In type 1 operations, the risk of asbestos exposure to workers is low if specific procedures are followed.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in type 1 operations are non-friable. The fibers in the material are locked in by cement, vinyl, or another binding agent.

However, Cutting, grinding, abrading, sanding, breaking, drilling or vibrating the materials can be enough to release the fibers into the air.

In Type 2 Operations, the risk of asbestos exposure to workers is medium as exposure is likely to occur during the work so there needs to be an increase in precautions taken

In type 2 asbestos containing materials (ACM) can be friable and non-friable.

Friable ACM:

– is easily broken down with applied pressure from fingers releasing fibers into the air.

Non-Friable ACM:

-is held together with some type of binding agent.

Type 3 operations are divided into work involving friable ACM and work involving non-friable ACM.

In addition, the Regulation specifies additional procedures for operations involving work on friable ACM and for operations involving work on non-friable ACM.

All Type 3 operations must be identified by signs that warn of the asbestos hazard. The work area must be separated from the rest of the workplace by walls, the placing of barricades or fencing or other suitable means.

– HEPA VACCUME visible dust

– USE HEPA VACCUME OR DAMP MOP to clean up dust constantly

– Use drop sheets to collect dust in work areas

– Rigid barriers must be HEPA vacuumed to be reused

– NEVER use compressed air to clear work area

– DON’T eat, drink, chew gum or smoke in these areas exposed to asbestos

– You may CHOOSE to use an air respirator due to low risk

-ALL PPE must be damp wiped or HEPA vacuumed before leaving work zone

– Always wash hands and face before leaving work area

– Restrict Access to work area where work is being done

-Prior to start of work wet the ACM if it’s safe to do so, to keep dust from becoming airborn

– Disposable Coveralls PPE MUST be worn. Keep wrists, neck, and ankles snug and taped if loose. If suit rips or tears replace it immediately.

– A NIOSH-approved respirator must be used when working in this area.

– Use rubber boots or sole on work boots to keep dust out and for easy clean/wipe down.

-Use HEPA vaccume to clean up asbestos dust and waste on regular basis so it doesn’t build up

– Do NOT allow workers without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) into work area

-ENSURE warning signs are placed around work area

– An enclosure must be set up if you intend on removing a false ceiling if ACM is likely to be lying on the surface.

– If you disturb less than 1 m2 of friable asbestos, it must be done inside an enclosure. If more than 1 m2, this may be considered a Type 3 asbestos operation.

– Place asbestos waste, disposable clothing, enclosures, barrier materials, and other contaminated items into a labeled dust-tight container. Damp wipe or HEPA vacuum the waste containers before removing them from the work area.

– All personal protective equipment such as respirators or protective coveralls must be damp wiped or HEPA vacuumed before leaving the work area.

-Never reuse drop sheets.

1. Never used compressed air to clean the work area.
2.  Don’t eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke in areas where asbestos could be present.
3.  Always wash your face and hands before leaving the work area.

** ALL Same control measures at Type 2 with the addition of:

– Work areas where Type 3 operations are being done must have clearly visible warning signs and access restricted to workers wearing protective clothing and equipment. The work area must be separated from the rest of the workplace by walls, barricades, fencing, or other means that are suitable in the circumstances

– A decontamination facility must be built so that anyone entering or leaving the enclosed work area must pass through each room of the decontamination facility. The decontamination facility must consist of at least three inter-connecting rooms: a clean room, a shower room, and an equipment room

–  Workers who are carrying out Type 3 operations must decontaminate their protective clothing and equipment using damp wiping or a HEPA vacuum before removing it and leaving the work area. Facilities for washing the hands and face must be provided and every worker must use these facilities when leaving the work area.

– The Regulation requires that negative pressure or demand supplied air respirators be equipped with a full face piece, while continuous flow supplied air respirators may be equipped with tight fitting half or full face pieces. The use of pressure demand supplied air respirators equipped with a full face piece is allowed during Type 3 operations involving non-friable ACM, and equipped with a half-mask (please see Table 2 in the Regulation) during Type 3 operations involving the wet removal of friable, sprayed on ACM that contains a type of asbestos other than chrysotile.