Purpose
To drill holes in ACM
To control the risk of generating airborne asbestos fibre
To control the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibre
Scope
Normal plumbing activities may require the drilling of holes in ACM. This should only be carried out on non friable bonded material in good condition
Under Part 8 of the OH&S (Asbestos Regulations (2003) the holes can be drilled in ACM using a hand drill or under Regulation 305 a power drill if an enclosure or engineering controls are used to control airborne dust levels to ensure a person is not likely to exceed 0.05 f/ml during the task.
If practicable remove ACM prior to job to remove need to drill hole in ACM
A risk assessment must be carried out prior to the work being carried out.
No compressed air or gases can be used within 6 metres of the ACM work area.
Training in maintenance activities involving non-friable ACM is required.
Explanation to the occupier/employer/home owner needs to occur prior to the removal commencing; the information in: Asbestos in the home, Department of Human Services, June 2003
Equipment required for asbestos removal
P2 respiratory protection that complies with AS 1716 and is used in accordance with AS1715 and is appropriate for asbestos removal
Disposable coveralls
Gloves
Drill- Hand or low speed power
Drill bit or hole saw
Thick past or paste tape
Sealant
Plastic or metal sleeve
Appropriate hand tools for the task
Labeled asbestos waste bags
200(m plastic sheet (would require labels if used to wrap ACM, warning label should read: caution asbestos, do not open or damage, do not inhale dust)
Duct tape
Hand water spray,
Wet wipes (wet rags or alcohol wipes)
For work in a workplace asbestos barrier tape and signs
Identification of ACM
Workplace: obtain record of results from occupier/employer to determine if ACM material present or if inaccessible must be deemed to be ACM unless proven not to be ACM.
Domestic residence: determine age of ACM and conduct visual inspection to determine if potentially ACM.
Remove if practicable, unless a limited amount which meets Regulation 207, a Class B licenced removalist must be used
Removal of friable ACM must be conducted by an asbestos removalist holding a Class A licence.
Preparation for drilling:
Restrict access to the work area to those involved in the drilling; if necessary. If removal was in a work place asbestos barrier tape and warning signs would be required
Gain access to ACM to be drilled. The work may be carried out at height; if so the OH&S (Prevention of Falls) Regulations 2003 must be complied with.
Visual inspection of work area
Additional lighting may be required
Put in place all necessary equipment for drilling
Drill- Hand or low speed power
Drill bit or hole saw
Thick past or paste tape
Sealant
Plastic or metal sleeve
Appropriate hand tools for the task
Labeled asbestos waste bags
200(m plastic
Duct tape
Hand water spray,
Wet wipes (wet rags or alcohol wipes)
For work in a workplace asbestos barrier tape and signs and restrict access to area
If drilling in an elevated location restrict access to area below
If able to access rear of drilling location enclose or seal rear of drill site to prevent contamination
If not able to access rear of drilling location contamination of this location needs to be identified on the site record of results if it is a workplace, or if domestic the owner informed.
Cover location, front and back where accessible, to be drilled with sufficient paste to drill through.
Drilling in ACM
Don PPE, disposable coveralls, gloves and P2 respiratory protection
Drill through paste carefully
Use wet rags to clean of paste and all visible debris from front and back where accessible
Dispose of as asbestos waste
Seal edges of hole and insert sleeve to seal if required
Wet wipe drill area both sides
Final visual inspection to ensure no visible ACM debris or dust
Decontaminate tools and boots and place wet rags in waste bag
Remove coveralls and gloves and place in waste bag
Seal bag by taping and goose necking
Place bagged ACM into second bag; remove respiratory protection and place in second bag tape and goose neck to seal
Double bagged ACM is transported to asbestos waste skip as soon as is practicable. To meet EPA requirements the amount of ACM and the source need to be logged.
At the end of the job there must be no visible debris dust left in the area and no visible airborne dust generated while carrying out the task.