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