CHAPTER 13

POST REMOVAL LOCKDOWN AND SPRAYBACK PROCEDURES

Objective: Discuss various methods and decision criteria used in lockdown and
sprayback operations.

Learning Tasks: Information in this section should enable participants to:

1. Become familiar with the terms “lockdown” and “sprayback”.

2. Become familiar with criteria used in selecting lockdown

materials.

3. Understand where lockdown and sprayback operations fit into the

post abatement sequence of events.

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DEFINITIONS

1. Lockdown
Lockdown is the procedure of applying a protective coating or sealant to a surface from
which asbestos-containing material has been removed. Its primary function is to control
and minimize the amount of airborne asbestos fiber generation that might result from
any residual asbestos-containing debris on the substrate. Though the substrate may
appear to be clean, minuscule fibers may have become lodged in cracks or crevices
that were inaccessible. Lockdown is sealing a recently cleaned substrate.

2. Sprayback
Sprayback is the process of replacing the asbestos-containing material that was
originally removed with an effective substitute. This material should have the
architectural properties and capabilities adequate to meet specifications and
requirements originally set for the space (i.e., acoustical insulation, fireproofing).
Sprayback is replacing ACM with an asbestos-free substitute.

3. Substrate
The surface from which the asbestos was originally removed; the subsurface.

LOCKDOWN

Every asbestos removal project ultimately involves the stripping away of some asbestos-
containing material from a permanent substrate or subsurface. Dependent upon the surface
structure of the substrate, or the cohesive strength of the asbestos-containing material to the
substrate, there will always be some residual microscopic fibers left behind after gross
removal has taken place.

Some of the most common materials found as substrates in buildings include cement,
corrugated sheet metal, wire mesh, metal piping, plaster, and wood. These materials each
have different characteristics pertaining to surface structure and cohesive strength. For
example, cement substrate are often porous and pitted (many small grooves on the surface).
This type of surface is extremely difficult to clean for two reasons. First, the pits in the surface
may have become filled with asbestos-containing material when it was originally sprayed or
troweled on the surface, and then not removed by wet and scrape methods. Secondly, when
the material is scraped away during removal, asbestos-containing materials will be packed
tightly into these grooves or pits. Most of the material can then be removed through tedious
brushing, however, some fibers will remain. For this reason, it is necessary to develop and
follow a lockdown strategy which will effectively control the future release of airborne fibers
from porous or non-porous surfaces from which removal has already taken place.

Various Lockdown Methods

The recommended method for brushing or cleaning a substrate after gross removal has taken
place is to use a nylon brush. This will aid in getting to fibers that may have become lodged in
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grooves or crevices in the substrate surface. Wetting of the substrate should also take place
while this brushing is being performed since the chance of airborne fiber generation is still
present. Use of a wire brush would cause a mechanical breakdown of larger asbestos fibers
or fiber bundles into fibrils of minute size which are easily dispersed throughout the
surrounding air (heavy dispersion can make final cleaning very difficult). In either case, wire or
nylon brushing will generate airborne fibers to some degree. Once this brushing is completed,
final wipedown of the substrate with wet, lint-free rags should take place in order to ensure that
all loose fibers are eliminated. It may be necessary to wipe the surface with a lint-free rag and
dusting agent once it has dried.

After the substrate has completely dried and passed a thorough inspection for visible residual
contamination, application of the lockdown material can begin.

The polyethylene barriers should be cleaned of gross contamination before applying the
sealant to the substrate. It is more time efficient to place a double layer of polyethylene on the
walls and floors during preparation so that one layer can be removed before lockdown begins.
Workers performing lockdown should wear disposable protective clothing and respirators
suitable for asbestos and/or organic vapors (if applicable) because the area is still
contaminated. (Note: Organic vapor respirators may be needed if the lockdown material is
volatile in liquid form when being applied.)

There are a variety of products that can be used for locking down the substrate. These
products can usually be applied as sprayed-on liquid type sealants (alternatives for certain
situations are latex paint, encapsulating solutions, and concrete sealant).

The lockdown material should be applied using a low pressure or airless spray-type
mechanism. It is important that the lockdown material be compatible with the substrate. Thus, it
is important to ensure that cohesion occurs between the two surfaces (substrate and lockdown
material), and in some cases, three surfaces (substrate, lockdown, and sprayback). For
example, latex paint would work well in locking down a cemented surface whereas it would not
be acceptable for use on metal piping since it will peel and crack. Caution should also be used
so that the lockdown material does not present a new hazard during application and
anticipated use/conditions. Contractors should obtain all available information on the
substance (i.e., toxicity, volatility, fire ratings, and acoustics). Material Safety Data Sheets are
one good source of information on a potential product. They should be available from both the
manufacturer and distributor of the material. It may be necessary to request additional data on
the fire ratings and acoustics of the material. All information should be obtained and
considered prior to beginning the project.

A good, recommended practice is to use color tinting when applying lockdown materials. This
will make it easier to visually check that all areas of the substrate have been covered with the
lockdown substance. One coat of lockdown substance will usually be adequate to prevent the
generation of airborne residual fibers. In some cases, additional coats may be needed for
cosmetic purposes. Also, if the lockdown material is being applied to irregular, grooved or
corrugated surfaces, it should be administered from the opposing side, or at a right angle to
the direction of previous application.

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One very important consideration in choosing a lockdown is fire rating. Where fire rating to a
specific code is required, not only each component, but the resulting assembly (substrate,
lockdown and sprayback) must be considered. In this case, a lockdown must be chosen that is
an approved component of the tested and approved assembly.

SPRAYBACK

Sprayback should never be applied in the regulated area. Final clearance should be achieved,
the containment removed and the asbestos abatement contract fulfilled before sprayback, or
any other portion of the general construction build-back is addressed.

The next step is often to reapply an adequate substitute for the asbestos-containing material
that was originally present. In most cases, the original asbestos-containing material was
probably used as fireproofing, thermal insulation, condensation control, or acoustical
insulation. Therefore, it is imperative that the substitute material (sprayback) be capable of the
same functions and have similar functional properties relative to the original asbestos-
containing material. This material should also be chosen during the planning stage of the
project. Additionally, it is important that the sprayback not introduce another potential health
hazard itself. Any material chosen must be thoroughly investigated. Once a substitute is
selected, a trial application should be conducted on a small sample area of the substrate to
determine whether or not it will be adequate.

The architect or engineer, as a member of the project team, should have the capacity to
investigate and recommend by specification various types of sprayback materials. This
person will be most familiar with the chemical and physical properties of the various
substances available. The architect or engineer will also be familiar with the building structure;
specifically, the acoustics and fire ratings. Additionally, an industrial hygienist, who may also
be a member of the project team, would be able to evaluate the sprayback material for
potential health hazards such as toxicity. Working in conjunction with one another, these two
members of a project team should be able to decide on an adequate sprayback material while
the job specifications are being drawn up.

In many instances, the non-asbestos-containing substitute will be applied as a spray-on

coating. There are several types available, depending on what the specific purpose will be.
Exfoliated vermiculite and perlite, a volcanic rock, are two common substitutes for asbestos.
However, we know today that the vermiculite itself may contain asbestos that is impossible to
identify by standard PLM analysis. Other materials frequently used as substitutes for a variety
of situations include mineral wool, treated cellulose, and fibrous glass.

Today, most sprayback operations are sub-contracted to a specialty contractor. If the

abatement contractor is functioning as a general contractor in this regard, he is still
responsible for any liability from the sprayback operation. If the sprayback contractor is under
separate contract with the owner, the abatement contractor should make sure that his own
scope of work is specific, and that his contract specifies completion of his responsibility upon
acceptance of his work by the owner.

SUMMARY

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In almost every case that requires asbestos removal from a building, locking down the residual
material to the substrate and choosing an effective sprayback will be integral aspects in the
successful completion of a project. The most important concepts involved in these types of
operations are to:
1) Ensure that the lockdown is compatible (cohesive) with the substrate; and that the
sprayback material is compatible (cohesive) with the lockdown substance.

2) Ensure that the lockdown and sprayback materials do not present a new health hazard.

3) Ensure that the sprayback has similar desirable properties and capabilities relative to
the original asbestos-containing material.

4) Consideration must be given to building codes for fire rated assemblies required.

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