Safe Working Practices Flashcards

Before starting any maintenance or refurbishment work in a pre-2000 building, what should you always do first?

Answer: Check the asbestos register and management plan

Before starting any work in a pre-2000 building, you must check the asbestos register and management plan. This will tell you whether asbestos is present in the area where you will be working and what precautions are needed.

What type of RPE (respiratory protective equipment) is the minimum standard for asbestos work?

Answer: An FFP3 disposable respirator or half-mask with P3 filter

The minimum RPE for asbestos work is an FFP3 disposable respirator or a half-mask with P3 filter. Standard dust masks do not provide adequate protection against asbestos fibres. RPE must be face-fit tested to the individual wearer.

What should you do if you accidentally disturb material you suspect contains asbestos?

Answer: Stop work immediately, warn others, restrict access, and report to your supervisor

If you accidentally disturb suspected asbestos, you must stop work immediately, warn anyone nearby, leave the area, prevent others from entering, and report the incident to your supervisor. Never attempt to clean it up yourself without proper training and equipment.

Why should you NEVER use a standard vacuum cleaner to clean up asbestos debris?

Answer: Standard vacuums blow asbestos fibres back into the air through the exhaust

Standard vacuum cleaners cannot filter asbestos fibres, which are smaller than the filter pores. The fibres pass through the filter and are blown back into the air through the exhaust, actually increasing airborne contamination. Only Type H (HEPA) vacuums must be used.

What does 'wet working' mean in the context of asbestos work?

Answer: Keeping asbestos materials damp to suppress fibre release

Wet working involves keeping asbestos materials damp during work to suppress the release of fibres into the air. Water prevents fibres from becoming airborne. This is a fundamental control measure for many types of asbestos work.

What should happen to disposable PPE after completing asbestos work?

Answer: It should be treated as asbestos waste and disposed of accordingly

Disposable PPE used during asbestos work is contaminated and must be treated as asbestos waste. It must be placed in labelled asbestos waste bags and disposed of at a licensed waste facility. Reusing contaminated PPE would cause further exposure.