Safety procedures for job site cleanup and hazard control include several key steps, especially when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. These procedures aim to minimize exposure and ensure proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Key aspects of job site cleanup and hazard control are:
- Containment Barriers: Construct dust-tight barriers to contain asbestos-containing dust within the work area. Glove bags and mini-enclosures can be used in place of constructed barriers.
- Wetting ACM: Wet asbestos-containing materials (ACM) with amended water before disturbance and keep them wet throughout the work operation until properly containerized. An exception may be granted if wetting creates safety hazards.
- Intact Removal: Remove ACM in an intact state to the greatest extent feasible.
- HEPA Filtration: Use power tools equipped with HEPA-filtered local exhaust attachments when cutting, chipping, or abrading ACM.
- Enclosure or Encapsulation: Enclose or encapsulate any friable ACM exposed as a result of the work operation behind dust-tight barriers.
- Decontamination: Use HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning to decontaminate the work area and equipment until all surfaces are free of visible debris. Compressed air or dry-sweeping is prohibited.
- Clearance Inspections: Conduct visual inspections of all surfaces within the work area for dust, debris, and residue. Repeat cleaning until no visible debris is present.
- Proper disposal: Containerize, label, transport, and dispose of asbestos-containing debris in accordance with regulations.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure workers use appropriate PPE, including respirators, protective clothing, and eye protection.
[1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] Following an asbestos response action, all contaminated surfaces within the work area must be decontaminated using HEPA vacuuming or wet cleaning techniques. All equipment and materials used, and all surfaces from which ACM has been removed, must be decontaminated. If asbestos materials were not substantially intact at the time of removal, soil must be removed from dirt floors and disposed of as asbestos-containing waste. Cleanup must achieve a level of no visible debris. [2]
Waste materials containing ACM must be handled and disposed of as asbestos-containing waste, following EPA NESHAP regulations and relevant state regulations. Transportation of asbestos waste must be in covered vehicles or locked containers, in conformance with EPA NESHAP regulations and applicable standards. [2] [2]
A clean room must be provided with lockers or containers for workers' clothing and personal items, and it must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Decontamination facilities must be provided, and workers must decontaminate themselves before leaving the work area. [4] [4]
For asbestos removal, ensure proper containerization of removed ACM and asbestos-contaminated debris. Waste should be placed in two plastic bags (six-mil minimum thickness each) or in metal, plastic, or fiber drums with locking lids. Materials with sharp edges must be contained in leak-proof drums or boxes. ACM must not be dropped from heights greater than 15 feet and should be lowered by crane, hoist, or dust-tight chutes. [3] [3]
These procedures collectively ensure a safer job site by minimizing the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and promoting thorough cleanup practices.
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.
References
Page links are approximate454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Open DocumentPage 46
454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Open DocumentPage 43
454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Open DocumentPage 42
454 CMR 28.00: The removal, containment, maintenance, or encapsulation of asbestos
Open DocumentPage 41