STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Doc ID
SOP 805_026
Vers #
1:10
SOP Prep By:
J Hobbins , Stuart Rowley (NAA)
;Nathan Richardson, Harvey Baldwyn
Authorised By:
Position:
Harvey Baldwyn
FM Maintenance Manager
Applicable:
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1 of 3
All QUT Staff and Contractors
Alternate contractor procedures are acceptable only
if equivalent in intent and standards.
Date of Issue:
9/11/2010
Removal of bonded asbestos
containing material debris from
soil or fill.
Task description & scope:
This procedure applies where soil or fill has been found to be contaminated with small amounts of asbestos
cement sheet or other bonded AC material, which may have been disposed of incorrectly or through inappropriate
demolition of AC structures in the past.
This procedure is not applicable in the case of extensive contamination of an area >10m 2 or which is contaminated
with friable ACM. In this instance, it is appropriate to engage a licenced contractor ,under the direction of an
Asbestos Consultant, to remove contaminated topsoil to a depth where there is no visible contamination or
asbestos debris.
PPE : Minimum requirements

Gloves (to afford some protection against cuts, abrasion and
skin contact with broken objects in soil)
-
Half face respirator fitted with a P2 air filter approved to
AS 1715/1716

Safety Glasses (to protect against soil dust or
objects flicking up during removal.)
Training and Certification
Only carry out this work if you have General Asbestos Awareness training.
Health
Broken AC sheeting or similar debris , is unlikely to pose a significant airborne health risk to persons removing
buried pieces from soil provided basic precautions as per this procedure, are followed.
“Under observation and analysis by NATA accedited laboratory analysts and Occupational hygienists on
contaminated land sites ; the widespread perception that AC becomes friable when processed by earthmoving
equipment has shown that while some pieces of AC fracture, an insignificant number may become abraded, but
essentially none become ‘friable’ as per the broad definition of friable as used across Australia.
That friable definition is that asbestos material is in the form of powder, or that it can be crumbled , pulverised or
reduced to powder by handpressure when dry.
Laboratory analysis of thousands of soil samples from AC contaminated sites, often in the vicinity of AC itself,
shows the absence of respirable asbestos fibres”.
i
Safety
Removal of asbestos containing material must be done in accordance with the QUT AMMP; Safe Work Australia
(SWA) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002(2005)].
Further advice may be sought from your FM supervisor, FM Maintenance Manager or FM Health and Safety on
specific safety concerns.
Environment
Prevent spread of asbestos debris materials from contaminating other work areas. Ensure all ACM waste is
contained and disposed of correctly.
Quality:
The responsible supervisor MUST ensure that all personnel are instructed and compliant with this procedure.
Work site area must be left in a clean and safe condition.
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Equipment required in addition to normal tools or materials



Warning tape , barricades and safety signage
Low pressure water spray bottle or hose with fine or misting nozzle
Suitable asbestos waste container E.g. Labelled 200 micron asbestos waste bag

Appropriate task lighting
Referenced Documents
-
QUT Asbestos Materials Management Plan PLN805_010;
-
Qld WH & S Regulations;
-
Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [ NOHSC:2002(2005)]; pp35; section 9.9.3.
-
Code Of Practice for management and control of asbestos in workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)]
-
Tillman, Cherilyn (2007) In association with Aust Institute of Occupational Hygienist,”Principles of
Occupational Health and Safety”; pp158-159; “Asbestos in soils”
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Removal of bonded asbestos containing material debris (ACM)
from soil or fill.
Step
1.Prepare work area
2. Removing the AC bonded
sheeting material
Who
Action
QUT Staff or
contractor
QUT Staff/
Contractor
3. Clean up
-
Ensure all necessary electrical and other
service utility lines have been identified and
located for the area
-
Carry out the work with the minimum of people
present
-
Restrict access to contaminated work area, E.g
close doors and/or use warning tape or signage
at least 2 metres distance from site.
-
Ensure there is adequate lighting.
-
Don’t work in very dry top soil or fill.
-
Dampen soil area with low pressure water
spray or hose and keep moist .
-
Dig carefully and hand remove all visible pieces
of ACM debris individually, so that the risk of
AC fibre inhalation is effectively eliminated.
-
Place & seal all ACM debris into asbestos
waste container or labelled 200 micron
asbestos waste bag
-
Disposable respirators can then be removed
and placed in the asbestos waste container
-
Dispose of all other waste, as asbestos waste.
-
Wash hands and other body parts exposed.
-
Visually inspect the area to ensure it has been
properly cleared of all visible ACM debris.
-
Air or soil sampling is not normally required,
unless under specific recommendation from an
Asbestos Consultant.
QUT Staff/
Contractor
4. Personal De-contamination
6. Site Clearance
QUT Staff/
Contractor
QUT Staff/
Contractor
i
Tillman, Cherilyn (2007) In association with Aust Institute of Occupational Hygienist,”Principles of Occupational Health and Safety”; pp158159; “Asbestos in soils”
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