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Removal of Asbestos Fencing, Contaminated Soil and Suspected ACM Debris- PropertyHelp Ltd

PropertyHelp Ltd shall undertake the following work:

  1. Removal of asbestos fencing located on the side of the house.
  2. Removal of asbestos fencing located on the side of the garage.
  3. Excavation and removal of approximately 2m x 2m area of topsoil around the tree trunk in the rear yard where asbestos-containing debris has reportedly been dumped.
  4. Collection and removal of rubbish and suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACM) within the excavation area.
  5. Chicken-picking (visual inspection and hand collection) of ACM fragments throughout the grassed rear yard.
  6. Removal of grass and contaminated soil within the designated area.
  7. Removal and disposal of the concrete structure identified by the owner.
  8. Packaging, transport and disposal of asbestos waste to an approved landfill facility.

2. Hazards Identified

Airborne asbestos fibres

Serious respiratory illness

Manual handling injuries

Strains and sprains

Excavation works

Uneven ground and slips

Concrete demolition

Flying debris and dust

Sharp ACM fragments

Cuts and punctures

Public exposure

Unauthorised entry

Heat stress

Fatigue and dehydration

Vehicle movements

Struck-by incidents

Risk

3. Required PPE

All personnel shall wear:

  • Disposable Type 5/6 coveralls
  • P2 disposable respirator or half-face respirator fitted with P2 filters
  • Safety boots
  • Disposable gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • High visibility clothing where required

PPE shall remain on within the asbestos work area.

4. Site Establishment

Prior to commencing work:

Supervisor shall:

  • Conduct toolbox meeting.
  • Review SWP and ARCP with workers.
  • Confirm emergency procedures.
  • Establish exclusion zone.
  • Install asbestos warning signs.
  • Close gates and restrict public access.
  • Establish decontamination area.
  • Set up waste storage area.
  • Confirm asbestos waste bags and wrapping materials are available.

5. Removal of Asbestos Fencing

Step 1

  • Wet fencing thoroughly using low-pressure water spray.
  • Avoid excessive water runoff.

Step 2

  • Remove fixings carefully.
  • Minimise breakage.
  • Do not use power tools.

Step 3

  • Lower sheets directly onto plastic-lined ground area.

Step 4

  • Double wrap in 200-micron polythene.
  • Seal using asbestos warning tape.

Step 5

  • Label and place into asbestos waste storage area.

6. Excavation of Contaminated Soil Around Tree

Step 1

  • Wet area before disturbing soil.

Step 2

  • Carefully remove top layer of soil by hand tools.

Step 3

  • Inspect for ACM fragments.

Step 4

  • Collect all suspected ACM debris.

Step 5

  • Place contaminated soil directly into asbestos waste bags or lined bins.

Step 6

  • Continue excavation until visibly clean soil is reached or as directed by owner.

7. Chicken Picking of Rear Yard

Step 1

  • Conduct systematic visual inspection.

Step 2

  • Divide area into manageable sections.

Step 3

  • Collect all visible ACM fragments.

Step 4

  • Place material into asbestos waste bags.

Step 5

  • Record findings.

8. Removal of Grass and Soil

Step 1

  • Wet down area.

Step 2

  • Remove grass layer and underlying soil.

Step 3

  • Load directly into lined waste containers.

Step 4

  • Avoid dropping material from heights.

Step 5

  • Maintain dust suppression throughout activity.

9. Removal of Concrete Structure

Step 1

  • Confirm no ACM remains beneath structure.

Step 2

  • Wet surrounding area.

Step 3

  • Break concrete using suitable hand tools or mechanical equipment as required.

Step 4

  • Suppress dust continuously.

Step 5

  • Remove concrete rubble from site.

Step 6

  • Inspect underlying ground for ACM contamination.

10. Waste Management

All asbestos waste shall:

  • Be double wrapped or double bagged.
  • Be labelled appropriately.
  • Be transported by authorised personnel.
  • Be disposed of at an approved asbestos disposal facility.
  • Disposal receipts shall be retained on project file.

11. Decontamination Procedure

Personal Decontamination

  1. Vacuum coveralls if required using H-Class vacuum.
  2. Remove disposable coveralls.
  3. Remove gloves.
  4. Remove respirator last.
  5. Dispose of contaminated PPE as asbestos waste.

Equipment Decontamination

  • Wet wipe tools.
  • Inspect for contamination.
  • Dispose of wipes as asbestos waste.

12. Air Monitoring

As work is less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos removal, air monitoring is not mandatory but may be arranged by the client if requested.

13. Emergency Procedures

Fibre Release Event

  1. Stop work immediately.
  2. Evacuate affected area.
  3. Notify Supervisor.
  4. Wet down contaminated area.
  5. Re-establish controls.
  6. Record incident.

Injury

  1. Stop work.
  2. Apply first aid.
  3. Contact emergency services if required.
  4. Notify Supervisor.

Emergency Services: 111

14. Completion

Upon completion:

  • Conduct final visual inspection.
  • Remove all waste from site.
  • Remove signage after area deemed clean.
  • Complete job records.
  • Obtain disposal documentation.
  • Arrange independent clearance inspection if requested by client.
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