Asbestos Flashcards
What are the two most common types of asbestos we come into contact? and which poses the great risk?
For the purpose of the Fire Service there are two main forms in which we encounter asbestos.
Asbestos as used for insulation, gaskets etc. where the asbestos fibres are easily released, and cement asbestos sheeting as often used in roofing materials – where the fibres are locked in by the cement and are, subsequently, of very low risk of release.
What does ACM’s (asbestos related) stand for?
What does CAR 2012, stand for?
Predetermined Attendance Team (PDA) will also inform stations of non-domestic
premises that have informed the authority of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s)
within their property as required by the ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’ (CAR 2012).
Actions on arrival, When it is known or suspected that asbestos is involved, what should the IC initial actions be?
a Press priority request to talk must be
sent ‘Asbestos Reported’ – Additionally:
• Access the ORD via the MDT.
• Site appliances upwind of the incident – at least 25m away.
• Send an additional message detailing which approach roads additional appliances and brigade
vehicles should take and the location of any rendezvous point. This should be from an upwind
direction. Take note of any signage on the premises.
• Consider liaison with any on site specialist for assistance with asbestos risk assessment.
• Consider the requirement for additional resources (assistance message).
If asbestos is known or reasonably suspected to be involved, all crews designated to enter the
restricted zone should don what level of PPE?
Breathing Apparatus (BA) and GTS unless crews are designated for firefighting.
The IC should ensure that steps are in place to carry out the decontamination of crews and safe removal of fire gear upon their withdrawal from the incident prior to committing crews
Firefighter decontamination, with the exception of cement
asbestos
The IC must carry out a RA to assess whether the risk of committing crews into the incident
outweighs the benefits to be gained.
What is the min cordon required for Asbestos?
Min 25m and should take into consideration weather conditions (wind) and barrier tape should be used which is found on all front line appliances
When entering a restrictive zone due asbestos what should be worn?
The risk to operational personnel from asbestos is from inhalation of the fibres. BA or respirators
fitted with a P3 filter will, therefore, be sufficient protection of the respiratory system. However, asbestos fibres are likely to contaminate fire kit and can be extremely difficult to remove from areas such as the Velcro fastening so GTS should be worn in order to facilitate effective decontamination unless there are clear operationally imperative reasons not to do so.
Wherever possible, actions within the incident should be directed towards keeping the disturbance of ACMs to a minimum. Operational personnel should?
- Avoid cutting away or removing ACMs unless this work is essential.
- ACMs should be kept damp using water sprays, this will minimise the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne.
- The use of power tools (disc cutters and power saws) should be avoided as these create fine particles of dust and will release a lot of fibres (if the use of these tools is necessary then the HMEPO/SA should be consulted on the level of PPE to be worn)
Where cement asbestos and/or artex coating is present, what level of PPE should be worn?
Cement Asbestos and Artex coatings
Due to asbestos fibres being locked in with the cement/Artex and therefore highly unlikely to be released, BA or respirators fitted with a P3 filter is considered more than adequate protection against cement asbestos. Suspected cement asbestos should be confirmed by the HMEPO or SA.
Where cement/Artex asbestos is discovered then, on the advice of the HMEPO/SA:
• GTS need not be worn and specialist cleaning of fire gear will not be required as fibre release
is so low as to be insufficient to cause contamination.
• BA is deemed adequate protection from any potential inhalation of these fibres.
Under Regulation 17 of CAR 2012, are the LFB responsible for leaving the area clean of asbestos?
No
Under Regulation 17 of CAR 2012 the LFB are not responsible for leaving the area clean of asbestos. The duty holder should be made aware it is their responsibility to arrange with appropriate contractors/authorities the clean up or removal of asbestos containing materials.
LFB will not declare an area as safe. The IC may advise the appropriate responsible person (RP) of
any Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) or other findings to assist the RP in their assessment of safety. The responsibly for Health and Safety remains with the owner or RP
Asbestos Insulation may be found within a old generator room due to its heat resistance properties. Name some examples where asbestos may be present?
Usage: • Spray insulation on heating pipes and boiler rooms. • Floor tiles. • Brake linings. • Gaskets in heating installations. • Ceiling tiles
When the presence of asbestos becomes known to stations or Borough teams then the information should be processed as follows?
(i) Any information regarding asbestos which is presented by the duty holder should be dealt with through the brigade website. The duty holder should be directed to (www.london-fire.gov.uk/asbestos) and asked to present their information via that process.
(ii) The type of asbestos should be identified as Blue, Brown or White.
(iii) Any asbestos discovered while conducting a 7(2)(d) inspection where there is a risk of the fibres being freely liberated into the atmosphere (Example of these ACM’ s are,
insulation materials, fibre washers, friction linings such as clutches and break linings
compressed asbestos ceiling tiles etc,) should be entered onto the ORD.
(iv) Asbestos contained in cement, Artex where the asbestos fibres are bound in the
mixture need not be entered on to the ORD. It should be assumed that asbestos is present in all of these materials
