UKATA Safe Working Practices

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Check the asbestos register and management plan

Answer

Start work immediately and check for asbestos later

Answer

Ask a colleague if they think there is asbestos

Answer

Wear a hard hat only

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

An FFP3 disposable respirator or half-mask with P3 filter

Answer

A standard dust mask

Answer

A scarf over the nose and mouth

Answer

No RPE is needed for short tasks

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Continue working but wear gloves

Answer

Clean it up with a normal vacuum cleaner

Answer

Open all windows to ventilate the area

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

It is too noisy

Answer

It takes too long

Answer

Standard vacuums are too expensive

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Keeping asbestos materials damp to suppress fibre release

Answer

Working in rainy conditions

Answer

Using water-based paint over asbestos

Answer

Washing hands after handling asbestos

Question 6

What should happen to disposable PPE after completing asbestos work?

Accepted Answer

It should be treated as asbestos waste and disposed of accordingly

Answer

It should be washed and reused

Answer

It can be placed in normal waste bins

Answer

It should be stored for the next job