Drilling into non-friable asbestos using a thickened substance to control airborne fibres and dust

This safe work procedure describes the safe work procedure for drilling holes into non-friable (bonded) asbestos-containing material (ACM) such as fibro, hardiplank, compressed sheeting and tilux using a thickened substance (such as shaving foam) to control airborne fibres and dust.

Equipment

A range of equipment should be used to control the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres, including:

  • 200 μm plastic drop sheets
  • rolls of duct or gaffer tape
  • plastic bags 1200 x 900 mm (200 μm) with a warning label (e.g. CAUTION: Asbestos, Do no damage or open bag. Do not inhale dust.)
  • warning signage
  • barricading or hazard tape
  • bucket three-quarters full of water
  • atomiser bottle with water
  • access to a continuous supply of water
  • cordless drill or hand drill
  • drill bits suitable for the task
  • tape measure
  • clear disposable cups
  • thickened substance eg. shaving cream or hair gel
  • rags or disposable wipes
  • PVA glue (or other sealant) and a small paint brush
  • marker pen
  • access to a first aid kit
  • spare PPE
  • safety lace less work boots

Some of the required equipment

Some of the required equipment.

Safe work procedures

Follow the steps depicted below and view the example videos.

Drilling into non-friable asbestos - thumbnail
Step 1
Mark drilling hole
1. Place duct tape over intended drilling point. Mark the proposed hole for drilling on the duct tape.
Step 2
Applying shaving foam
2. Apply shaving cream around the proposed drilling point, creating a circle of shaving foam around the area to be drilled. This will help capture any loose dust and debris.
Step 3
Pre-drill a transparent plastic cup
3. Pre-drill a transparent plastic cup (or polystyrene cup) with the same drill that will be used on the ACM and fit onto the drill bit. Place the drill bit through the cup, with the bit towards the top of the cup and extending beyond the cup (drill with hand drill or low-speed battery powered drill).
Step 4
Fill cup with shaving foam
4. Fill the cup with shaving foam until slightly overflowing.
Step 5
While holding the drill and the cup, place the point of the drill bit on the marked drilling point
5. While holding the drill and the cup, place the point of the drill bit on the marked drilling point. Slide the cup with the shaving foam down the drill bit and proceed to drill the hole at low speed.
Step 6
After the hole is drilled, remove the plastic cup and dispose it
6. After the hole is drilled, remove the plastic cup and dispose of it in an approved asbestos waste bag which is correctly labelled and is 200 µm thick. The asbestos residue will be captured in the shaving cream around the drilled hole.
Step 7
Wet wipe once over
7. Wet wipe the shaving foam once over.
Step 8
Remove the wipe from the wall
8. Remove the wipe from the wall.
Step 9
Fold the wipe half and wipe the wall down again
9. Fold the wipe in half and wipe the wall down again. Folding the wipe again and re-wiping the foam and residue again leaving a clean surface, and dispose of the wipe in a approved plastic asbestos waste bag.
Step 10
Wet wipe the drill bit
10. Using a new wipe, wet wipe the drill bit to decontaminate it. Dispose of the wipe in an approved asbestos waste bag which is correctly labelled and is 200 µm thick.
Step 11
Decontaminate the drill
11. Decontaminate the cordless drill using a clean wet wipe. Dispose of the wipe in an approved plastic asbestos waste bag.
Step 12
Decontaminate the hand tools
12. Decontaminate any other tools used in the drilling process using another clean wet wipe. Dispose of the wipe in an approved plastic asbestos waste bag.
Step 13
Use PVA glue to seal the edges of the drilled hole
13. Use PVA glue, paint or similar to seal the edges of the drilled hole. If a cable is to be passed through the hole, insert a sleeve to protect the inner edge of the hole from fraying when feeding in the cable.
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