Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423:body:0:p40
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 103607–106512

removed to reduce the risk. Where a risk still remained, the pipes are enclosed so far as is reasonably practicable to reduce the risk further. Where control valves were connected and the AC pipe was in good condition, it was determined that it was not practicable to remove the asbestos due to lack of available replacement parts, nor was it practicable to enclose the asbestos because access was occasionally required. In this case, sealing the surface of the AC pipes near control valves with an epoxy-based paint to protect the material from deterioration and reduce the risk of airborne asbestos fibres was an appropriate option.

7.4         Tools and equipment
As mentioned in Section 6.4 of this Code, certain equipment must not be used on asbestos. It is therefore important to select the correct equipment to minimise the generation of airborne asbestos.
Manually operated (non-powered) hand tools should be used wherever possible. If they will not provide sufficient physical force to perform the required operation, low-speed, battery-powered tools that are able to be used in conjunction with wet methods for dust control are preferred.
Battery-powered tools should be fitted with a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) dust control hood wherever possible. If an LEV dust control hood cannot be attached and other dust control methods—including pastes and gels—are unsuitable, then shadow vacuuming techniques should be used.
Where power tools with dust suppression/extraction are used, exposure monitoring should be carried out to ensure the controls used are effective in reducing the generation of fibres. It is good practice to ensure that the levels of airborne fibres do not exceed one half of the exposure standard (0.1 fibres/ml). If more than half the exposure standard is exceeded, work should be stopped and improvements made to the controls being used.
The use of high-pressure water and compressed air is prohibited under the WHS Regulations as they can cause asbestos to become friable.

Asbestos vacuum cleaners
Asbestos vacuum cleaners should comply with the requirements in AS/NZS 60335.2.69:2003 Household and similar electrical: Particular requirements for wet and dry vacuum cleaners, including power brush, for industrial and commercial use (IEC 60335-2-69 Ed 3.2 MOD).
Household vacuum cleaners must never be used where asbestos is or may be present, even if they have a HEPA filter.
More comprehensive information about asbestos vacuum cleaners is provided in the Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos.

7.5         Safe work practices
It is important that safe work practices are in place when carrying out asbestos work or asbestos-related work. Wherever possible, dry asbestos should not be worked on. Techniques that prevent or minimise the generation of airborne asbestos fibres include:
    * the wetting of asbestos using surfactants or wetting agents, such