Construction

Learn how to identify and work safely with asbestos or asbestos containing materials. 
(Course contains some AU specific info on legislation)

Asbestos
A naturally occurring mineral that's composed of soft and flexible fibres. It was commonly used throughout history for it's resistance to heat, electricity and corrosion.¹


It was commonly used in commercial, industrial & residential settings up until the 1990s in Australia.²
Image: Corrugated asbestos roof with fibre cement. Harold Weber / CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Working with asbestos can become a health risk because the small fibres can easily be released into the air and be breathed in. The fibres get lodged in the lungs.³
Image: Lungs of a 61-year-old working with asbestos for decades. Yale Rosen / CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Dangers of Working with Asbestos

Actinolite Asbestos
Image: Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Amosite Asbestos
Amosite fibres, embedded in a colouring liquid and exposed with a polarisation filter.


Anthophyllite Asbestos
Image: Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Chrysotile Asbestos  (White Asbestos)
Image:  Eurico Zimbres / CC BY-SA 2.5 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Crocidolite Asbestos  (Blue Asbestos)
Image:  Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Tremolite Asbestos
Image:  Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)


Historically it's been transformed into various products such as paper, plastic and even fabric. In this lesson we'll cover the common products used in industrial & construction setting.
Image: Asbestos Products Ltd (Sydney) asbestos cement corrugated roofing for export, circa 1937


An approximate year is also included to indicate when they stopped manufacturing these products with asbestos in it.
Hardiflex (1981)
Hardiplank (1981)
Villaboard (1981)
Versilux (1982)
Harditherm (1984)
Compressed (1984)
Drain Pipe (1984)
Super Six (1985)
Highline (1985)
Shadowline (1985)
Coverline (1985)
Pressure Pipe (1987)
Roofing Accessories (1985)


James Hardie & Co. Pty Ltd was global supplier based in Australia that  manufactured asbestos containing products.


What should you do if you think a material might contain asbestos?


If you can't tell if a material contains asbestos just from a visual examination, you can use online search for asbestos product databases to see if it matches visually.
See the resources lesson for specific information for your country


Identifying Asbestos

Working Safely with Asbestos
Once asbestos has been identified on the work site it's important to ensure all necessary precautions are taken to minimise the chances of exposure.
Start by checking in with your local legislation about the proper signage required on site.


Disposable coveralls
Must be labelled for use with Asbestos, and must have a hood and elasticised cuffs
If in doubt, go one size bigger to prevent tearing when worn


Footwear
❌ No Boot or shoes with laces as these can't be decontaminated
✅ Gumboots can be easily wiped clean afterwards


Shoe covers
Must cover the entire shoe, and be secured above the ankle
After proper fitting the coverall legs must go over shoe covers


Gloves
Only Latex, Nitrile or neoprene gloves are suitable
Make sure it's securely tucked under your coveralls. Tape it up if it's loose


Mask
At a minimum, a disposable P2 mask with a particulate respirator must be worn. Learn more about this in the following slide.


Protective eye-wear
Tuck in your protective eye wear under your mask and then lastly, put the hood of your coveralls on


Ordinary single-strap dust masks do not provide enough protection


Twin-strap disposable P2 mask can be used but must be disposed of afterwards


Half face filter respirator is preferred but the cartridge must be decontaminated after each use.


The coveralls, P2 mask and gumboots form part of the uniform for working with asbestos. The laced boots shouldn't be worn because asbestos contaminates can easily be lodged within and it's hard to decontaminate.


Which of these should you wear when working with asbestos?


Follow these steps, to make sure you're disposing of PPE and cleaning materials properly:
❗After each step you should always double bag all items, seal it with duct tape and then label it as asbestos waste.
Use wet wipes to wipe down any visible asbestos dust from your protective clothing
Remove your shoe covers, gloves and coveralls
Wipe down your shoes with wet wipes
Wipe down the outside of the bags with wet wipes
Remove your mask and seal in a double
Remove old clothing
Seal all plastic bags using duct tape and the double bag method
Wash your hands, nails and head thoroughly with soapy water
Take a shower and wash your hair


Personal Decontaminating After a Job


Personal Protective Equipment

These rules apply to both outdoor and indoor spaces:
Lay heavy duty plastic sheets (that are 200um thick) under the work area to catch any particles and to prevent it from contaminating the ground
Move any furniture, play equipment, soft furnishings away from the work area
Close all the surrounding doors, windows, air conditioner units, and central heating ducts, and seal vents to stop particles being dispersed
Ask the neighbours to do the same
Put signs and barricades up to keep non essential workers, household members, visitors and pets away


Preparing to work


Here are some other things to keep in mind when working with asbestos:
Gently spray asbestos cement sheets with water to keep the dust down
Don't use water blasters or scrub with a stiff broom or brush as it deteriorates the asbestos cement sheets
Minimise damage to the asbestos containing product, by gently placing the product on the ground or in the skip.
Immediately clean up the work area after the removal task is complete
Double bag all asbestos containing materials, PPE and cleaning supplies used to decontaminate the area


Handling or removing asbestos cement products


Removing & Disposing of Asbestos 

A great resource for home renovators and tradies alike. They have many fact sheets and checklists available online for you to download.
Click here


The Cancer Council has a downloadable fact sheet on the control measures you can take when working with asbestos.
Click here


Australian Government Department of Health has sone interesting case studies about asbestos exposure.
Click here


Always refer to the Safe Work Australia website for the most up to date information.
Click here


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