Verified procedures for the removal of flooring materials containing asbestos

Status:

completed 03/1996

Aims:

Demolition, renovation and repair work involving exposure to asbestos may lead to very high concentrations of asbestos fibres arising in the atmosphere inhaled by the employees involved. In order to reduce the exposure arising during the removal of flooring materials containing asbestos (flexible tiles, CV flooring), the objective of the project was to develop procedures in which the release of asbestos fibres is reduced considerably by the application of technical and organizational measures.

Activities/Methods:

Standardized regulations for the procedures were first described. Hazardous substance measurements were then performed during and following application of the regulations in order to demonstrate the success of the remediation measure. The issue was discussed and conclusions were reached in the Working Group responsible for asbestos exposure during demolition, renovation and repair work.

Results:

The Working Group responsible for asbestos exposure during demolition, renovation and repair work classified the procedure as a procedure involving low exposure to asbestos in accordance with Technical Rule for Hazardous Substances TRGS 519. Two verified procedures involving low exposure to asbestos were added to BG Information BGI 664, which governs procedures involving low exposure to asbestos during demolition, renovation and repair work. These procedures were the removal of vinyl asbestos floor tiles on bitumen adhesive and the removal of CV flooring materials containing asbestos. Where verified procedures are followed, certain protective measures specified in TRGS 519 are not required. These measures include the use of personal protective equipment, occupational medical check-ups, and in-process asbestos fibre measurements.

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