It is important that safe working procedures are used when handling and removing ACM to reduce asbestos fibre release, and minimise potential health risk.

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) refers to building products that generally consist of between 5 to 15% asbestos fibres in cement or other bonding material. 

Identification of ACM

Where ACM is found at the workplace it is important to first identify whether the ACM is friable or non-friable.

Friable ACM is in a powder form or can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.   The safe removal of friable ACM should only occur by a Class A licenced removalist as soon as reasonably practicable.

Non-Friable ACM, which is more likely to be found, is where the asbestos fibres are still bonded and reinforced and unlikely to be crushed, pulverised or reduced to powder form from hand pressure.  The removal of less than 10m2 of non-friable ACM can be safely removed, in conjunction with the correct controls and procedures.

Safe Removal of non-Friable ACM

The safe removal of non-friable ACM should only be carried out on asbestos that is in good condition.  For this reason, the ACM should be thoroughly inspected prior to the removal process.

There is a risk to health if the surface of ACM sheeting is disturbed, particularly after hail storms or cyclones,  ensuring that the surface of the ACM cement matrix is not eroded or deteriorated is important in determining the risk of potential asbestos fibre release when handled.  A method that does not disturb the matrix should always be used, and under no circumstances should the ACM be abrasively cut, such as with the use of powered saws or grinders. 

The safe removal of non-friable ACM should always be conducted with the appropriate equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), preparation of work area, decontamination, and clearance of work area.

Occuhealth provides a comprehensive service for asbestos identification and management, including:

• Airborne fibre monitoring 
• Clearance inspections
• Risk assessments
• Fibre identification 
• Inspections for residential and commercial premises

All assessments are performed according to the Code for the Management and Control of Asbestos in the Workplace [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)], ensuring that reports are fully compliant with international standards for environmental protection and health safety. Employers will be made aware of risk priority ranking, and together with Occuhealth can formulate a comprehensive asbestos management plan that will inform and direct future activity.

References:

• Safe Work Australia, Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, 2011
• Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth), Asbestos: A guide for householders and the general public, Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, 2013.