Emergency procedures for Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s)

Unexpected discovery of asbestos

Always consult the asbestos survey and asbestos management plan before undertaking any work on the building fabric – do not work on any ACMs.  If during your work you unexpectedly discover materials which you believe could be an ACM stop work immediately.  

If the suspected ACM has not been damaged or disturbed and is in good condition put up a warning sign and ensure nobody enters the area. Report the problem to the Chair of the relevant Trustee Board or the building manager and they will need to arrange for a competent contractor to survey the material and take samples for analysis at a UKAS accredited laboratory to confirm whether it is an ACM and how it should be managed.

If the material is in a poor condition or if you have damaged or disturbed the potential ACM in any way then follow the guidance on accidental release of asbestos. If in doubt assume that asbestos may have been released and follow the guidance on the accidental release of asbestos

Accidental release of asbestos

If you accidentally disturb and release asbestos, it must be dealt with quickly and appropriately:

• Stop activity or work immediately
• Keep people away from the area
• Undertake emergency decontamination of any people affected as below
• Lock off the affected area and keep it under strict control
• Inform the Chair of the relevant Trustee Board or the building manager at the earliest opportunity and consult with a competent person.
• Put up warning signs to keep people out of the area
• Arrange for competent person to undertake an asbestos sample and arrange analysis at a UKAS accredited laboratory,
• If positive sample
  • Arrange for a competent contractor, probably a licensed contractor to remove or repair the damage. You may need to arrange for asbestos air testing/ dust testing by a UKAS accredited analyst

Emergency Decontamination

If dust or debris gets onto your clothing, wipe down clothing with damp rags, remove the outer clothing and place items in a sealed bag. Seal the bag, then bag again. Place used damp rags in sealed bag and bag again.

Using warm water and soap, wash all exposed skin in a sink and wash out sink and area.

If the test sample confirms the material contains asbestos, arrange for removed clothing and rags to be disposed of as contaminated asbestos waste. This must be via a licensed waste carrier and go to a licensed asbestos waste disposal point.

Ensure that an incident report form is completed and the District Commissioner is informed.