Measures for the employee against exposure to asbestos when opening AC-pipe with closed drilling tool for branching off

Before you begin

• You may execute the work activities only if you have attended the ‘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 and the fitting to be installed with a soft brush. 
• Position and mount the fitting.
• Mount a suitable valve on the fitting.
• Check the construction by pressure testing for gas impermeability.
• Mount the drilling tool on the valve.
• Open the pressurised pipe with a milling cutter via the opened valve with a special drill.
• Remove the drill spindle and close the valve.
• Remove the drilling tool and mount the branching pipe on the valve. The branching pipe can then be constructed.
• Immediately store the drilled out asbestos cement disc in a plastic sack labelled ‘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 neoprene 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 workplace for any asbestos-containing waste and disposable gloves which may have been left behind and collect and pack this in refuse sacks labelled ‘asbestos’.
• Clean the tools with water.
• Rinse boots and neoprene gloves.
• Wash your hands, arms and face.