STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Doc ID
SOP 805_019
Vers #
1:10
SOP Prep By:
J Hobbins , Stuart Rowley (Noel Arnold
& Associates) ;Nathan Richardson,
Harvey Baldwyn
Authorised By:
Position:
Harvey Baldwyn
FM Maintenance Manager
Applicable:
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All QUT Staff and Contractors
Alternate contractor procedures are acceptable only
if equivalent in intent and standards.
Date of Issue:
9/11/2010
Sealing, painting, coating and
cleaning of asbestos containing
material (ACM)in-situ
Task description & scope:
This procedure applies where undamaged asbestos cement and Low Density board needs to be painted. This
may be to protect them for aesthetic reasons.
This procedure is not suitable where the material is damaged. (Use Class A Licensed Contractor).
PPE : Minimum requirements
* Indicates standard for all ACM minor work
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* Half face respirator fitted with a P2 air filter approved to
AS 1715/1716. ** Respiratory equipment must also be
appropriate to paint vapours.
* 100% synthetic disposable type coveralls -meeting
specification that prevents fibre of diameter down to 0.5 microns
and a maximum of 15 peneetrations of asbestos fibres eg:
Tyvek
* Washable safety boots( laced boots are
difficult to decontaminate)
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Gloves to afford some protectiion against
cuts, abrasion and skin contact
* Safety Glasses or goggles (to protect
against dust and paint products.)
Training and Certification
Only carry out this work if you have General Asbestos Awareness training and/or specific asbestos work
procedure training for this task.
Health
Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres may cause dose related asbestos diseases such as lung cancer;
mesothelioma; or pleural plaques if inhaled in sufficent quantities.
As a first priority, planning for the maintenance of ACM must include consideration of the removal of hte ACM as
the most preferred control option. Where removed , asbestos products must be replaced with non – asbestos
product.
Safety

Never use high pressure cleaning methods on ACM.

Never prepare surfaces by dry sanding. (If this cannot be avoided remove the asbestos product and replace
with a non-asbestos equivalent material.)
Removal of asbestos products 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 fibres ( dust) from contaminating surrounding work areas. Ensure all ACM waste is
disposed of correctly.
Quality:
The responsible supervisor MUST ensure that all personnel are trained and competent in these procedures.
Work site area must be left in a clean and safe condition.
Facilities Management
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Equipment required in addition to normal tools or materials
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200 micron polythene sheeting & duct tape;
Warning tape , barricades and safety signage
PVA glue
Paint conforming to the job specification. E.g. Fire resistant if required
Type H Vacuum Cleaner
Low pressure paint spray bottle or roller/brush
Bucket of water, rags and wet wipes
Suitable asbestos waste container E.g Labelled 200 micron asbestos waste bag
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Bucket of water, rags and wet wipes
Suitable asbestos waste container (eg- 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)];
Code Of Practice for management and control of asbestos in workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)]
Facilities Management
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Sealing, painting, coating and cleaning of ACM in-situ
Step
Who
1.Prepare work area
2. Sealing or Painting
Action
QUT Staff or
contractor
-
QUT Staff/ Contractor
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Before starting check there is no damage
-
This work may be carried out at height, if so,
the appropriate precautions MUST be taken
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Ensure all necessary electrical isolations have
been made
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Carry out the work with the minimum of people
present
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Restrict access to work area, E.g close door
and/or use warning tape or signage
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Use Plastic sheeting, secured with duct tape, to
cover any surface within the segregated area
which could become contaminated. (This also
helps prevent run off from wet sanding
methods)
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Ensure there is adequate lighting.
-
Never prepare surfaces by dry sanding
methods. (Wet sanding may be used provided
all run off is captured and filtered where
possible)
-
Repair any minor damage – (E.g Use
damp/wet rags to remove small bits of loose
material)
-
If dust needs to be removed, use a Type-H
Vacuum cleaner or rags
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Apply building fillers with a non abrasive tool
where required and allow to dry..
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Seal surfaces with PVA solution (This acts as
an encapsulant and key)
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Preferably use low pressure spray bottle to
apply paint
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Spray using a sweeping motion
-
Do not focus spray nozzle on one area as this
may cause further abrade or damage
-
Alternatively apply a brush/roller lightly to avoid
abrasion or other damage
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Dispose of brush/roller as asbestos waste as
they may contain dust and fibres
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Use wet rags to clean the equipment
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Use wet rags to clean the segregated asbestos
work area or Type H Vacuum cleaner
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Place debris, used rags, plastic sheeting and
other waste into asbestos waste container
QUT Staff/
Contractor
3. Clean up
Facilities Management
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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Sealing, painting, coating and cleaning of ACM in-situ
Step
Who
4. Personal De-contamination
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Where available, use a H-Type vacuum cleaner
to clean your overalls or clothes.
-
Otherwise use a damp-rag (use patting action)
as rubbing can generate airborne fibres
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Where two or more workers are involved they
can clean each other (buddy cleaning)
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Remove disposable overalls by turning inside
out & place in suitable asbestos waste
container
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Disposable respirators can then be removed
and placed in a suitable asbestos waste
container
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Dispose of all waste, including all water, as
asbestos waste.
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Visually inspect the area to ensure it has been
properly cleaned
-
Clearance air sampling is not normally required
QUT Staff/ Contractor
QUT Staff/ Contractor
6. Site Clearance
Facilities Management
Action
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