Measures for the employee against exposure to asbestos when making household connection to AC pipe

Before you begin

• You may only execute the work activities if you have attended ‘working safely with asbestos cement pipes' training. 
• If the circumstances deviate from the work plan: Cease the work activities and contact the person responsible for the work.
• Before you begin check refuse sacks are available.
• In addition to the required company clothing, use the following personal protective equipment: 
  • safety boots (type S5);
  • neoprene (disposable) gloves;
• Do not eat, drink or smoke within the designated work place.
• The work activities must be executed in such a manner that no more than 2 employees are directly involved.
• Ensure that the pipe remains covered with approximately 5 -10 cm soil, until you begin work on the pipe. 
• Keep the pipe or socket moist during the metal removing work activities. 
• Use a closed drilling tool for drilling gas pipes. 
• With all work activities, ensure that the cutting surfaces are moist. 

During the work

• Thoroughly clean and wet the pipe segment to be opened and drill saddle with a soft brush.
• Connect the connecting pipe with appropriate fittings to the saddle.
• Assemble the drill saddle including the branching off fitting and partially fill it with water.
• Assemble the drilling tool and make an opening hole.
• Remove the drilling tool. 
• Immediately store the drilled out asbestos cement disc in a plastic sack bearing the label ‘asbestos’. 
• Clean the drilling tool thoroughly with water.
• When you leave the workplace, throw the disposable gloves away in a refuse sack labelled 'asbestos' in the asbestos-containing waste.  Place your safety boots and gloves at the edge of your work place. 
• Wash your hands and arms, and also your face if you are going to eat or drink.
• If you are returning to your work place, then put new disposable gloves on.

When the work is finished

• After finishing the work activities inspect the work place for asbestos-containing waste and disposable gloves which may have possibly been left behind and collect and pack it in refuse sacks labelled ‘asbestos’.
• Clean the tools with water.
• Rinse boots and neoprene gloves.
• Wash your hands, arms and face.