 13 Chisel and Rasp ................................. 14 Tapping A/C Pipe Non-Pressure ................................... 15 Pressure ........................................ 16 Coupling Removal ................................. 17 Housekeeping and Waste Disposal .................. 18 Non-Recommended Work Practice Cutting Abrasive Disc-Dry ............................... 19 Copyright (0 1977 by J\!C Pipe Producers Assoc,zit,on Prinll'Li 1n l 1c,,\ 877 1 Introduction The OccupationZll Safety and Health Act in the UnitL,d StZltes and similar laws in Cmada and other countries were enacted to ensure so far as possible, every ,vorker a safe and heait}1y ,vork plctce. Tl1is lcgislcttion is fzir-rczicl1ing. It coYers rnil11ons of en-1ployecs and nearly every employer, including those inn,h'ed in utility duct and pipeline construction, In keeping with the spirit zmd intent of these laws, the asbestos-cement pipe industry is cooperating \\'ith labor by disseminating inforrn.ation regZlrding the potential hazard:, of exposure to Zlirbornc asbestos and the means of reducing such potential hazards through good ,vork practices. Good work practices is what this booklet is about. The recommendZ1tions that appear on the following pages arc the result of field testing and were developed through study.* They are intended as general guides to achieve SZ!fe and clean job site conditions when working with asbestoscement (A'C) pipe products. Since field conditions will vary, adherence to these work practices \vill not necessarily guarantee compliance with national, state or locZ1l regulations. Questions relating to compliance should be directed to appropriate regulatory agencies. The A 1C Pipe Producers Association believes this booklet \Vill be helpful tc engineers, superintendents, contractors, foremen and laying cre\VS in understanding and explZ!ining estZ1blished procedures for the SZlfe handlmg of A!C pipe products. Asbestos and Health As you arc a\varc, airborne asbestos fiber has beC'n identified as a possible health hazard. Very few things to which we are exposed arc "zero ris];:.s." But like the automobile, electricity and x-rays, there arc non-harmful ways to use potentially harrT1ful things. GcnerZllly, asbestos-cement (AiC) pipe producb contain less thZ1r120% asbestos. The asbestos fibers are not free, but encapsulated or "locked-in" the cement binder like reinforcing rods in concrete. The distinction bet\veen "free" and "bound" asbestos is extremely importZlnt. First of ell], it determines the probability of filwr release, which in turn, directly relates to the probability of risk. More importantly, it explZ!ins clearly and sim.ply why AIC pipe is a nonhormful use of asbestos. Ex1-1cncnce has shmvn that minimizing exposure tc1 airborne asbestos dust is the only effective method of pre\enting asbestos-related diseases. Recomn,ended work practices arc the best assurc1nce of providing exposure SZ!fegumds for yourself and your employees. "c.;.__~ " \ ,L"'~ ,,t,;, ! \)~ 1''"1,11h 1),11,n:' t\w Ct:t\111,~ ,111d \tH.h1:11nf~ nf A"l'l'<-..l(1--.Ct'J1H'nt P1r)l'," Il'}'')rt r'll'f),lf(.'d b\ rqu1L1Hc} Tl\lftiTH1lL'l'lt,1l l \t',1lth lnL ,i\-L11,!1/ 1q-- l''J,"1 ""-t"\" t1,,n1 I \ ( lt't't'ftl'il~ nn ,l <-..t:; \ l'\ l1 \ tl-1c (),__,.._ur',llllll1,ll I l\),lV' 1(' ;__ Suinmcny of OSHA_ Asbestos Sta11dard ThL' Ckcu~,,1lionc1l Sc1fl'ty c1nd I lcallh Act w,1s signL'd inlu lc1w on DLccmbcr 29, 1970, and bLcarnc cffccli\'c Lm April 28, 1lJ7I. On December 7, 1971, the Sccrct,,ry of L,bor issued ~1 ternpor:-iry sL1ndarci for exposure to asbc)stos dust. Ac, ll'ljllind by the Act, ,1 pcrrn,11wnl sL1nd,,rd fur ,1c,bl'c,loc, cxixisurc \\c1s promulgated si>-. month-, later. Lmhr the current stc1ncL1rd, 1t 1s the employer's responsibility to ,,ssurc that e,posure of cmpluyccs to airborne conCL'nlrations of asbestus fiber--, duce; not exceed the follo\\1ng "pcrrrnssiblt: cxpoc,urc le\el-,": a. hght hour time weighted ,ffcr,1ge T\\o fibcrc;, longer th,1n _=; micronwtcrc;, per cubic nntimcter. b. Ccilmg cnnccntrations. Ten fibcrc;, longer than =i 1111cnmwtl'r-,, per cubic cent11netcr. ln Octubcr, 1975, 05} !A proposed ,7 re\ision tu the current sLrndard which would reduce the eight hour tinw ,vei;hll'd il\'cragc exposure to 0.5 fibers per cubic centimeter of ,11r and ceilmg concentrations to 5.0 f1bcrc; per cub1L centirnvtcr In their notice, 051 l:\ sL1tl'd that a sq.,,1ratl"construct1011 industn st,,ndard" \\'ould be issued to co\er v.;orkLTS \\ho handle asbestos-containing products. Thie, work prc1cticc booklet will be re\ised as necessary to reflect any ch,,ngcc, tlw construction industry st,rndard m,1y neCL'S:-.1 lcl tc. Tilt' ,( 1()/ ,~ er,ictic,s J't'C0//11/ll'IIC?Cd 111 flus /100Uc'I arc hzscd Oil doto (01 "peak dust co11cc11tmtu111s" rcprt':cc11/111g :c!zort til!I,' pcri11ds of 1111ni11111111 nposu re. Field cu ti 111g imd 111ac/1 i11 i11g opl'l'11tum, 111,'oiz,n1g AC p1pt' alt' 11ou11,il/y 11d1,q11c11/ and cl( s!1wf d111at1011. U::.111g //zest' rccm11111nu-fed ii'or!. pmct1ns, zt is 1111pn1h1 life t!wt ./1e/,/ Jlc'/':'-011/ll'i U'Olild !JC C't)'tlSt'd i11 (l t_111nrnl work/Ilg do11 to ll','t'/s c,,tcd111g t/1e e1ght /7(,1/1 t111u zccig/1/1rl m't'lllc'~('. Products and Operations T\ J-ll':-, u( 1\ C l'I]-)l' Prnd uch LO\'LTL'C1 Ll\' thcc.,c work f'raclices include. "Clac,s" Prc:-.sun Pipe "Tr2nsrT11:=:siun" !)rcssurc I)iF)C PrL'S'-illi'L' Sc\\'t'r I'ipt' Gravity Se\\cr I'ipc Building Sc\\cr Pipe Storm Dr,1in Pipe I'erfor,1kd L.1nde1drc1in Pi1-w EILctriec1! Ctmduil Telcphcmc Duct Air Duct OpcralH11i:-; tu \\'hich tlll'c;L' \\Ork praclICt'-, Shipping, RecLinng ,1nd l l,mdlmg Cu ttmg Machining I Iolc Cu ttmg Tapping Coupling RLmm al Huusekceping and \\'a-,te D1c.,pl1s,1l ,1pph me! udc Shipping, Receiving, Handling and Assembly* Cutting Carbide Blade Equipment / / ) . I /: ~ _, I- ' \,-'-I,..:., / - I 7' --- 7'; -._T -.._._ \ ' t- Ai( pipe is shipped clean from the foctorv c1nd carefullv loaded using. mcthL1ch acceptable to the earner.' Loading, ur~loading, stnngmg out and assemblmg A/C pipe arc essent1allv dust-free operations. En'n in enclosed spaces, airborne asb~stos fibL'r levds from p1pl' handlmg operations arc far below existmg ,rnd proposed occup,1tion,1l standc1rds. All hand ,ind nwch,1n1cal unloading opl'rat1ons should lw c,rnec..i out m dc..lo1d,1ncl' with the manufacturers mst,1iic1t1un rnc1nuc1ls. AC 1'1pc Produch: 1\ll S1!'.l Range All Blade cutters consist of a frame adjustable to the circumference of the pipe zind c1 number of outboard, self-tracking rollers that align one or more carbide-tipped cutting blades. Blade cutters arc ~ypically hand-operated Due to the relatively low mechc1nicc1l mput zind clean cutting action, significant amounts of ziirbornc asbestos dust arc not produced. /\. C' Pl}'L' P!ccl\Ytc A!! Size Rzinge 3" through 24" Cutting Snap Cutting Equipment Machining Field Lathe-Manual ( ~ . c" -i;::,-- "1"" Snap cutters or "squeeze and pop" equipment operates by means of cutting \vheels mounted in a chain wrapped around the pipe barrel. Hydraulic pressure, applied by means of a remote electric or manually-operated pump, simultaneously squeezes the cutting wheels into the pipe wall until the cut is made. AIC Pipe Products All Sin' Range: Pn.".;qzre Pipe-3" through 24" , Pressure, cravity and BL;ilding Sewer; Storm Drain; Air, Electrical and Telephone Duct-3" through 36" -I :..~ .. I. --J i'J !: \ r-\ ,,! \ i ! \ Manual field lathes are designed to end-trim and re-machine rough pipe barrels to factory-machined end profiles. The lathe consists of an adjustable, self-aligning arbor inserted mto the pipe bore (which acts as a mandrel upon which the turning handle operates), a screw-fed turning frame, carbide machining blades and manual (hand or ratchet) turning handles. A/C Pipe Products: All ~1ze l,ange Ail g Machining Field Lathe-Power \ I "c ,_,,,- -_ -- ;:- -:.... -- -, Machining Rasp-Manual* Pmver field latlws, like manual lathes, are designed to end trnn and re-m.:ichme rough pipe barrels to factory-machrned end profiles. The lathe consists of an adjustable, self-aligning c1rbor mserted into the pipe bore (which acts as a m,rndrel upon \vhich the turnmg handk opcrc1tcs), a screvv-fed turmng frc1me, carbide machining bL1dL'S and electric or pneumatic power dnve. A 1C Pir,e ]'!()duct" -\II Si7e R~ngc All Short lengths of AC pipe (MEE's & MOA's) can be cut for pipe closures, repairs and to locate fittings exactly. Field cut ends may be rcbc\eled with ,1 coarse wood rc1sp to iorm a taper approximating the same profile as the factory-beveled end AiC Pipe Produch All Svc Rangl': All r~~ "_ ..~---.,,--"I"""'-~ ,_~_,____,---.-,.'r"""""t~)~;tf;;_ Hole Cutting Shell Cutters / I ,), \ \ \ I~ ,, ; "' / I Hole Cutting Drill and Rasp* I I \1 i.., : '/ (/ I / For field connections into A/C pipe, clean, even entry cuts may be accomplished by means of shell cutting equipment. Shell cutters consist of a hole cutter housing mounted on the pipe, a carbide or diamond-tipped hole cutter and a manual ratchet, pneumatic, electric or gasoline drive to power the cutting head. When cutting holes in A/C pipe products, all dust and cuttmgs should be remL)\'ed from the pipe or duct interior after the cuttmg operation. Remo\'al may be accomplished by flushing with water, wet mopping or vacuuming prior to placmg in service. DO NOT BLOW OUT WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR DRY SWEEP. A/C Pipe Products: Pressure, Gravity and Building Sewer, Air Duct Size Range: All Field connect10ns mav be made with a heavy duty electric dnll and r.1sp. Using a carbide-tipped dnll, a seri~s of c"iosely-spaced holes are first drilled around the hole outline. The disc is knocked free with a hammer and the edges of the hole are dressed with a coarse wood rasp. When cutting holes in A/C pipe products, all dust and cuttmgs should be removed from the pipe or duct interior after the cutting orwration. Removal mav be accomolishcd bv flushin~ with \\ater, wet mopping or vacuuming p;ior to pl,{cing in s~rvice. DO NOT BLOW OUT WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR DRY SWEEP. A/C Pipe Products: Pressure, Gravity and Bmldrng Sewer; Air Duct Size Range: All Hole Cutting Chisel and Rasp \ \ \ \ \ r \ Tapping Non_-Pressure* \ ( \ / Hole::, m,1\' be cut 1I1to A,C pipe with a harnmcr and chisel. The edge of a i,lumber's \\ ood chisel 1s used to cut complctl'ly around tlH~ hole outlme, about a 11-1" from the prcc;cnbed lme. The operation 1s rq,l,1kd and the cut deepened until through The edges of the hok ,1rc thLn dressed with a cozirsc vvuod rasp. V\"hcn cutt111g holes m AC pipe produch, all dust and cuttrngs should bl' rL'I1W\ ed from the pipe or duct 1ntenor after the cutllllg upcrat1L,n. Remo\ai may bL' c1cu1rnp11c.,hLd ll) rlu-,h,nt', \v1lL \\ dter, wet n1l;pping or \acuurrnng prior to placing in service DO NOT BLO\\ UL1T \YlT!-! CO:vll'RESSED AlR OR DRY SVvTEP. AC T'if'L' Pr,,duch. PrL'surc, Cra\rt 1 ,1nd Burldrng Sc\\'L'r, Air Duct Non-pressure or "dry" tapping for SCJ"\'ice connections may be performed in or above the trench. The equipment 1s aftixed to the pipe by means of a chain yoke. Separate dnlb and t_aps or a combination tool dnlb and taps the pipe wall Corpor,1tion stops or other connections ma\ then be affixed to the p1JX'. To minimr,c (a) the fo{rlmg of valves, rcgulatms, meters, etc. with chips and (b) unnccessar> ad_d_1l_1on of zisbL':t:'" to d,rinbng waler, all dust and cuttrngs shouln Lw n'l110VL'L1 1ru111 u,e p1J.1L' mtcrior b\' flushmg with water, wet moppmg or \'acuuming prior to pL1ci1~g in se;vrcl' DO NOT BLO\\ OLT \\'IT! i C0\1PRLc..;c..;l]) All-;. OR DRY SWLEP. A,C Pipe Pruduch !'rl'~"url' Pipe Si/e R:int~(~ 1\ll Tapping Pressure* Coupling Removal Hammer and Chisel* \ ~-\ \_ Ii \ >. I 1' i: i I, -~-).'~~-=:- :--... \ / '. ' ' ' ' / .,,- '----.. . \ \ ) / Pressure or "\,et" tapping for service connections is performed in the trench while the pipe is under pressure. The equipment (manual or power driven) is affo,ed to the pipe by means of J chJin yoke. A combination boring and insertmg bar drill,, Jnd taps the pipe wall and inserts a corporation stop or pipe plug. The pressure chamber, which protects Jgamst water leakage, also cJtches the asbestos-cement chips, so this is essent1,1lly a dust- c.- 11 l. L ,, \.) 1---J ,. '!: ' ..... 1... I~ l,1...1, l, To minimi?L' (il) the fouling of valves, regulators, meters, etc with chips ilnd (b) unnecessary addition of asbestos to drinking water, pn)\ isions should be made for downstrezirn flushing or US:.' of tapt0 111g equipnwnt with positive purge or "blow-off" features AC Pip,' Prnd11ds S1/e R,rn 1',L'' All Replacement of damaged pipe necessitates cxcaviltion, exposure and remo\al. Coupling removal may be accomplished by gradually splitting the coupl111g length\vise, using a chisel and ball-peen hammer After the top of the coupling has been split, a cro\\"bar or similar tool is used as il lever to split the bottom of the coupling. A/C Pipe Products All pipe with A!C coupling;, Si1e R.rnze All - - ,,._ 4!PN. _w;;,oszRt<.,wliilWJl!t~ Housekeeping and Waste Disposal Housekeeping is an important part of any safe construction operation. It is e\en more essential \\hen airborne dust created by the lack of good housekeeping has the potential for harm to employees or others. EQUIPl\lENT: All external surfoccs of equipment should be maintained free of dust accumulations that might, if dispersed, create asbestos fiber concentrations above permissible e>-posure limits. \\'ASTE DISPOSAL: Asbcstos-ceIT1cnt chips and cuttings from the field operations described in this booklet should be disposed of in a manner that will not contribute airborne asbestos dust to the a.tn1osphere. Where cutting and mc1chining operations arc performed at the construction site, the chips should be pbced in the trench and buried with the pipeline. Where operations are performed at a central location sue h as a con tractor's or distributor's yard on a more or less continuing basis, the chips and cuttings may be collected and mixed wet with cement and made into non-friable forms. These forms may be used in the trench as supports for cast iron fittings and vc1lvcs, as appropric1te. Othen,ise, chips and cuttings should be collected in scaled bags or closed containers impermeable to asbestos dust. Loose nli7tcna/ s'1011ld ne, 1cr /Je dry s,L,cpt. When vacuum equipment is available, it should be used. Water or other dust suppressants should be applied in those circumstances where sweeping is unc1voidable. DO NOT BLO\V \r\TASTE :\L\TERL\L \VITH COMPRESSED AIR. No visible emissions to the atmosphere may result from the collection, processing, packaging, transporting or deposition of ,1ny c1sbestos-contc1ining matcri,11. Wc1stcs should be di-;1-,osed at c1 site opcr,,tcd in accurdc1ncc with lhc relpiirenwnts or ,1pplic,1ble nat1un,1I, stc1tc or loc,1! laws. Cutting Abrasive Disc-Dry Po11 er d1i1 L'll c.,,111s111th c1b1,h11 L' dr"cs (rn,h,1nr1 bL1dL'c-) '-h,llilci nut bL' uc.,cd tL11 dn cutt111:c, ur bl'1 l'ling ,1c.,bL'--,tL1s-ccnwnt plf'L' Abr,1s11L' drc.,c L'lltll'r-, prLll1llCL' CllllL'L'ntr,1t1un" ul ,11rb11rnL' ,1'-bL'c.,lL1s duc.,t 11 h1L-h L',Cl'L'c1 (J'-;l L\ F1L'rn11se.,1bk k1L'b * Tl !IS \\'C)],;.K l'R \CrIC\ !'-; ll!U<JTlHZL Sl'l:Cll'lC,\Ll Y '.\01 RICU\1Ml '.\])LI) AC l'1fW ['rududc., All Sl/l' ].(,rnsl' .-\II *l)c1~,1 )', 11li( l \11 ll 11\h ,1\ , 1 ' ,1>1\ !,'1,,11, 1111:\ l'it,', t 11[ l1.1l 1\ l'\l',1L ~,\ \l'l1l: 1,\ 1 H l', ,l 1 ') , \Ir , 'T 1 11, 11\ ,111; , '. I\ 1, 1 11 :, ' 1, I(,]', 11 1 , 1 ~i ','-..'.," j ',, : \ 1 ,,1 lli A/C Pipe Producers Association REGULAR MEMBERS Asbestos de Mexico, S.A. Tlalnepantla, Mexico Atlas Asbestos Company Montreal, Quebec, Canada Canadian Johns-Manville Co., Ltd. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Cement Asbestos Produc;ts Company Birmingham, Alabama Certain-teed Corporation Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Johns-Marwdle Sales Corporation Denver, Colorado Mexalit de! Norte, S.A. Mexico City, Mexico ASSOCIATE MEJ\1BERS Amiantus Dienst Export Hamburg, Germany Asbestos J\fonterrev, S.A. Mexico City, Mexico Association de l'Industrie !'Asbeste-Ciment Nyon, Switzerland Eternit, B. V. Amsterdam, Holland Everitube Neuilly-sur-Seine, France James Hardie & Company Pty., Ltd. Sydney, New South \\'ales, Australia Hellenit, S.A. Athens, Greece Hyderabad Asbestos Cement Products Ltd. Hyderabad, Indi,1 Paraisten K,1lkki Ov Pargas, Finland Sociedad Industrial Pizarreno, S.A. Santiago, Chill TAC Construction Materials, Ltd. Manchester, Unikd Kingdom IP- lOM-6/78-30016 AWWA No M16 Work Practices for Asbestos-Cement Pipe AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION MANUAL OF WATER SUPPLY PRACTICES Work Practices for Asbestos-Cement Pipe Manual ~.'\'\'\ American-..-Woo<s Assoc;auon 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, Colorado 80235 '' 1978 Amcncan Water Worh Assn Printed in !JS Committee Recognition The Committee* on Use of Asbestos in Water Utility Construction, Jeptha A. Wade, Jr., Chairman Ann Smith, Suhcommittee Chairman, that reviewed and approved this manual had the following personnel at the time of approval: Robert W. Greaves East St. Louis & Interurban Water Co. East St. Louis, IL James R. Rawlins Pilot-Wheeler Mfg. Co. Torrance, CA Joseph E. Jackson Assn of Asbestos Cement Pipe Producers Washington, D.C. Harold E. Kerkhoff Gwinnett County Water Auth. Lawrenceville, GA. Wm. S. Kowalski, Vice-Chairman Township of Cedar Grove Cedar Grove, NJ. H. L. Olson, Secretary Johns-Manville Corp. Denver, CO. Ann Smith, Suhcommittee Chairman Texas Water Utility Assoc. Garland, TX. Thomas A. Switalski Certainteed Products Corp. Valley Forge, PA. .Jeptha A. Wade, Chairman California Water Service Co. San .I ose, CA. Clarke Cooper (MD), Advisor Equitable Environmental Health, Inc. Berkeley, CA. Acknowledgment A/C Pipe Producers Assn. ("ACPPA") prepared, published. and copyrighted a pamphlet in 1977, "Recommended Work Practices for A/C Pipe."which formed the basis for this manual. A WWA received ACPPA permission to reproduce the pamphlet as part of AWWA Manual 16, "Work Practices for Asbestos-Cement ,Pipe." \11 hul { ( .. opu Ill\ mh11, \ \\ \\ \ ii iii Table of Contents Foreword vii Section !--Recommended Work Practices Shipping, Receiving, Handling, Assembly and Disassembly of A-C Pipe in All Size Ranges. Cutting of all A-C Pipe, in Sizes From 3 in. Through 24 in. Using Carbide-Tipped Blades. 2 Cutting of all A-C Pipe in Size Ranges 3 in. Through 24 in. Using Snap Cutters. 3 Machining of all A-C Pipe in all Sizes Using Manual Field Lathe. 4 Machining of all A-C Pipe in all Sizes Using Power-Driven Field Lathe. 5 Machining of all A-C Pipe in all Sizes Using a Manual Rasp. 6 Hole Cutting in A-C Pipe of all Sizes Using Shell Cutters. 7 Hole Cutting in A-C Pipe of all Sizes Using Drill and Rasp. 8 Hole Cutting in A-C Pipe in all Sizes Using Chisel and Rasp. 9 "Dry" Tapping of A-C Pressure Pipe in all Sizes. 10 "Wet" Tapping of A-C Pressure Pipe in all Sizes. II A-C Coupling Removal From all Pipe in all Sizes Using Hammer and Chisel 12 Section 2-Non-Recommended Work Practices Cutting Any A-C Pipe Using Abrasive Disc-Dry Tools. 13 Machining Any A-C Pipe Using Right-Angle Sanders or Other Dry High-Speed Abrasive Tools. 14 Section 3--Housckeeping and Waste Disposal Care of Equipment 15 Waste Disposal 15 V IV Foreword The Occupatim1al Safety and Health Act in the US and similar laws in Canada and other countries were enacted to ensQre so far as possible every worker a safe and healthful work place. This legislation is far reaching. It covers millions of employees and nearly every employer, including those involved in utility duct and pipeline construction. In keeping with the spirit and intent of these laws, this committee has reviewed information regarding the potential hazards of exposure to airborne asbestos and the means of reducing such potential hazards through good work practices. This manual is about good practices. The recommendations that follow are the result of field testing and were developed through study! '" 2 They are intended as general guides to achieve safe and clean job-site conditions when working with asbestos cement (A-C) pipe products. Since field conditions will vary, adherence to these work practices will not guarantee compliance with national, state, or local regulations. Questions relating to compliance should be directed to appropriate regulatory agencies. The committee believes this report will be helpful to engineers, utility managers, superintendents, contractors, foremen, and laying crews in understanding and explaining established procedures for the safe handling of A-C pipe products. Asbestos and health. Prolonged or heavy exposure to airborne asbestos fiber has been identified as a possible health hazard. Very few things to which man is exposed are "zero risks," but as for the automobile, electricity, and x-rays, there are non-harmful ways to use potentially harmful things. Experience has shown that minimizing exposure to airborne asbestos dust is the only effective method of preventing asbestos-related diseases. Recommended work practices are the best insurance of providing exposure safeguards for employer and employee. Generally, A-C pipe products contain less than 20 per cent asbestos. The asbestos fibers are not free but encapsulated or "locked-in" the cement binder like reinforcing rods in concrete. The distinction between "free" and "bound" asbestos is extremely important. First it determines the probability of fiber release, which in turn directly relates to the probability of risk. It explains why A-C pipe is a non-harmful use of asbestos. Many studies have been made to establish a link between asbestos ingested with potable water and cancer. All such studies have proved negative. The USEPA and the Stale of Connecticut recently reported on an epidemiological study conducted in that state to find a relationship between the use of A-C' pipe and cancer. It was reported that3 The preliminary findings of the epidemiology study did not show any excess in cancer incidence for stomach. colon. or rectum in Connecticut towmhips during 1935-1973 that could be related to the use of asbestos-cement pipe for drinking water. A select study group sponsored by the A WWA Research Fdn. reported 4 VI vii No firm evidence shows that the proper use of asbestos-cement pipe poses a ham rd to health by reason of ingestion ofa~bestos fibers. C_alculations comparing the l?roba?lc in- gestion exposure in occupational groups to that hkely to occur as a result c:f_ mgest1_on of potable water from asbestos-cement pipe systems suggest that the probab1hty of nsk to health from the use of such systems is small-approaching zero. Summary of OSHA asbestos standard. The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law on Dec. 29, 1970, and became effective on Apr. 28, 1971. On Dec. 7, 1971, the secretary ofla bor issued a temporary standard for exposure to asbestos dust. As required by the act, a permanent standard for as- bestos exposure was promulgated six months later. Under the current standard, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that exposure of employees to airborne concentrations of asbestos fibers does not exceed the following "permissible exposure levels": I. Time weighted average (TWA) is the permissible exposure level to air- borne concentrations of asbestos fibers longer than 5 m on an 8-hr time- weighted average, as determined on the basis of a 40-hr work week and by the method prescribed in "Standard for Exposure to Asbestos Dust" pro- mulgated by OSHA, June 7, 1972. The present TWA permissible exposure level is 2 fibers/cm 1. 2. Ceiling concentration is the maximum level of exposure to airborne con- centrations of asbestos fibers longer than 5 mas determined for a period of up to 15 min by the method prescribed in "Occupational Exposure to Asbestos" published by OSHA. The present permissible ceiling concentra- tions is 10 fibers/cm 1 In October 1975 OSHA proposed a revision to the existing standard, which would reduce the 8-hr time-weighted average exposure to 0.5 fibers per cubic centimeter. In its notice, OSHA stated that a separate "construction industry standard" would be issued to cover workers who handle asbestos-containing products. The work practices recommended in this manual are based on data for"ceiling dust concentrations" representing short periods of maximum exposure. (Field- cutting and machining operations involving A-C pipe are normally infrequent and of short duratic>n.) Using these recommended work practices, it is improb- able that field personnel would be exposed in a typical working day to levels exceeding the 8-hr time-weighted average. References I. Dust Exposures During the Cutting and Machining of Asbestos-Cement Pipe. Report prepared hy Equitable Envir. Health, Inc. ( Mar. 1977). la. Additional studies (Dec. 15, 1977). 2. News from TAC. TAC Construction Mtls., Ltd. (Report of a survey from the Occupational Hygiene Unit of North of England Ind!. Health Svce.) (Feb. 1977). 3. Exposure to Asbestos Fibers in Water Distribution Systems. A WW A Ann. Conf., Anaheim, Calif. (May 1977). 4. A Study of the Problem of Asbestos in Water. Jour. A WWA, 66:9 (Sep. 1974, pt. 2). VIII RECOMMENDED PRACTICE~ Section 1 Recommended Work Practices Shipping, Receiving, Handling, Assembly and Disassembly of A-C Pipe In All Size Ranges. A-C pipe is shipped clean from the factory and carefully loaded using methods acceptable to the carrier. Loading, unloading, stringing out, and assembling A-C pipe are essentially dust-free operations. Even in enclosed spaces, airborne asbestos fiber levels from pipe-handling operations are far below existing and proposed occupational standards. All hand- and mechanical-unloading operations should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's installation manuals. 2 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESlOS-C'EMENT PIPE Cutting of all A-C Pipe, in Sizes From 3 in. Through 24 in. Using Carbide-Tipped Blades. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES Cutting of all A-C Pipe In Size Ranges 3 in. Through 24 In. Using Snap Cutters. Blade cutters consist of a frame adjustable to the circumference of the pipe and a number of self-tracking rollers that align one or more carbide-tipped cutting blades. Blade cutters are typically hand-operated. Because of the relatively low mechanical input and clean cutting action, significant amounts of airborne asbe~to~ du&t are not produced. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. Snap cutters ("squee1e-and-pop" equipment) operate by means of cuttinJ wheels mounted in a chain wrapper around the pipe barrel. Hydraulic pressure applied by means ofa remote electrically, pneumatically. or manually operate< pump, squeezes the cutting wheels into the pipe wall until the cut is made. Wast1 material is disposed of in conformance with "Housekeeping and Waste Dis posal," Section 3. ,\ppllt,1hlL .1ho to prn,ure. !!r.1\1tv ,1mf huilding ,ewer~ ,torrn dram~ our. clLc:trn:itl. and tc:1cphonc duc..t 111 , 11 c.. l 111 1l11n11~h 16 111 4 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE Machining of all A-C Pipe In all Sizes Using Manual Field Lathe. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES Machining of all A-C Pipe In all Sizes Using Power-Drive, 1l Field Lathe. Manual field lathes are designed to end-trim and remachine rough pipe barrels to factory-machined end profiles. The lathe consists of an adjustable, selfaligning arbor inserted into the pipe bore (which acts as a mandrel upon which the turning handle operates), a screw-fed turning frame, carbide machining blades, and manual (hand or ratchet) turning handles. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. 'fI t ! I Power field lathes, like manual lathes, are designed to end-trim and remachini rough pipe barrels to factory-machined end profiles. The lathe consists of a, adjustable, self-aligning arbor inserted into the pipe bore (which acts as a man drel upon which the turning handle operates), a screw-fed turning frame, carbid, machining blades and electric- or pneumatic-power drive. Waste material is dis posed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3 6 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE Machining of all A-C Pipe in all Sizes Using A Manual Rasp. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES 7 Hole Cutting in A-C Pipe* of all Sizes Using Shell Cutters. ' ~~:~ f',~:. :2 ., "\ ' .~ ,f Short lengths of A-C pipe, machined-end exclusively (MEE) and machined overall (MOA), can be cut to make closures and repairs and to locate fittings exactly. Field-cut ends may be re beveled with a coarse wood rasp to form a taper approximating the profile of the factory-beveled end. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste !)isposal," Section 3. For field connections into A-C pipe, clean, even entry cuts may be accomplished by means of shell-cutting equipment. Shell cutters consist of a holecutter housing mounted on the pipe, a carbide- or diamond-tipped hole cutter and a manual ratchet or a pneumatic, electrical or gasoline drive to power th< cutting head. When cutting holes in A-C pipe products, all dust and cuttings should be re moved from the pipe or duct interior after the cutting operation. Removal mai be accomplished by flushing with water, wet mopping, or vacuuming prior tc placing in service. Do not hlow out with compressed air, or dry sweep. Wast< material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal.' Section 3. t cchniquc applicable for pre,;;~urc-. gravity-, and building-sewer pipe as well as air ducung 8 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE Hole Cutting In A-C Pipe* of all Sizes Using Drill and Rasp. RECOMMENDED PRACTICES 9 Hole Cutting In A-C Pipe* In all Sizes Using Chisel and Rasp. Field connections may be made with a heavy-duty electrical drill and rasp. Using a carbide-tipped drill, a series of closely spaced holes first are drilled around the hole outline. The disc is knocked free with a hammer and the edges of the hole are dressed with a coarse wood rasp. When cutting holes in A-C pipe products, all dust and cuttings should be removed from the pipe or duct interior after the cutting operation. Removal may be accomplished by flushing with water, wet mopping or vacuuming prior to placing in service. Do not blow out with compressed air, or dry sweep. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. Apphcahlc al,;o to prcv.. urc. gravity and huilding ,ewer and air duct Holes may be cut into A-C pipe with a hammer and chisel. The edge of a plumber's wood chisel is used to cut completely around the hole outline, about in. (7 mm) from the prescribed line. The operation is repeated and the cut deepened until through. The edges of the hole are then dressed with a coarse wood rasp. When cutting holes in A-C pipe products, all dust and cuttings should be removed from the pipe or duct interior after the cutting operation. Removal may be accomplished by flushing with water, wet mopping or vacuuming prior to placing in service. Do not blow out with compressed air, or dry sweep. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. IO WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE "Dry" Tapping of A-C Pressure Pipe In all Sizes. __.,/'\- ,<_,\ ~iJ)( (/ /')' ( 1 ' ', -.l, \-, ~ ) RECOMMENDED PRACTICES II "Wet" Tapping of A-C Pressure Pipe In all Sizes. Nonpressure or"dry" tapping for service connections may be performed in or out of the trench. The equipment is affixed to the pipe by means of a chain yoke. Separate drills and taps or a combination tool is used to drill and tap the pipe wall. Corporation stops or other connections may then be affixed to the pipe. Io minimize (I) the fouling of valves, regulators, mete ts, and other equipment with chips and (2) the unnecessary addition of asbestos to drinking water, all dust and cuttings should be removed from the pipe's interior by flushing with water, wet mopping, or vacuuming prior to placing the pipe in service. Do not hlow out with compressed air, or drr sweep. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. Pressure or "wet" tapping for service connections is performed in the trencl while the pipe is under pressure. The equipment (manual or power driven) i: affixed to the pipe by means of a chain yoke. A combination boring-and-insert ing bar drills and taps the pipe wall and inserts a corporation stop or pipe plug The pressure chamber, which protects against water leakage, also catches th asbestos-cement chips, so this is essentially a dust-free operation. To minimize (I) the fouling of valves, regulators, meters, and other equipmen with chips and (2) unnecessary addition of asbestos to drinking water, provision: should be made for downstream flushing or use of tapping equipment with posi tive purge or "blow-off' features. Waste material is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. 12 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESfOS-CEMENT PIPE A-C Coupling Removal From all Pipe in all Sizes Using Hammer and Chisel. NON-RECOMMENDED PRACTICES Section 2 Non-Recommended Work Practices Cutting Any A-C Pipe Using Abrasive Disc-Dry Tools. Replacement of damaged pipe necessitates excavation, exposure and removal. A-C coupling removal may be accomplished by gradually splitting the coupling lengthwise using a chisel and hammer. After the top of the coupling has been split, a crowbar or similar tool is used as a lever to split the bottom of the coupling. Waste male ,ial is disposed of in accordance with "Housekeeping and Waste Disposal," Section 3. Power-driven saws with abrasive discs (masonry blades) should not be used for dry cutting or beveling A-C pipe. Abrasive disc cutters produce concentrations of airborne dust that exceed OSHA permissible levels. This work practice is therefore specifically not recommended. 13 14 WORK PRACTICES FOR ASBESTOS-CEMENT PIPE Machining Any A-C Pipe Using Right-Angle Sanders or Other Dry High-Speed Abrasive Tools. Power-driven abrasive-disc sanders should not be used for shaping or beveling A-C pipe. Abrasive discs produce concentrations of airborne dust that exceed OSHA permissible levels. This work practice is therefore specifically not recommended. HOUSEKEEPING ANI> WASTE DISPOSAL Section 3 Housekeeping and Waste Disposal Housekeeping is an important part of any safe construction operation. It is even more essential when airborne dust creat_!:d by the lack of good housekeeping has the potential for harm to employees or others. Care of Equipment All external surfaces of equipment should be maintained free of A-C pipe dust accumulations that might, if dispersed, create asl:>estos-fiber concentrations above permissible exposure limits. Waste Dlsposal. Waste disposal at construction site. A-C chips and cuttings from the field operations described here should be disposed of in a manner that will not con- tribute airborne asbestos dust to the atmosphere. Where cutting and machining operations are performed at the construction site, the chips should be placed in the trench, in such a manner as to avoid raising dust and should be buried with the pipeline. Waste disposal at central or stock iocatlon. Where operations are performed at a central location such as a contractorsor corporation's yard on a more or less continuing basis, the chips and cuttings may be collected and mixed wet with cement and made into nonfriable forms. These forms may be used in the trench as supports for cast-iron fittings and valves, as appropriate. Otherwise, chips and cuttings should be collected in sealed bags or closed containers impervious to asbestos dust. Loose material should never be dry-swept. When vacuum equipment is available, it should be used. Water or other dust suppressants should be applied in circumstances where sweeping is unavoidable. Do not blow waste material with compressed air. No visible emissions to the atmosphere may result from the collection, processing, packaging, transporting, or deposition of any asbestos-containing material. Wastes should be disposed of at a site operated in accordance with the requirements of applicable national, state, or local laws. 15