HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGING ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTORS

Transcription

1 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGING ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTRACTORS PERSONNEL DIVISION REVIEWED SPRING TERM 2000

2 Contents Page 1 Introduction 1 2 Where You Are Likely To Find Asbestos 2 3 Identifying Asbestos 3 4 Assessing and Managing Work (with flowchart) 4 Appendix 1 - Requirements for Licences 6 Appendix 2 - Major or Minor? 7 Appendix 3 - Control Limits 8 Appendix 4 - Typical Exposures 9 Appendix 5 - Techniques for Work with Asbestos Cement 11 Appendix 6 - Techniques for Work with Asbestos Insulation Board (AIB) 15 Appendix 7 - Risk Assessment for Removal of Ceiling Tiles 20 i

3 1 Introduction This guidance is intended to assist in the management of short and long duration work by licensed contractors with asbestos containing materials. It will be of use for managers needing to assure themselves of the efficacy of a contractor's method statements. In addition it supports the three university documents 'Contractors Code of Safe Practice', 'The Asbestos Management System' and 'Asbestos - General Guidance'. Breathing in asbestos dust can kill by causing irreversible lung damage and cancer. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases. The more asbestos inhaled the greater the risk. Persons most at risk are building services tradespersons. All work with asbestos is required to be carried out safely and in particular exposure to asbestos must be prevented. Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 (as amended 1998) (CAWR) - Approved Code of Practice covers most general work with asbestos that does not include disturbance of insulation materials or major work with asbestos insulating board. Work with asbestos insulation and asbestos coatings, and major work with asbestos insulating board, are covered by a separate ACOP `Work with Asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board'. 1

4 2 You Are Likely to Find Asbestos 2.1 As asbestos insulation or coating used for: a) thermal insulation of boilers, ancillary plant and pipework (it may be hidden in underfloor pipe ducts); b) fire protection of structure steelwork (often hidden behind false ceilings); c) thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings (often hidden behind false ceilings); d) some textured coatings and paints. 2.2 As asbestos insulating board is used in a wide variety of places such as: a) fire protection on doors, protected exists, structural steelwork etc; b) cladding on walls, ceilings etc; c) internal walls and partitions; d) ceiling tiles in a suspended ceiling. 2.3 As asbestos cement which is found as: a) corrugated sheets (roofing and cladding of buildings); b) flat sheeting for partitioning, cladding and door facings; c) rain water goods (i.e. gutters, downpipes). 2

5 3 Identifying Asbestos The presence of asbestos may be indicated on original building plans or specifications. If it is not clear whether insulating material, boarding etc. contains asbestos, bulk sampling and laboratory analysis is necessary. This must be done by someone with suitable training and experience. Alternatively you may assume that the material contains crocidolite (blue) or amosite (brown) asbestos and take appropriate precautions. Asbestos building boards are medium density and have a calcium silicate or cement base. The boards which were used in the considerable majority of building installations had the brand names Asbesotoluc, LDR, Marinite and Turnabestos. The asbestos content varied according to the brand but amosite (brown) was a common constituent, usually between 16% and 25%. Some boards included chrysotile (white). The principal types of asbestos are: Chrysotile - white in colour Amosite - grey or fawn in colour Crocidolite - blue in colour Asbestos building boards in situ should not be a cause for concern unless they are being damaged by abrasion or impact. If asbestos building boards are removed, they should be replaced with non-asbestos equivalent, i.e. Masterboard, Supalux, Tacfire, Monolux, Flax Board etc. 3

6 4 Assessing and Managing Work The university requires all work likely to generate asbestos dust to be undertaken by a licensed contractor. On appointment of a licensed contractor obtain a method statement before work begins. Where works are part of a larger project it should be managed using CDM procedures. Assess the contractor's method statement and decide whether it prevents exposure to asbestos. To assist in your decision use appendices 5, 6 and 7 as examples of good working practices. Use the Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4 to guide you in assessing work as major/minor or work which requires a licence. Major works or work requiring a licence should be reported to HSE before work begins. Consult the key person on site to discuss the work and in particular the control measures to be used to prevent exposure to asbestos. Remind the key person on site of their duty to consult trades union safety representatives before work begins. 4

7 Assessing and Managing Work Is the work necessary? YES NO Avoid it Does the work require a license (see Appendix 1) or will it generate asbestos dust? Obtain method statement from contractor YES Appoint a licensed contractor Assess the control measures in the method statement. Will they prevent exposure to asbestos? (compare the statement with the techniques of work in Appendices 5, 6 and 7). YES Is the work major or does it require a licence? (see Appendices 1,2,3 and 4). YES Ensure contractor notifies HSE of intention to begin work. NO Contact key person on site to discuss arrangements to start work and precautions to be taken. Inform the key person of their duty to consult local trade union safety representatives. 5

8 Appendix 1 Requirements for Licences (Asbestos Licensing Regulations 1983 as amended 1998) a b A licence is not required for work with asbestos cement, asbestos rope type insulation on electrical cables, asbestos gaskets. Subject to the conditions of c and d, a licence is not required for work with: Asbestos Insulating Board (this includes ceiling tiles) Asbestos Coating Asbestos Insulation c If the work is less than one person hour in seven days. Or if more than one person is working then two person hours in seven days. Or d e f If the work is to be of longer duration than this and carried out on our own premises by our own staff (not contractors) and we have notified HSE of our intention to begin work at least 14 days before the start date. It is not acceptable to split large work into small parcels in order to avoid the need for it to be licensed. A licence issued by HSE is required for all other work. This will usually mean that the services of a licensed contractor are required. 6

9 Appendix 2 Work with Asbestos Insulating Board - Major or Minor? Where work is major the contractor is required to notify HSE of their intention to begin work. Work with asbestos insulating board is defined as major if: a b An action level or control limit is liable to be exceeded during any individual job; or The duration of the job is greater than 1 hour or the area of material involved is greater than 2m² and in either of these cases the work includes: i ii Breaking, cutting, machining, surface abrasion or Any work on a suspended ceiling. Minor works are works which do not fall into the definition of major works and may include short duration work on chrysotile (not amosite or crocidolite) ceiling tiles in good condition depending on the technique used to handle the tiles. 7

10 Appendix 3 Control Limits The Regulations set control limits and action levels for asbestos. Control limits are expressed as concentrations of airborne fibres averaged over any continuous 4 hour or 10 minute period. Action levels are expressed as cumulative exposures over any continuous period of 12 weeks. The average level of asbestos fibre in the air inhaled by anyone must not exceed the control limits. The action levels trigger the operation of some of the CAWR: those dealing with notification, medical surveillance and designation of work areas. All of these limits may be exceeded during work with asbestos insulation board and cement. However unless the construction activity involves insulation removal work or some `major work', with asbestos insulating board, it is unlikely that the action levels will be exceeded. The more occasional the work the less likely it is that exposure will be greater than the action level. Work should be considered as major if action levels or control limits are likely to be exceeded during the work. Where work is major contractors are required to notify HSE of their intention to begin work. Control Limits Chrysotile 0.3 fibres/ml over four hours. 0.9 fibres/ml over 10 minutes. Chrysotile with any other form of asbestos 0.2 fibres/ml over four hours 0.6 fibres/ml over 10 minutes Action Levels Chyrsotile 72 fibre hours per milliletre Chrysotile with any other form of asbestos 48 fibre hours per milliletre 8

11 Appendix 4 Typical Exposures during Certain Works Asbestos Insulation Boards Careful removal of whole asbestos insulation boards (unscrewing with shadow vacuuming with spray application of a wetting agent on unsealed surfaces: Up to 3 fibres/ml Careful removal of whole boards (no LEV, no wetting): 1-5 fibres/ml Breaking and ripping out boards (dry with no unscrewing): 5-20 fibres/ml Drilling boards overhead (No LEV): 5-10 fibres/ml Drilling vertical columns (No LEV): 2-5 fibres/ml Jig sawing asbestos insulation board (No LEV): 5-20 fibres/ml (LEV) 1-5 fibres/ml Hand sawing asbestos insulation board (No LEV): 5-10 fibres/ml Rough handling: > 15 fibres/ml Scribing and breaking asbestos insulation board: 1-5 fibres/ml N.B. please note that where poor techniques are used very high exposures can occur e.g. breaking and ripping out dry with no unscrewing. Also note that exposures are likely to be higher where insulation board contains crocidolite or amosite asbestos or where the board is in poor condition. Cement Pipes and Sheets a Machine cutting without LEV i Abrasive disc cutting fibres/ml ii Circular saw fibres/ml iii Jig saw 2-10 fibres/ml b c d e f Machine sawing with LEV < 2 fibres/ml Reciprocating saw < 1 fibres/ml Hand sawing < 1 fibres/ml Machine drilling < 1 fibres/ml Removal of asbestos cement sheeting < 0.5 fibres/ml 9

12 i g h Stacking of asbestos cement < 0.5 fibres/ml Remote demolition of asbestos structures < 0.1 fibres/ml (CAUTION: subsequent clearance may give rise to concentrations greater than 1) Cleaning of asbestos cement: Roofing Vertical cladding Dry brushing (wire) Wet brushing (wire) Water-jetting (Note: water jetting may produce debris and slurry which is difficult to control.) N.B. These figures are the concentrations found when the processes are carefully carried out. Bad handling practices may result in higher concentrations. 10

13 Appendix 5 Techniques for Working with Cement Risk of exposure Asbestos cement is a hard composite material and generates less dust than most other products containing asbestos. But the risk of fibre release is still there, either through accidental abrasion or in the normal course of work with the material. The risk of fibre release is greater when the material is damaged or decaying. The extent of dust release depends on the nature of the work. Simple tasks with hand tools on new asbestos cement products will usually create exposures well below the control limits. More extensive work and work on worn, crumbling or damaged products can cause higher exposures which may exceed them. Work with power tools is often particularly dusty, for example machine sawing, grinding, or cutting with abrasive discs. Cleaning of old and weathered asbestos cement can also produce high airborne fibre levels especially if the surface is dry. Some machine sawing and cutting operations without exhaust ventilation can produce respirable airborne fibre concentrations of 10 fibres/ml or more. Handling new asbestos cement products will not normally give rise to exposures above the control limit or the action level, but if contamination of clothing is likely suitable protective clothing should be provided and worn. Work methods Choose work methods which do not create unnecessary dust. The following `do's' and 'don'ts give an idea of how to keep dust levels to a minimum. a DO use exhaust ventilation equipment wherever reasonably practicable; b c d e DO keep the material wet wherever possible; DO NOT use cutting and grinding discs or circular saws to cut or mitre asbestos cement. Use a hand or reciprocating saw or scribe and break flat sheets or slates; DO NOT use any dry abrasive processes such as sand blasting, sanding, or dry brushing; DO NOT use cleaning methods for asbestos cement sheeting which generate excessive dust or water mists. Personal protective equipment Respirators should be worn if the control limits are liable to be exceeded. The equipment provided should either be type-approved by HSE or conform to a 11

14 standard approved by HSE. Information on the protection offered, suitability and the approval of RPE should be obtained from the manufacturer. Type approved equipment will be shown on the list of HSE type-approved RPE. It should give adequate protection against likely dust levels and should be suitable for the job. Respirators which rely on a good face seal to be effective (e.g. ori-nasal and some high efficiency types), are not suitable for people with beards and spectacles. Workers should be trained how to use respirators. The equipment should be maintained in good working order, cleaned and disinfected after use and stored in a suitable locker or container. Workers should be provided with protective clothing if a significant quantity of asbestos is liable to be deposited on their clothes. Protective clothing will not be required where dust levels are very low and exposures are brief and there is little risk of asbestos materials sticking to clothing. Protective clothing should be matched to the job. Airborne fibre levels are one factor among several to be taken into account, but where expected levels are high, as in much asbestos removal for example, it is likely that a full suit of protective clothing including headwear, clothing and footwear will be necessary. Where exposure is low but still liable to lead to deposit of significant quantities of asbestos, perhaps through rubbing contact with wet or friable material, industrial working clothing, such as dust jackets and overalls will be adequate. Contaminated clothing should be stored in a secure place away from changing facilities. After work, asbestos workers should wash thoroughly. Where significant bodily contamination is possible, it may be necessary to provide separate decontamination units including showers. Contaminated overalls should NEVER be taken home for cleaning. They should be sealed in suitably labelled impervious bags and sent to a laundry equipped and able to deal with asbestos contaminated clothing or, where appropriate, disposed of as asbestos waste. Cleaning At the end of the shift, the work area should be cleaned of any asbestos dust or debris. In particular: a Waste and debris must be cleaned up and taken for disposal as soon as possible. Fine debris or waste liable to generate dust should be placed in suitable closed containers which prevent the escape of asbestos dust. Heavy duty polythene bags may be suitable. When the container is full it should be sealed, the outside cleaned and it should be placed in a separate storage area for disposal. Containers should be labelled to show that asbestos is present in accordance with CAWR and asbestos ACOP's. Larger pieces of asbestos cement, including whole sheets, should not be broken or cut for disposal in plastic sacks. Whole sheets and large pieces of asbestos cement are best disposed 12

15 of by careful transfer to covered lorries or skips, or by wrapping intact in sheet plastic or other suitable material; b c The external surfaces of waste containers should be cleaned before the containers are removed from the work area; Work surfaces should be cleaned by a dustless method such as a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners should comply with BS 5415 (Type `H'). If a vacuum cleaner is not used debris should be thoroughly wetted before shovelling into strong plastic bags. Workers involved should wear suitable personal protective equipment and other nonessential personnel kept well away. Waste disposal Guidance on the disposal of asbestos waste is given in the CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTE PUBLISHED BY THE INSTITUTE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT. Asbestos cement waste will always be `controlled waste' under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and should therefore be taken to a site licensed by the waste disposal authority. Unless it contains crocidolite or has been finely crushed it is unlikely to be `special waste' for the purpose of the Control of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations. If waste is to be removed from a site it should be sealed in a clearly marked container labelled as required by CAWR. There should be effective arrangements for dealing with any spillage and, if necessary, for decontamination of any vehicle used for transport. Cleaning weathered asbestos cement sheets After several years asbestos cement used externally may become covered with lichens, algae or mosses. Such growths will have no noticeable effect on the strength, durability or lifetime of the structure although it may become visually unattractive. Unless the vegetative growth is removed or disturbed there will be no measurable release of asbestos fibre. You should ask yourself whether it is necessary to clean asbestos cement sheets at all on grounds of aesthetic appearance, as cleaning operations will result in some fibre release. If it is decided to remove these growths one or more of the following methods might be appropriate. a b c d Wet wire brushing. Dry scrubbing. Toxic washes. Water jetting. When deciding how to clean, remember that dry methods are much dustier than wet ones. On the other hand, water jetting, though it can clean quickly and thoroughly, has serious drawbacks. It is likely to strip off the surface of the sheets themselves, producing significant levels of airborne fibre, and in 13

16 some circumstances enclosure may even be needed. A lot of slurry, which is difficult to control, is also formed. Unless these effects can be properly dealt with, water jetting should not be chosen as a cleaning method. 14

17 Appendix 6 Techniques for work with asbestos insulating board Risk of exposure and fibre release Work with AIB must be assessed carefully because the amount of fibre released by it is very variable. Please note that major work with AIB or work on AIB requiring a licence will be highly likely to require sheeting up and creation of three stage air locks, decontamination units and designated areas under CAWR. Board which is undisturbed and in good condition will release very little fibre. The amount given off will be much greater if the board is disturbed or damaged, or if it is deteriorating significantly, and may reach high levels when it is worked on. How much fibre is released will depend on the nature of the work and on the proportion and type of asbestos present in the board. Many activities involving insulating board are likely to produce dust levels in excess of the control limits if they continue for more than a brief period (see Appendix 3 above 'Typical Exposures'). Prevention of damage or deterioration When AIB is found in a position where it is liable to be damaged by impact or abrasion, precautions should be taken to protect it by means of barriers or enclosure. If protection is not possible the board should be surface treated to minimise release of fibres. Surface treatment, by application of a coating or covering is the simplest and usually least expensive way to prevent the release of dust from deteriorating or damaged board. Various materials may be used including paints or polymeric coatings, cements, or plasters or the surface can be encased in a suitable cladding material. The treatment chosen will depend on the circumstances, the degree of protection required, the function of the board (e.g. whether it is used for fire protection) and its condition. If the board is in a very poor condition or liable to heavy wear or damage the most practical solution may be to remove it completely. Whatever treatment is chosen, suitable precautions should be taken during such work. Precautions Work with AIB should be planned so that exposure to asbestos dust is kept to the lowest level reasonably practicable. How that is to be done will be set out in the assessment. The precautions chosen must not only protect the workers who do the job but also control the release of dust to the surrounding atmosphere and the spread of contamination from the workplace. They must take account of people who are not involved in the work but may be exposed to asbestos because of it. What precautions are needed will depend upon the nature and extent of the work and the composition and condition of the board. The person in charge of 15

18 the work should make sure that the ones actually used are in accordance with the assessment and that the assessment continues to be valid. People working with AIB should be aware of the hazards and be trained in safe working methods. The correct use of respiratory protective equipment is an important element of this training. The following paragraphs describe in more detail precautions suitable for some different kinds of work. The application of surface coatings These precautions should be taken when applying coating to damaged or friable surfaces: a b c d e f g The working area should be clearly demarcated with warning signs and if appropriate barriers, with only those engaged in the work allowed to enter; Any moveable equipment liable to be contaminated should be cleared from the area and other equipment covered with disposable or readily cleaned impervious sheeting; Suitable protective clothing should be provided and worn unless the amount of asbestos liable to be deposited on the worker's clothes, from the atmosphere or bodily contact with the board, is insignificant. (It will rarely be the case that protective clothing can be dispensed with during work with AIB). Protective clothing, including headgear, should always be worn when working overhead; Where control limits are likely to be exceeded workers should be provided with suitable approved respiratory protective equipment; All surfaces to be sealed should first be cleaned to remove any loose dust. It is best to use a suitable vacuum cleaner which complies with BS 5415 (Type `H') but if this not reasonably practicable a damp cloth may be used. After use, the cloth should be placed in a suitably labelled dust tight impermeable bag before it has dried out and should be disposed of as asbestos waste; The method of application should be chosen to minimise disturbance of the surface; When the job is finished, the working area should be thoroughly cleaned by a dustless method before it is returned to normal use. If the work has been extensive and the surface condition poor, so that it appears likely that there has been a significant release of dust to the general atmosphere, it may be appropriate to carry out atmospheric monitoring to ensure that fibre concentrations are acceptable for normal occupation; 16

19 h i Protective clothing should be thoroughly cleaned before leaving the working area. Disposable clothing can be used for the work and should be disposed of as asbestos waste; Adequate washing and changing facilities should be provided. If for any reason the preparation for application of surface coating causes breakage of the insulating board, or friable surfaces is exposed, additional precautions relating to major work will usually be necessary. Small-scale maintenance activities Some maintenance activities involving small scale disturbance of AIB may nevertheless give rise to exposures above the control limits, and the work should be regarded as `major'. Where this is not so, and the work is genuinely `minor', the following precautions should be used: a b c d e f g h Only people involved in the work should be allowed in the area. If necessary signs and barriers should be erected indicating the work area; Where practical any moveable equipment should be removed from the area and other equipment and surfaces covered with impervious sheeting; Suitable protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment should be provided and worn, unless the amount of asbestos liable to be deposited on the worker's clothes, from the atmosphere or by bodily contact with the board, is insignificant. (It will rarely be the case that protective clothing can be dispensed with during work with AIB). Protective clothing, including headgear, should always be worn when working overhead; Working methods should be chosen to minimise release of dust. Generally hand tools are less likely to generate fibre release than power tools and wetting of the board may be possible. Boards should be removed whole wherever possible; On completion of the work all surfaces should be cleaned of dust and debris by a dustless method; Protective clothing should be cleaned and laundered; Washing and changing facilities should be provided and used; Where contamination of the area has occurred it will usually be appropriate to carry out a sampling exercise to ensure the cleaned area is acceptable for re-occupation and normal use. 17

20 Protective clothing The kind of protective clothing required will depend upon the nature and degree of exposure. Generally, with high level exposures, a full suit of protective clothing including headwear, clothing and footwear is necessary. To be adequate the clothing should be made of a material that is readily decontaminated, resistant to penetration and the design should ensure close fitting at the neck and wrists. It should not have external pockets or other attachments that will trap asbestos dust. There will normally be an integral hood. The clothing should fit the wearer, be comfortable and allow for heat and physical stress. Gloves are not normally needed for protection against asbestos. Usually two sets of clothing per person will be needed, depending on the length of the job, one to wear and one for cleaning and repair. Disposable clothing may also be useful, particularly when storage or washing present difficulties. Protective clothing should be worn only in the enclosure or marked work area, in hygiene facilities or between these areas when suitable transit arrangements have been made. It should not be taken home. Nondisposable protective clothing should be washed at suitable intervals. If not cleaned by the employer the clothing should be sent to a laundry which deals with asbestos-contaminated clothing. Clothing for despatch to a laundry should be placed into dust-tight bags and labelled in accordance with CAWR. The bags should be strong enough to remain dust-tight during transport and handling. Hygiene A high standard of washing and storage facilities should be provided which are maintained in a clean and orderly manner. The work area should be cleaned regularly to remove accumulations of asbestos dust and debris. Surfaces should be cleaned at intervals as the work progresses. When work is complete all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated, including all equipment used. Cleaning should be carried out by a dustless method such as a vacuum cleaner designed for use with asbestos which conforms to BS 5415 type `H'. For small localised work it may be sufficient to wipe down contaminated surfaces with a damp cloth. Waste disposal Any container used for disposal of asbestos waste should be made from an impermeable material which is strong enough to remain dust tight even under wet conditions. For loose fibrous waste or small fragments double plastic bags are suitable. The inner bag should not be overfilled and each bag should be capable of being securely tied or sealed. Air should be excluded from the bag as far as possible before sealing. Stronger containers are necessary if the waste contains sharp metal fragments or other materials liable to puncture a plastic bag. 18

21 If insulating board is removed with little damage it should preferably be wrapped as individual sections and placed into a sealed container such as a totally enclosed skip. Containers should be sealed and cleaned before removal from the enclosure or work area and they should be taken to a suitable and clearly identified storage area if not to be disposed of at once. Labelling Waste should be labelled in accordance with Schedule 2 of CAWR. Detailed guidance on asbestos waste disposal is contained in the Institute of Waste Management CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS WASTE. Asbestos waste should be disposed of only at a waste disposal site licensed for the purpose by the Environment Agency and in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Agency. 19

22 Appendix 7 Risk Assessment for the Control of Asbestos Activity Removal of a ceiling tile Persons at Risk Person undertaking work Persons in vicinity of work Staff cleaning after work is undertaken Persons Undertaking Work Licensed Contractors Likely Exposures For one screwed chrysotile in good condition using the control measures stated below and where work is of no more than 5 minutes in duration: Less than 0.9 fibres/ml (control limit) Work is minor Control Measures and Method Statement Only people involved in the work should be allowed in the area. If necessary signs and barriers should be erected indicating the work area. Where practical remove moveable equipment from the area and cover other equipment and surfaces with impervious sheeting (e.g. Visqueen). Dress in suitable protective clothing (disposable with elasticated hood and cuffs e.g. DuPont Tyvek coverall) and respiratory protective equipment (e.g. 3M disposable mask 8710E or any mask approved to EN149 FFP1 or higher). Wet the board using a hand sprayer. Paying particular attention to weak point such as edges and areas around screws. Use hand tools only to unscrew screws or draw nails. Remove boards whole wherever possible. Clean board and the area it was removed from with an H type vacuum cleaner suitable for asbestos use. Place boards in approved bags and seal (e.g. red asbestos bags). Clean the work area using the H type vacuum cleaner. Vacuum off ones clothing. Remove clothing and place in an approved waste bag. Remove respiratory protective equipment and place in waste bag. Seal waste bag. Replace tile with non-asbestos tile. 20

23 Remove warning signs and allow area to be be reoccupied. Dispose of bag to licensed waste site. In the event of an accident (for example waste bag splits when carrying it down the corridor). Do not panic you will not be persecuted for having an accident. It is important to report accidents to reduce risks to people and to avoid being criticised in any later investigation. Take action to minimise dust release by wetting the spilt material then brush up into an approved waste bag or if a small amount of dry material vacuum up using an H type vacuum. Reseal split bag. Contact your project manager or area surveyor from Estate Planning Services and tell them to contact the University Health and Safety Adviser and the Key Person on site. Manager, Health and Safety Adviser or Key Person to evacuate the area and contact an approved laboratory in order to take air samples. 21