ABESTOS MANAGEMENT
particles as they are produced and to avoid any handling. Industrial vacuums fitted with ‘H’ filters, are an essential part of the process and act to protect all personnel and others in the working environment.
“STRINGENT
MEASURES MUST BE APPLIED TO ENSURE THAT
CONTAMINANTS ARE REMOVED WITHOUT ANY HANDLING.”
SELECTING AN
INDUSTRIAL VACUUM When selecting a vacuum, it is important to look for robust, steel models for durability and that feature high filtration standards and high airflow. There are models that contain Longopac® Safe Bagging Systems, eliminating the need to empty a ‘bin’ as found on conventional dust extraction units. Instead, debris is collected into a continuous feeding bag, which is then twisted and sealed by the operator into manageable bags for disposal. This gives the operator the confidence that airborne particles are safely contained. Longopac® vacuums are available in two motor and three motor options and 110v and three phase, with some having energy saving elements.
There are also Longopac® Pre- separator units that connect to another industrial vacuum to yield even greater suction and dust containment properties. This unit is particularly popular with specialist asbestos contractors to avoid handling of material during the removal processes. With a Pre-separator, the system can be used for long-range projects, i.e. at high level multi- storey buildings, with the preparation equipment and Pre-separator on the working floor and the industrial
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vacuum at ground level, up to 150m away. This eliminates the handling of any contaminated materials and if planned and executed correctly, ensures that no hazardous materials will enter the atmosphere.
Ultimately the dust extraction unit selected must match the operational output of the chosen tools or equipment. All too often dust contamination is created due to the incorrect selection of extraction equipment; lack of understanding of the motor/suction power and filtration capabilities and an ineffective dust ‘bin’/bagging system.
USING THE CORRECT FILTERS There are three main types of filters, L, M and H (low, medium and high). A vacuum must be fitted with an L or M type filter, in order to correctly function, but can also be fitted with an additional H grade filter for collecting very fine, asbestos containing particle dust. A vacuum fitted with an H filter is by definition an H-type Vacuum and should have an ‘H’ sticker on it. To double check that one is fitted, take the head off the vacuum to confirm that there are two filters inside, one will be an H filter.
Some operators don’t consider the filter and rely on the manufacturer’s guidance however in many projects, clarifying the filter grade capacity and the level of filtration in comparison with the intended process and the level or type of dust produced by the process is paramount e.g. L grade filters are only suitable for containment of sand shed particles and the simplest applications.
CALLING IN AN EXPERT During its contracting operations, The Preparation Group’s division, PPC, has carried out several refurbishment projects that have identified evidence of asbestos. The team can determine its type and condition and employs specialist equipment to safely remove it at the same time as carrying out normal, daily surface preparation, removal and finishing works. Once the asbestos related materials have been removed the new flooring system can be safely applied without hazard to the finishing contractor.
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CASE STUDY - HUDDERSFIELD FLATS
The Preparation Group’s contracting division PPC, were contracted to remove floor adhesive containing traces of asbestos from a block of council flats in Huddersfield, that were due for demolition.
The building comprised of ten floors and equipment had to be manually lifted to each level as the lift had been disabled. The company’s Liberator 250 Grinder fitted with a PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) Plate was used, with 9’’ Hand grinders fitted with PCD discs employed to complete the edges. Debris and fine dust particles were collected safely by an M450LP Longopac® industrial vacuum fitted with an ‘H’ grade filter and the contaminated material, contained in special asbestos bags.
The total area of 1,413m2 took six
days to complete. The contaminated material represented a small percentage of the overall structure so by disposing of this element separately, it meant that the whole building was not classed as contaminated waste, thus reducing environmental impact and costs.
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