Safe Working Practices Flashcards

What is the purpose of a decontamination unit during licensed asbestos removal?

Answer: To allow workers to safely remove contaminated PPE and shower before leaving the work area

A decontamination unit provides a controlled system for workers to remove contaminated PPE, shower, and dress in clean clothes before leaving the work area. This prevents asbestos fibres from being carried out of the controlled area.

Why is asbestos awareness training required even for workers who do not directly work with asbestos?

Answer: So they can recognise and avoid accidentally disturbing asbestos materials

Awareness training is essential so that workers can recognise materials likely to contain asbestos and avoid accidentally disturbing them. Many tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and joiners may encounter asbestos during routine work.

What type of vacuum cleaner is approved for use on asbestos contamination?

Answer: A Type H vacuum with HEPA filtration

Only Type H vacuums with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration are approved for asbestos work. These filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 micrometres, which includes asbestos fibres.

When using power tools on materials that may contain asbestos, what is the main concern?

Answer: Power tools generate dust and dramatically increase fibre release

Power tools such as drills, grinders, and saws generate significant amounts of dust when used on ACMs, dramatically increasing the release of asbestos fibres into the air. This is why power tools should never be used on known or suspected ACMs without proper controls.

What is an enclosure in the context of licensed asbestos removal?

Answer: A sealed, negative-pressure containment area around the work site

An enclosure is a sealed containment area built around the asbestos work site, maintained under negative pressure using air extraction units with HEPA filters. This prevents fibres from escaping into the wider building environment.

How should asbestos cement sheets be removed to minimise fibre release?

Answer: By carefully unbolting and lowering them whole, keeping them wet

Asbestos cement sheets should be removed carefully by unbolting fixings and lowering whole sheets, while keeping them damp to suppress fibre release. Breaking, drilling, or pressure washing would generate dangerous levels of airborne fibres.