BEST PRACTICES

Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices involving Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) should be followed during demolition and renovation work:

• Prior to beginning demolition or renovation work, an audit/inventory should be conducted to identify all asbestos containing material (ACM) in the facility, including laboratory sampling as necessary to support conclusions.
• The inventory should identify materials, locations and condition. Commonly found ACM include insulation, floor tiles, roofing material, valve gaskets and other building materials.
• It is usually recommended that ACM be removed from a facility being demolished or renovated before any disruptive activity begins to minimise potential for release and to streamline contracting.
• If ACM will remain in place during construction activities, all known ACM should be labelled to prevent inadvertent disturbance.
• Keep ACM adequately wet before, during and after removal operations. To “adequately wet” asbestos-containing material means to sufficiently mix or penetrate the material with liquid to prevent the release of particulates or fibres. If visible emissions are observed coming from the material, then it has not been adequately wetted.
• After it is wetted, bulk asbestos waste must be placed in a container before it is transported. Seal the waste material in leak-tight containers while it is wet and label the containers appropriately. If the waste will not fit into containers, place it in leak-tight wrapping.
• All asbestos related work, including inventory, inspection, abatement work and abatement planning should be performed by qualified and trained personnel that meet the training requirements outlined in the regulations for their areas of responsibilities. Specific licenses are required to perform many asbestos related services, including inspections, sampling, analysis, as well as abatement. Check with your EH&S office or your local regulatory agencies to determine licensing requirements in your region.