Measures for the employee against exposure to asbestos when repairing straight break in 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 that refuse sacks, a suitable liquid water-based binding agent (such as latex), including equipment for its application, and asbestos waste container(s) 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. 

During the work

Release the pressure of the pipe using blowers:

• Clean and wet the pipe.
• Place the closed drilling tool saddle on the pipe.
• Mount the valve organ (valve or one-way valve) on the saddle.
• Pour a quantity of approximately  0.2 litres of water into the valve organ.
• Assemble the drilling tool and open the pipe.
• Immediately store the drilled out asbestos cement disc in a plastic refuse sack labelled ‘asbestos’. 
• Remove the drilling tool and clean it thoroughly with water.
• Apply the blowers via the valve organ in the pipe and pressurise them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• If it is stated in the VIAG work plan that a second blower must be used, then repeat the above steps.
• Repeat the steps above on the other side of the pipe section which is to be depressurised.

Repair the break:

• Thoroughly clean the pipe at the straight break with a soft brush and water. 
• Position and assemble the repair set or clamp.
• Bring the pipe back into service.
• Thoroughly clean the removed blowers and related equipment with water and paper or cloth. Remove paper or cloth with the other asbestos-containing waste in a closed refuse sack labelled ‘asbestos’ to the asbestos waste container. 
• When you leave the workplace, throw the disposable gloves away in a refuse sack 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 which may have been left behind and collect and pack this in refuse sacks labelled ‘asbestos’.
• Clean the tools with water.
• Put any used disposable gloves in a plastic refuse sack labelled 'asbestos' in the asbestos waste container. 
• Rinse boots and neoprene gloves.
• Wash your hands, arms and face.