This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation.

It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to

waive or modify any legal obligation.

A business unit of the Department for Administrative and Information Services
ASBESTOS CEMENT (FIBRO) SHEETING

OBJECTIVE
To provide guidelines on the safe removal of
asbestos cement sheeting and of the
licencing and approval requirements for
undertaking asbestos removal work.

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Under Section 19 of the Occupational Health,
Safety and Welfare Act 1986, employers are
required to provide a safe work environment,
safe systems of work and ensure workers
receive adequate training and supervision.

There are also specific requirements under
the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare
Regulations 1995 and the new Occupational
Health, Safety and Welfare (Asbestos)
Variation Regulations 2004, which prescribe
specific measures to be taken when removing
asbestos cement sheeting.

Where the asbestos cement sheets to be
removed cover an area of more than 10
square metres, the removalist must hold an
Asbestos Removal Licence issued by the
Director, SafeWork SA. The licensee must
obtain approval prior to commencing the
asbestos removal work.

Both licensees and anyone removing
asbestos cement sheets less than 10 square
metres must do so in accordance with the
Approved Code of Practice for the Safe
Removal of Asbestos. Any employee working
with asbestos cement sheeting must be
trained in the appropriate safe working
procedures to ensure that any risks are
minimised. Training records must be kept by
the employer.

RISK CONTROL MEASURES
Asbestos becomes a health risk when
asbestos fibres are released into the air
and inhaled. Asbestos fibres can cause
asbestosis, lung cancer and
mesothelioma.

These diseases are chacterised by long latency
periods. It may take up to 40 years between
initial exposure and the onset of the disease.

It is important to ensure minimal release of dust
or small particles when working with asbestos
cement products. When asbestos products are
disturbed e.g. drilled, cut, or broken in the
process of removal, asbestos fibres may be
released.

In the past, asbestos cement sheeting may have
been used as roofing or wall cladding in
buildings or other structures.

To control the risks when removing sheeting:
close the windows and doors on the
building to prevent the entry/exit of any dust
released during the removal work;
let people know in advance (such as
neighbours/occupants), that you will be
removing asbestos;
rope off the area below or adjacent to the
work zone to 10 metres distance where
possible;
before beginning to remove roof sheets, wet
them down with water or a PVA solution -
do not use high pressure water jets.
Caution: wet sheets may create a risk of
slipping and falling from the roof;
wear disposable coveralls and an Australian
Standards approved particulate respirator
(e.g. a P1 or P2 disposable respirator or a
half-face respirator mask fitted with P1 or
P2 dust cartridges);
- 2 -

Safeguard Asbestos Cement (Firbo) Sheeting continued
This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to
waive or modify any legal obligation.
do not use power tools, other than to
remove roofing screws or fastenings;
handle carefully to ensure minimal
breakage of roof sheets;
lower asbestos sheeting carefully, do not
drop them to the ground;
stack sheets carefully and place the
removed asbestos sheets on plastic (200
micron) in a waste bin or tray top of a
truck. Do not allow them to lie around the
site, where they may be broken or
crushed by machinery or site traffic;
when stacking sheets do not skid one
sheet over another, as this can cause
release of fibres;
wrap the removed asbestos sheets and
debris, which contain asbestos, in plastic
(200 micron) tape and mark with a
warning CAUTION ASBESTOS, DO NOT
INHALE DUST in a colour contrasting to
the background. The warning is to be
repeated at least 3 times on 1 side;
dispose of asbestos waste in a manner
and at a site approved in accordance with
the requirements of the Environment
Protection Authority (EPA);
do not reuse asbestos cement sheets;
clean up any residues within the roof
space or around the removal area using
an approved vacuum cleaner fitted with a
high-efficiency particulate air filter. Do not
use a domestic vacuum cleaner;
place all used disposable coveralls and
masks in bags for removal with the other
asbestos wastes in accordance with the
Approved Code of Practice;
dispose of asbestos waste material from
the site as soon as practicable, using
covered bins or on a covered truck in line
with the EPA Guidelines, September
2004.


FURTHER INFORMATION
See Approved Code of Practice for Safe
Removal of Asbestos, Section 9 published by
SA Occupational Health and Safety
Commission.

For information on transportation and disposal
of asbestos cement waste products contact
the EPA on (08) 8204 2000.


SafeWork SA
GPO Box 465
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Tel. 1300 365 255
(If calling from a mobile phone or from interstate
tel. (08) 8303 0400)
website: www.safework.sa.gov.au
Issued February 2005
Review February 2006