4. CONTROLLING RISKS IN DEMOLITION WORK
Building and construction workers can expect that, in workplaces where asbestos is fixed or installed, all asbestos has been identified so far as is reasonably practicable. If there is any uncertainty about the presence of asbestos or if any part of the structure or plant is inaccessible and likely to be disturbed, it must be assumed that asbestos is present.
Further specific guidance on managing asbestos when demolition and refurbishment work is being carried out can be found in the:
• Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
• Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos.
LEAD Lead is found in paint, old water pipes and other plumbing fittings, sheet lead, solders, lead flashing, lead light windows and glass. The age of a structure may be directly related to the amount of lead that can be present( see Table 2).
TABLE 2 – LEAD SOURCES
Approximate date of construction
Sources of lead hazards
1920- 1978 Paint 1920- 1978 Plumbing 1923- 1986 Automobile exhaust( may accumulate as ceiling dust)
If it is suspected that the structure contains lead based paint, a test for the presence of lead should be conducted.
The precautions which should be taken when demolishing materials containing lead include:
• minimising the generation of lead dust and fumes
• cleaning work areas properly during and after work
• wearing the appropriate PPE
• maintaining good personal hygiene.
Further information can be found in AS 4361.1: Guide to lead paint management-Industrial applications. Testing can recognise dried paint film with more than 1 per cent( by weight) to be lead-containing paint.
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS( PCBS) Workers can be exposed to PCBs when dismantling electrical capacitors and transformers or when cleaning up spills and leaks. Appropriate control measures should be implemented when handling damaged capacitors to ensure that any spillage does not contact workers and is appropriately cleaned up and disposed of.
Any equipment or parts containing PCBs should be placed in a polyethylene bag and then placed into a marked sealable metal container.
If PCBs cannot be transported immediately for disposal, all containers should be stored in a protected area which prevents any discharge of PCBs to the environment.
PPE including gloves made of materials that are resistant to PCBs( e. g. polyethylene, nitrile rubber or neoprene), should be provided to workers and worn when there is any likelihood of exposure to PCBs.
18 CODE OF PRACTICE | DEMOLITION WORK