Methods And Caution To Be Taken During Asbestos Removal

Safe Work Australia lists several methods of removing asbestos and asbestos containing material from a demolition site, roofs, claddings, warehouses and other places.

The Wet Method

It is the most preferred method. Asbestos fibers are suppressed by having water under low pressure poured over them, so they do not become airborne. The low pressure is so that no dust is generated. A detergent (surfactant) may be added to water to increase the rate at which the asbestos gets wet. The surface must stay wet throughout. If the area is cut into sections for removal, the cut area should be vacuumed first before water is sprayed.

The Dry Method

This method is used where water could be a safety hazard, like when working around live wires and electric conductors, partially or fully enclose the area depending on the type of asbestos being used. Where negative air pressure units are used, the workers must use air lined respirators with positive pressure. Vacuum the sections after cutting, spray with water and dispose of the waste in labeled bags.

Saturation And Water Injection

The asbestos is totally soaked in water if it is very thick. Water is injected directly onto the friable material using an injecting head with outlets and inlets of water. The injectors must be disposed of afterwards.

Safety Steps

Large scale work is described by Safe Work Australia as being that which occurs frequently, over a long period and produces a sizeable amount of asbestos particles which are released into the air, and may be seen as a grave health risk to workers and other people.

1. The remover must be a class A License Holder

Only class A license holders are permitted to remove large scale friable and non-friable asbestos

2. Enclosures/bubbles

Such a structure contains the airborne particles, minimizing the chances of them spreading to surrounding areas. It should be inspected before the work begins.

Negative air pressure units are used to allow air to flow into the enclosure, but none can escape.

The enclosure should be made out of heavy duty plastic and enclose all air outlets/inlets in the home like doors, windows and air vents. Fastenings made out of wood are to be used to anchor the fresh plastic sheeting. The enclosure should also have viewing areas so the work going on inside can be monitored as required from the outside.

The enclosure must have excellent lighting, either from the sun, by using clear material like plastic or Perspex. Otherwise, artificially, the light should illuminate from the outside from a plastic panel

While removing the sheers, the workers must wear protective overalls and respirators so they do not inhale asbestos particles. The seal should remain intact and airtight as long as the removal work is in progress.

For small scale work, use a mini enclosure. The enclosure has the same specifications as of the large enclosure, only smaller and easier to pull down.

3. Performing the operation when residents are away for a considerable amount of time

Even after the work is done, sometime should pass before residents/workers settle back in and the place inspected.

4. The workers should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves and overalls. These should be inspected before and after work and disposed of when the removal work is over.

5. Label the waste containers. the waste should be disposed of in designated decontamination areas

6. Conduct air monitoring before, during and after removal to determine leakages and apply appropriate control measures

7. De-energize electrical equipment-only reactivate them after the work is complete

8. Indicate the hazardous nature of the ongoing work using notices around the area. Barricade the area where possible to control human and vehicle traffic in and around the area for the other people's own safety.

Labelled Tape can be used as a barrier according to the Code of Practice for the safe removal of Asbestos (2002). The writing on it should be 'asbestos hazard'

With all the measures above in place, it is best to have an emergency plan and rescue point or center nearby just in case an accident occurs.


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Wade as site manager at the Asbestos Removal Company. He is a licensed, thorough and diligent site overseer who always makes sure the work in progress adheres to legally set standards. In doing so, he manages to keep not only his workmates safe, but also the people coming afterwards. You can contact Asbestos Removal Sydney for professional services at http://asbestosremovalsydneywide.com.au/ .