EXAMPLE OF ASBESTOS-RELATED WORK

Working with asbestos friction materials:

The risk of exposure to significant amounts of dust that contains asbestos fibres may exist while removing and repairing brakes, clutches and high-temperature gasketson motor vehicles.

If the following simple controls are applied carefully, it generally should not benecessary to carry out air monitoring in the workshop while servicing vehicle brakes, clutches and cylinder head/exhaust gaskets.

A HEPA-filter industrial vacuum cleaner should be certified by the manufacturer as fit for removal work and can be used to clean all asbestos dust from componentsand other parts in the immediate vicinity. It may be necessary to purchase or fabricate special hose nozzles to reach difficult areas to ensure components are effectively cleaned of asbestos. Any remaining dust needs to be removed with a wet rag.

A fine spray of water on the dust will dampen it and prevent it being dispersed. The component and parts in the immediate vicinity can then be wiped down with a wetrag. The rag can only be used once. It then needs to be placed in a plastic bag and into an asbestos waste disposal bin. Any spillage onto the workshop floor needs to be wiped up and disposed of in the same way. It is important that only a gentle misting spray is used as a coarse spray will disperse the asbestos fibres into the air.

A respirator certified by the manufacturer as suitable for asbestos dust (for example, a P1 orP2 disposable respirator) needs to be worn during the above cleaning processes.

Compressed air, water hoses and aerosol cans must notbe used to clean asbestos dust off components in the open workshop as they will disperse large numbers of fibres into the air.

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code.

Dedicated asbestos-handling area

To minimise risks to other people, the area where asbestos components are cleanedand removed needs to be segregated and in a location where wind or cooling fansetc. will not disturb any dust. All workers must be provided with information and training on asbestos hazards, its presence and the safety procedures that must be followed.

For all removal

Segregate the vehicle from surrounding removal work areas. Try to have at least three metres separation and avoid windy locations and cooling fans etc.

Use portable signs to indicate that asbestos removal is going on

Wear a P1 or P2 disposable respirator

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code

Brake assembly repairs – vacuum method

Use a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner to clean the wheel prior to undoingthe wheel nuts

Remove the wheel and vacuum any remaining dust on the wheel.

Vacuum all dust off the brake assembly

Use a wet rag to wipe down all parts and remove final traces of dust

Vacuum any additional dust that is exposed during disassembly

Place the component and rags etc. into a plastic bag, seal or tie it and thenplace it into a marked

Plastic-lined disposal bin or skip

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code

Brake assembly removal – wet method

Place a tray or tape plastic sheeting on the floor under the removal area to catch spillage and assist in the clean–up

Use a saturated rag to wet down the wheel and wipe off dust prior to removing the wheel nuts

Remove the wheel and clean off any remaining dust with the wet rag

Use a saturated rag and gentle water mist to thoroughly damp down any dust on the brake assembly

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code

Brake disc pads

Use a saturated rag to wipe off exposed dust and dust exposed during disassembly. Wipe up any spillage on the floor.

Place the component and rags etc. into a plastic bag, seal or tie it and then place it into a marked plastic–lined disposal bin or skip.

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code.

Clutch removal and repairs

After separating the gearbox from the engine, vacuum/wet-wipe inside the bell housing and around the pressure plate.

On removal of the pressure plate and clutch plate, vacuum/wet-wipe the flywheel, housing and components; place used rags and removed components in a plastic bag and seal.

Place this plastic bag into a marked plastic-lined disposal bin or skip.

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code.

Cylinder head and exhaust gaskets

If the gasket is damaged during separation of the components, wet it with water to control asbestos fibres.

Keep the gasket wet and carefully remove it without using power tools.

Wipe down the joint faces and the immediate area with a wet rag.

Place the gasket and rag into a plastic bag and seal or tie it.

Place this plastic bag into a marked plastic–lined disposal bin or skip.

Personal decontamination should be carried out in accordance with the WHS Regulations and this Code.