Document zdE9g0QG6dBxdBOMRbRXapNqz

HSE Health and Safety Executive 10 asbestos essentials Removing asbestos friction linings Non-licensed tasks This information will help employers and the self-employed to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. It is also useful for trade union and employee safety representatives. Asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer and lung diseases. The sheet covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure to an adequate level. ________________________________________ What this sheet covers This sheet describes good practice when you need to remove a friction lining containing asbestos (eg brake assembly, clutch housing) or when the housing needs cleaning. Preparing the work area Restrict access - minimise the number of people present. Use tape and notices to warn others. Ensure adequate lighting. Equipment It can act as a risk assessment for asbestos if it matches what you plan to do. Follow all the points, or use equally effective measures. Only carry out this work if you are properly trained and have the right equipment. Main points Asbestos fibres can kill. Keep exposures low using all the controls in this sheet. Also follow sheet a0 and equipment and method (em) sheets; see `Essential information'. 500-gauge polythene sheeting and duct tape; warning tape and notices; Class H vacuum cleaner (BS EN 60335) - see sheet em4; scraper; bucket of water and rags; asbestos waste container, eg labelled polythene sack; and clear polythene sack. Personal protective equipment (PPE) - see sheet em6 Provide: - disposable overalls fitted with a hood; - boots without laces (laced boots are hard to decontaminate); and - respiratory protective equipment. Procedure Protect nearby surfaces from contamination. Cover with 500-gauge polythene sheeting and fix with duct tape to non-asbestos surfaces. Removal Partially open the housing and vacuum the inside. Open the housing carefully. Use damp rags to clean inside. Put the worn friction lining and dirty rags in the waste container. Scrape off any residues using `shadow vacuuming' - see sheet em4. If necessary, replace it with non-asbestos material. Caution: Never use a brush or compressed air for cleaning. 1 of 2 pages HSE Health and Safety Executive MORE HELP Licensed asbestos contractors, and training providers - HSE's Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055 Textphone: 0845 408 9577 e-mail: hse.infoline@natbrit.com and at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/ licensing/index.htm HSE priced and free publications HSE Books Tel: 01787 881165 and at www.hsebooks.co.uk Qualified hygienists - The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) Tel: 01332 298101 and at www.bohs.org/ under `Professional > Consultants' Trade associations - the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) Tel: 01283 531126 Website: www.arcaweb.org.uk, or the Asbestos Control and Abatement Division (ACAD) Tel: 01325 466704 Disposal of asbestos waste www.environment-agency.co.uk, www.sepa.org.uk/, or www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs. More asbestos pictures www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/gallery.htm Help to decide if work is licensed www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/ index.htm ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Download and follow these advice sheets from www.hse.gov.uk /asbestos/essentials/index.htm: em1 What to do ifyou uncover or damage materials that could contain asbestos em2 Training em4 Using a Class H vacuum cleaner for asbestos em6 Personal protective equipment (PPE) em7 Using damp rags to clean surfaces of minor asbestos contamination em8 Personal decontamination em9 Disposal of asbestos waste asbestos essentials a18 Cleaning and disposal Clean the equipment and the area with damp rags. Put debris, used rags, polythene sheeting, and other waste in the asbestos waste container and tape it closed. Put the asbestos waste container in a clear polythene sack and tape it closed. Disposal - see sheet em9. Personal decontamination See sheet em8 Clearance and checking off Visually inspect the area to make sure that it has been cleaned properly. Clearance air sampling is not normally required. Get the premises owner, duty-holder or client to check off the job. OTHER HAZARDS There may be other hazards - you need to consider them all. This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice. SAFETY CHECKLIST Can you avoid disturbing asbestos by doing the job in some other way? Do you need a licence for the work? Always follow all legal requirements. Follow the task guidance sheet. Use an asbestos waste container. Take asbestos waste to a licensed disposal site. Caution: Don't sweep up dust or debris - use a Class H vacuum cleaner or damp rags. Don't take used overalls home. Don't re-use disposable PPE. Don't smoke. Don't eat or drink in the work area. This document is available at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials/index.htm Crown copyright This publication may be freely reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. First published as part of Asbestos Essentials Task Manual 2001. Please acknowledge the source as HSE. Published by the Health and Safety Executive 12/07 Removing asbestos friction linings 2 of 2 pages