SECTION 380:50-17-4. Preparation of asbestos abatement work areas

  Preparation of asbestos abatement work areas shall be as follows:

(1)   Shut down and lock out electric power to the work area. Provide temporary power and lighting to ensure safe installation (including ground fault interruption) of temporary power sources and equipment by compliance with all applicable electrical code requirements and OSHA requirements for temporary electrical systems.

(A)   All electrical power entering the containment must be fed from GFI protected circuits.

(B)   All GFI protected circuits shall trip at or below seven (7) milli-amps of electrical current.

(C)   There may be some occasions when it is not possible to shut down all electrical power to the asbestos work area. In this case, a request for variance is required along with a written procedure, approved by a licensed electrician or an electrical engineer, outlining steps to be taken to ensure asbestos worker safety which shall include at a minimum:

(i)   Identify in advance all electrical power 24 volts and above, which is to be left active.

(ii)   Mark the wiring, conduit, panels or equipment in such a way that is readily apparent to the asbestos contractor and to DOL asbestos inspectors.

(iii)   Provide details of all steps to be taken by asbestos contractors to protect the wiring, conduit, panels or equipment from intrusion of water and wetting agents used by the asbestos contractor. Rigid steel conduit with collars need not be addressed in the written procedures.

(iv)   Provide details of all procedures to be taken by asbestos workers to prevent electrical hazards under abatement conditions.

(v)   Sign written procedures and provide license number of electrician or seal of electrical engineer for submittal to the DOL.

(vi)   Provide and require all asbestos workers in the work area of activated wiring, conduit, panels or equipment to wear rubber boots, properly rated rubber gloves with current inspection and non-conducting hats.

(2)   Shut down and lock out all heating, cooling and air conditioning system (HVAC) components that are in, supply, or pass through the work area. Seal all intake and exhaust vents in the work area with tape and 6-mil poly. Also seal any seams in system components that pass through the work area.

(3)   The Contractor shall provide sanitary facilities for abatement personnel outside the enclosed work area and maintain them in a clean and sanitary condition throughout the project.

(4)   Clean all movable objects within the work area using a HEPA filtered vacuum and/or wet-cleaning methods as appropriate. After cleaning, these objects shall be removed from the work area and stored in an uncontaminated location. Carpeting, drapes, clothing, upholstered furniture and other fabric items shall be properly decontaminated or disposed of as contaminated waste.

(5)   Clean all fixed objects in the work area using HEPA filtered vacuums and/or wet-cleaning techniques as appropriate. Careful attention must be paid to machinery behind grills or gratings where access may be difficult but contamination significant. Also pay particular attention to wall, floor, and ceiling penetrations behind fixed items. After cleaning, enclose fixed objects in a minimum of 4-mil poly sheeting and seal securely in place with tape.

(6)   Clean all surfaces in the work area using HEPA filtered vacuums and/or wet-cleaning methods as appropriate. Do not use any methods that would raise dust such as dry sweeping or vacuuming with equipment not equipped with HEPA filters. Do not disturb asbestos-containing materials during the initial cleaning phase.

(7)   Floors shall be covered with two layers of 6-mil (minimum) sheeting. Additional layers of sheeting may be utilized as drop cloths to aid in cleanup of bulk materials.

(A)   Floor sheeting shall extend at least 12 inches up the sidewalls of the work area.

(B)   Sheeting shall be installed in a fashion to prevent slippage between successive layers of material.

(8)   Walls shall be covered with a minimum of two layers of 4-mil poly, except if fire retardant, nylon reinforced poly is used throughout an interior abatement project, the walls shall be covered with a minimum of one layer.

(A)   Wall sheeting shall overlap floor sheeting by at least 12 inches beyond the wall/floor joint to provide a better seal against water damage. Wall sheeting shall be securely attached to the floor sheeting.

(B)   Wall sheeting shall be secured adequately to prevent it from falling away from the walls. This will require additional support/attachment when negative pressure ventilation systems are utilized.

(9)   Strippable, latex-based, sprayed-on wall and floor films may be used in conjunction with, or in lieu of poly when appropriate, and when applied in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

(10)   Any cleaning activities, prior to construction of the containment, which has the potential for contact with ACM shall require:

(A)   Workers wear protective clothing in accordance with Section 380:50-15-6.

(B)   Workers wear, at a minimum, a full-face air purifying respirator.

(C)   Air monitoring be performed in accordance with Section 380:50-11-1.

(D)   The construction and use of a decontamination facility in accordance with Sections 380:50-15-8 and 380-50:15-12.

(E)   The construction and use of a load out facility as defined by Section 380:50-1-2.

(F)   Project design must identify this work activity.

(G)   Decontamination unit, and demarcation of the job site shall be subject to DOL inspection(s) prior to any cleaning activities.

[Source: Amended at 9 Ok Reg 3309, eff 7-27-92; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 3523, eff 9-14-01; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 1887, eff 7-1-10]