The Administration of Norfolk Island
SAFE DISPOSAL OF ASBESTOS
AT THE
WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the safe removal and disposal
of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
This guide covers the safe removal of asbestos-containing material, however, removal
is not always the best action.
This guide is to be read in conjunction with the Administration’s Policy & Procedures
2004/4 Asbestos Removal, National Occupational Health and Safety NOHSC: 2002
(2005) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos, and the NSW Government
Workcover Guide Working With Asbestos 2008.
Further information can be obtained from www.nohsc.gov.au www.asbestos.act.gov.au
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
Important Information:
Asbestos is a hazardous substance.
Plan your work to avoid disturbing the material.
Asbestos products are normally accessed as bonded material and present a low health risk.
However, damaged asbestos products can pose a higher health risk and should be assessed
before painting, coating, cleaning, cutting, drilling and/or removing. Plan your work to avoid
disturbing the material, which may result in releasing fibers into the air. Under no circumstances
should asbestos products be water blasted or dry sanded.
Follow the correct safety procedures and protect yourself and others from asbestos related
disease.
Safe Disposal of Asbestos July 2009
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos
When asbestos is contained in a bonded form, maintained in good condition and left alone, it
presents no health risks. Asbestos is only a risk to health if asbestos fibres are released into the
air and breathed in.
Asbestos fibres are a recognised carcinogen and are known to cause a range of asbestosrelated disease such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Asbestos-related diseases have a dose-response relationship, which means the lower the level
of exposure to asbestos fibres, the lower the level of risk.
Disease caused by asbestos may not become evident for up to 50 years and there is no known
cure. By preventing exposure, we can reduce the incidence of asbestos related diseases.
It is important that anyone working with asbestos takes the right precautions to minimise the
generation or inhalation of dust during activities that may disturb materials containing asbestos.
Safe Handling of Asbestos
Equipment
Ensure all the required equipment, to undertake the task, is on site before work commences.
This may include:

Suitable waste containers and plastic sheeting

Plastic drop sheets 200-micron thick

Spray bottle filled with detergent water

Manually controlled consistent pressure water hose

Suitable tools for the task being undertaken

Sealants

Warning signs

Disposable cleaning rags

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Tools
Care should be taken in selecting tools. All tools should prevent or minimize the generation and
dispersion of airborne asbestos fibers as much as possible. Manually operated tools are
preferred as power tools have the possibility of internal contamination. High-speed abrasive
tools must never be used.
Personal Protective Equipment
When carrying out work that may involve disturbing and/or removing materials that contain
asbestos, it is important to wear protective clothing and equipment that prevent you from
inhaling asbestos fibers. It is also important that equipment is disposed of correctly.
As a minimum, a SAA P2 face respirator should be worn, however, a half-face dust filter
respirator is appropriate; overalls fitted with hoods and cuffs sealed with tape; gum boots or
lace-less work boots with disposable boot covers; gloves sealed to cuffs with tape.
Safe Disposal of Asbestos July 2009
Preparation
Consult with all necessary persons and adjoining properties. Remove all loose items from the
area. Use plastic sheeting, secured with tape, to cover floors and surfaces. Restrict entry to the
work area.
Work Methods
The decision to remove asbestos should be based on the application of an asbestos
management plan, developed in accordance with NOHSC Codes of Practice. A site specific
emergency plan, reflecting the risks involved, should be developed before any asbestos
removal work is carried out.
When repairs and maintenance are being undertaken, Safe Working Procedures should be
clearly defined for the task being undertaken. Examples of specific asbestos work procedures
can be found on the websites.
Cleaning Up & Decontamination
 Place waste material in appropriate asbestos bags and place in double plastic lined
waste containers.
 Spray plastic sheeting covers with a spray water bottle.
 Carefully roll or fold sheeting so any collected dust or debris does not spill.
 Use damp rags to clean equipment and any remaining visibly contaminated sections of
the work area.
 If tools and equipment cannot be decontaminated, or are to be used at another asbestos
work area, they should be tagged and double bagged before removal from site.
 Place used rags, plastic sheeting and other waste in disposal bags.
 Seal all plastic bags with tape and place into a second plastic bag.
 Seal this second bag and label as “ASBESTOS WASTE”
 Seal asbestos waste container with lid.
 Use damp cloths to wipe external surfaces of the disposal container to remove any dust
before it is moved and mark with
CAUTION
CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBRES
AVOID OPENNG OR BREAKING CONTAINER
ASBESTOS IS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH
AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY HARM




Place cloths in disposable bags; remove PPE, double bag, seal with tape and
mark as “ASBESTOS WASTE”.
Before work clothes and footwear are removed from the work area, they should
be thoroughly vacuumed with an asbestos vacuum and wiped over with a wet
cloth. Respiratory protective equipment should be used until all contaminated
covers and clothing has been cleaned or removed and bagged for disposal.
Personal hygiene and careful washing are essential, giving particular attention to
hands, fingernails, face and head.
Contact the Waste Management Centre to arrange disposal.
Safe Disposal of Asbestos July 2009
Disposal at the Waste Management Centre
Procedures
The Waste Management Centre will accept all materials containing asbestos by prior
arrangement only. All waste must be separated, bagged, double wrapped in heavy duty plastic
(200microns), sealed and packed into an appropriate container.
To make an appointment for disposal, call the Waste Management Centre on
24090.
Advise the Waste Management Centre of the type of asbestos and the quantity you wish to
bring. Ensure all containers have been marked with the asbestos warning label.
Follow directions given by the Waste management Centre Staff.
Disposal Fees
Small Domestic loads
One cubic meter or less
No Charge
Medium Domestic Loads
One to Two cubic meters
$150.00
Large Domestic Loads
First two cubic meters
$150.00
then $100.00 per cubic meter or part thereof over and above the
first two cubic meters
Commercial Loads
Per cubic Meter
$200.00
Penalties for Unauthorized Disposal
Everyone has a duty to act responsibly when dealing with asbestos. If residents fail to
dispose of asbestos waste responsibly, the courts will issue significant fines as set out
in the Waste Management Act 2003. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the
offence. Please note that this also applies to unauthorized burying of asbestos.
Safe Disposal of Asbestos July 2009
Identifying Asbestos
Asbestos is the generic term for a number of rock-forming fibrous silicate minerals (naturally
occurring minerals). There are two groups of asbestos:

the serpentine group contains chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos.

the amphibole group contains amosite (brown asbestos) and crocidolite (blue
asbestos). Some other less common types, such as tremolite, actinolite and
anthophyllite do not have any known uses in Australia.
Material that contains asbestos is referred to as friable or bonded.
Bonded asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos in a bonded matrix of binders,
and it cannot be crushed by hand pressure when dry; i.e. fibro sheeting and tiles, asbestos
cement pipes, brake & clutch linings. Any asbestos products that have been subject to
weathering, or damaged are considered to be friable asbestos.
Friable asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder,
or can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry; i.e. sprayed
limpet; asbestos cloth and tape, lagging/insulation.
For further information
Please Contact:
The Waste Management Centre
Ben Christian Drive (Off Douglas Drive)
Phone 24090
8.00am – 4.00pm
7 Days a week
Closed Public Holidays
Safe Disposal of Asbestos July 2009