WORKER TRAINING FOR SELECT CLEAN UP OF ASBESTOS-CONTAMINATED DRYWALL WASTE © 2011 EHS Partnerships Ltd.

INTRODUCTION This training program was developed to: Provide attendees with information about the hazards of Asbestos Containing Materials Familiarize attendees with applicable sections of the British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Provide attendees with enough information about the hazards of the ACMs to be able to proactively identify situations where there is a risk of harmful exposure and to protect themselves and others from the risk of harmful exposure Familiarize attendees with applicable sections of the British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

COURSE OBJECTIVES At the end of the course, participants will: Understand hazards of ACM’s Identify possible harmful exposure Understand Asbestos Exposure Control Plan Be able to follow Moderate Risk Abatement techniques At the end of this course, participants will:   Understand the hazards of the Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) to be able to proactively identify situations where there is a risk of harmful exposure and to protect themselves and others from the risk of harmful exposure Understand an asbestos exposure control plan and safe work procedure including the precautions that must be taken when cleaning up and disposing of asbestos-contaminated drywall waste. Be able to follow Moderate Risk Abatement techniques and procedures detailed in the above-noted asbestos exposure control plan and safe work procedure.

Legislation OH&S LEGISLATION

OH&S Legislation Worker’s Compensation Act Workplace health and safety is regulated in British Columbia by WorkSafeBC under the Workers’ Compensation Act (effective April 15, 1998), as amended by the Workers’ Compensation (Occupational Health and Safety) Amendment Act (effective October 1, 1999). The Act defines the general duties and obligations of the employer, employees and others at the work site.

BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Legislation BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation ACMs are regulated specifically under Part 6 (sections 6.1 to 6.32) of British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (BC Reg.) 296/97, as amended from time to time.

Maximum Allowable Asbestos Exposure Levels The TWA for all forms of asbestos for an 8-hour work shift is: 0.1 f/cc (fibres per cubic centimeter) For extended work shifts the TWA must be adjusted consistent with the requirements of Part 5.50 of the OH&S Regulations.

Provincial Environmental Legislation In British Columbia, environmental hazards pertaining to waste generally fall under the jurisdiction of The British Columbia Ministry of Environment (MoE), pursuant to The Environmental Management Act. The Hazardous Waste Regulation (HWR), BC Reg. 63/88, as amended by BC Reg. 319/2004, provides requirements for handling, storage, transportation, treatment, recycling and disposal of hazardous goods.

Transportation Regulations The transportation of hazardous wastes is governed under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations.

Guidelines WorkSafeBC has published “Safe Handling of Asbestos, A Manual of Standard Practices”, 2006 and “G20.112 Hazardous materials – Asbestos”, dated 2008. The purpose of these documents are to provide information on asbestos, asbestos hazards, safe abatement of ACMs, requirements for worker protection, safe work procedures and what constitutes a compliant asbestos inspection.

Jurisdictional Controls According to the Ten Steps to Compliance as outlined in WorkSafeBC guideline 20.112, an ACM survey must be completed prior to renovating and/or demolishing any building or structure that was built prior to 1990.

ASBESTOS AWARENESS

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres. Chrysotile: White 3 common types include: Amosite: Brown Crocidolite: Blue

Asbestos – Mined in Open Pit Mines

USES OF ASBESTOS

Useful Properties of Asbestos Resists burning even at high temperatures Has great tensile strength Acoustic dampener Resists corrosion by chemicals Resists biological growth Insulates against the conduction of electricity Is very flexible

Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) – Building Exteriors Cement paneling, soffits and roof panels Roofing felts and mastics Stucco Brick and block mortar Loose fill insulation in exterior wall cavities

ACM’s - Walls Drywall joint compound Plaster Texture coating Transite wall board

ACM’S - Flooring Floor tile Sheet vinyl flooring Floor leveling compounds

ACM’s - Ceilings T-bar ceiling tile Cement ceiling tile Acoustic finishes Stippled finishes Plaster or drywall joint compound

Services Areas & Mechanical Systems Boiler room insulation – boilers, pipes, ducts, incinerators, floors, walls, ceilings Fan room insulation – insulation on pipes, chillers, floors, ceilings, walls Machine room insulation – insulations on pipes, ducts, floors, ceilings, walls Crawl space insulation - insulation on pipes and ducts Wall cavity insulation Boiler room insulation – boilers, pipes, ducts, incinerators, floors, walls, ceilings Fan room insulation – insulation on pipes, chillers, floors, ceilings, walls Machine room insulation – insulations on pipes, ducts, floors, ceilings, walls Crawl space insulation - insulation on pipes and ducts Wall cavity insulation

Miscellaneous Materials Incandescent light fixture backings Wire insulation Fume hoods Laboratory counter-tops Fire blankets Brake pads Fire-stopping Theatre curtains

HEALTH AND EXPOSURE RISKS

Health Risks Asbestos disease is a result of deep lung inhalation of asbestos fibres. The risk for workers is associated with inhaling airborne fibres. If the asbestos is not disturbed and does not become airborne, the exposure potential is minimal. Materials that have low friability, are in good condition, in an inaccessible location, and protected from damage are low hazard. Where damage or disturbance cannot be controlled, management of the exposure risk is very difficult.

Hazardous Fibres The hazard associated with the fibres is due to their size and shape. Long, fine fibres are most hazardous and can still be inhaled into the deep lung. A fibre is most hazardous if its length is greater than 5 microns and the width is less than 60% of its length. In contrast, fibreglass fibres tend to be too large to reach the deep lung and are not as significant an exposure hazard.

Main Diseases There are three main diseases caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres: Asbestosis Lung cancer Mesothelioma

View WorkSafeBC Video

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respirators Asbestos fibres are hazardous when they are inhaled. Therefore, respirators are the most important pieces of equipment for anyone handling asbestos.

Other PPE In addition to respiratory protection, other PPE may be required, including: disposable coveralls (hooded with elasticized cuffs at wrists and ankles) work gloves safety footwear (steel toed, seamless, laceless rubber boots) hardhat hearing protection safety glasses

Asbestos Control Methods/Options Removal Encapsulation Enclosure Survey & Management Plan

Exposure Control Program & Safe Work Procedure for Cleaning Up Asbestos-Contaminated Drywall

Development of the Exposure Control Program and Safe Work Procedure Through the preparation of this training program, EHS Partnerships Ltd. of Burnaby, BC conducted a qualified substance-specific risk assessment. The substance-specific risk assessment was conducted to evaluate worker exposure and environmental risks associated with clean up of asbestos-contaminated drywall waste in volumes less than or equal to one (1) cubic meter.

Development of the Exposure Control Program and Safe Work Procedure Exposure Control Program and Safe Work Procedure was developed Copy of both documents are provided as an appendix to your training manual. Exposure Control Program and Safe Work Procedure was developed to address the risks identified through the assessment. A copy of the Exposure Control Program and written Safe Work Procedure is provided as an appendix to your training manual.

Moderate Risk Safe Work Procedure The remainder of this course will focus on the safe work procedures that are detailed in the Exposure Control Program and Safe Work Procedure documents.

General Abatement Practices No eating, drinking, or smoking in the asbestos removal area. Workers must fully decontaminate before performing any of these activities, or using the washroom. PPE is to be worn at all times inside the designated cleanup area.

Personal Protective Equipment Required Half or full face respirator with HEPA/P-100 Cartridges Tyvec coveralls High visibility vest Steel toe rubber boots Leather or equivalent gloves Hard hat Hearing protection Eye protection NIOSH approved Half-Face or Full-Face Respirator with HEPA, or P-100 cartridges Disposable Tyvek (or equivalent) coveralls (hooded, elasticized wrists and ankles). High visibility vest. CSA (or equivalent) steel toe/steel shank rubber footwear. Leather (or equivalent) gloves (to be disposed of as asbestos waste at the end of project).

Required Tools & Equipment Two Wash Buckets Hand Soap First Aid Kit Duct Tape Asbestos Warning Tape Asbestos Waste Bags Disposable Hand Towels 6 Mil Polyethylene Sheeting Minimum of 4 Asbestos Hazard Signs Spray Canister Capable of Misting Shovel/Hand Spade 5 micron filter sock

Personal Decontamination Facility A decontamination area is to be used, limiting entry and egress to and from the work area Wash pails within a “clean area” (no more than 2 workers per set of 2 wash pails) will be used by all personnel and equipment entering and exiting the work area

Decontamination Procedures Damp wipe disposable coveralls to remove visible debris, within the work area. Remove coveralls and place in a 6 mil labeled polyethylene bag and dispose of as asbestos waste. DO NOT REMOVE RESPIRATOR AT THIS TIME. Enter designated “personal decontamination area”.  

Decontamination Procedures Thoroughly clean the outside of the respirator with water. Remove the respirator. Thoroughly wash hands and face. Wash and rinse the inside of the respirator. Exit the “personal decontamination area”.

Decontamination Procedures Respirator filters will be taped over while respirator is not in use to prevent possible release of entrapped asbestos fibres or shall be disposed of as asbestos waste. Any equipment used inside the asbestos clean-up area must be thoroughly cleaned (decontaminated) by wet wiping prior to being removed from the asbestos clean-up area.

Work Procedures Don appropriate PPE prior to entering work area and at all times inside the work area. Clean up the horizontal surfaces surrounding the waste deposit by shovel and/or by hand. Continuously mist water onto the waste pile. Clean up dust and waste (wetted if possible) by shovel or hand. Dry sweeping or compressed air must not be used to clean up waste materials.

Work Procedures Following completion of removal, the work area will be thoroughly inspected to ensure all asbestos-containing material and dust/debris has been fully removed. Immediately upon finishing the work, complete the following tasks:   Wet drop sheets; Fold them to contain any remaining dust; Bag or place them in a sealable container; and, Dispose of them as asbestos waste.

Work Procedures Before leaving the work area, complete the following tasks: Clean protective equipment wet wiping before taking them outside of the asbestos clean-up area; and,  Place protective clothing that was worn in the asbestos clean-up area in a sealable container and dispose of as asbestos waste.

Solid Waste All waste will be continuously double-bagged in asbestos waste bags and stored on-site for appropriate disposal. Asbestos waste must be placed in sealable containers which are labeled as “asbestos-containing” Clean external surfaces of the sealed containers. Remove containers from the work area.

Liquid Waste Wash water from the personal and waste decontamination process must be passed through a 5 micron filter sock prior to discarding the water to sewer drain. Used filter socks must be kept damp and should be disposed of as asbestos waste immediately after use.

Step 1: Set Up Work Area Barriers and Personal Decontamination area Traffic control and work area

Step 2: Don PPE

Step 3a: Clean up Drywall: Wet Waste

Step 3b: Clean up Drywall: Bag Waste

Step 3c: Clean up drywall: Final Cleaning

Step 3d: Clean up Drywall: Create a Goose Neck Seal on the Waste Bags

Steps 4 and 5: Clean and decontaminate tools and PPE Video

Step 6: Disposal of asbestos-containing material Transport as hazardous waste Follow local, provincial and federal regulations Take to temporary storage or designated disposal facility

COMPLETING A FIELD-LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT FOR ACMS

Risk Assessment Historically, plaster applications, including drywall joint compounds, were manufactured to contain between 1-10% asbestos. Unpainted plaster compounds are somewhat friable. Painted plaster compounds are non-friable.

Risk Assessment Based on the above-noted information, and on information presented in WorkSafeBC publication “Safe Handling of Asbestos, A Manual of Standard Practices”, a moderate risk of exposure to harmful levels of asbestos exists for persons cleaning up suspect asbestos-contaminated drywall waste.

FIELD-LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Site Conditions

Site Conditions (continued) Upon closer visual examination, we can see that the drywall waste has suspect asbestos-containing joint compound and textured plaster applied to various pieces of the waste.

Exercise: Divide into groups if appropriate. Secure the work area. Set up the two stage decontamination area. Demonstrate donning of PPE and work area entry procedures. Demonstrate waste (drywall) cleanup procedures. Complete final cleaning. Demonstrate waste bagging procedures. Demonstrate waste bag decontamination procedures. Demonstrate personnel decontamination and work area egress procedures. Dismantle the work area.

Questions?