Risk Assessment and Safe Work Method: Asbestos Roof Tile Removal

This report presents a detailed risk assessment and safe work method statement for the removal of asbestos roof tiles, focusing on the Walka Water Works project. It begins with an introduction emphasizing the importance of a safe working environment and the responsibilities of employers. The repo...Read More

Running head: DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Detailed Risk Assessment & Safe Work Method
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Hazard Identification.......................................................................................................................2
Risk Assessment..............................................................................................................................4
Safe Work Method Statements........................................................................................................6
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................14

2DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Introduction
The safe working environment is essential as this ensures the safety of the premises and the
people working on the premises. It is the responsibility of the employers or the organizations to
create and ensure a safe and healthy working environment. The engineers and the construction
workers can create a safe working environment by identifying the potential hazards in terms of
the activities at the project site. Therefore, the engineers need conduct risk assessment and
identify the hazards in order to avoid them. The government of the countries has certain legal
policies and rules that need to be considered by the construction workers to ensure safety in
terms of the activities conducted by them at the working site.
This report aim towards conducting a detailed risk assessment in terms of the tasks and
activities that need to be undertaken and considered while removing the asbestos roof tiles of the
buildings of the project. The report also highlights the significance and methods of conducting a
risk assessment at a regular interval to ensure and establish the safe working environment.
Hazard Identification
The architecture design of Walka Water Works is presented in the aforementioned
diagram. Six different naturally forming fibrous silicate minerals combines to form asbestos. The
six fibrous minerals include amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, crocidolite and
chrysotile (Wu et al. 2014). However, amosite and chrysotile are found in abundance in asbestos.
Asbestos is considered as one of the most toxic materials used in the construction sector for
roofing, ceiling materials, cement compounds and roofing shingles. Due to the toxic nature of the
material, there is a number of health hazards associated with it. Inhalation of toxic asbestos fibers
leads to serious lung diseases. The main diseases caused due to asbestos include:
 Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that generally affects the lungs of
the individuals due to long exposure and inhalation of the asbestos fibers. This type of
cancer affects the pleura of the lungs and arises from the serosal lining of the chest.
Mesothelioma arises from the parietal or visceral pleural thereby, diffusing within the
pleural space of the lungs by pleural effusion (Hussain et al. 2012). As a result, the lungs
are slowly encased by solid mass. Moreover, the tumor spreads directly to the lungs,

3DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
mediastinum and cross the diaphragm thereby, including the peritoneum (Calabro et al.
2013). The general symptoms of mesothelioma include breathing trouble, persistent
cough, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain and weight loss (Carbone et al. 2012).
 Asbestos related lung cancer: Asbestos related lung cancer is general lung cancer that I
caused due to extensive exposure of individuals to asbestos fibers. Asbestos related lung
cancer usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (Andujar et al. 2013). However, cancer
can develop in other parts of the respiratory system such as trachea, bronchioles, and
alveoli. Due to the toxic materials of the asbestos, lung cancer develops when the
construction workers inhale the fibers. As the asbestos fibers are resistant to most of the
chemical reactions within the human system, catabolism is difficult of asbestos fibers
(Antao, Larson and Horton, 2012). As a result, the fibers are deposited in the lungs
thereby, leading to the developing lung cancer.
 Asbestosis: Exposure to asbestos over several years leads to asbestosis. The disease is
also known as diffused pulmonary fibrosis, as this is the result of inhalation of asbestos
fibers. As the asbestos fibers are thin, needle-like and microscopic, it enters the lungs
very easily (Markowitz et al. 2013). After inhalation, the asbestos fibers lodge in the
pleura of the lungs. Because of continuous deposition of asbestos fibers in the lining of
the lungs, scarring or fibrosis occurs (Wolff et al. 2015). Continuous deposition leads to
the formation of tumor thereby, resulting in asbestosis. Asbestosis is generally diagnosed
after 40 – 50 years of asbestos exposure.
 Pleural thickening: Pleural thickening generally happens when individuals are exposed
to heavy asbestos. With time, the asbestos fibers are deposited on the pleural membrane
or outer lining of the lungs thereby, resulting in thickening and swelling of the lungs
(Jeebun and Stenton 2012). Due to excessive thickening and swelling of the pleural
membrane, the lungs get squeezed. This eventually results in chest pain and shortness of
breath (Miller, Warshaw and Nezamis 2013).
The use of asbestos declined drastically since 1970 and more than 5000 workers die due to
asbestos exposure. The fibers of asbestos are highly fire resistant and durable thereby, making it
less vulnerable to the majority of the chemical reactions. Due to properties of asbestos, the
materials have been used extensively for commercial and industrial purposes. The heat resistance

4DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
ability of asbestos along with the strength is the main reasons of an extensive use of the material
(Ahmed and Hoa 2012).
Risk Assessment
RISK ASSESSMENT FOR: Removal of asbestos roofs from Walka Water Works
Risk Assessment Assessment conducted by: Date:
Due date for 1st review Approval by manager Date:
Hazard People
vulnerabl
e to risk
Adverse impact of the
hazard
Prevention Effectiveness
of the
measures
Y/N/NA
On
sit
e
Adequat
e

5DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Damage
caused due
to the
release of
toxic
fibers of
asbestos
into the
atmospher
e
Workers
removing
the
asbestos
roofing
 Asbestosis
 mesothelioma,
 pleural
thickening
 lung cancer
 Taking appropriate
precautions in
terms of working
attires
 Maintaining the
safety protocols
 Covering the nose
and mouth
 Wearing gloves
 Washing of hands
 Spreading of water
on the asbestos
sheets in the roof
to prevent
breakages
 Proper harness, as
the removal of
asbestos sheets, is
conducted at a
height
Damage
caused by
the
material
containing
asbestos
releasing
fibers into
the
atmospher
e
Workers
removing
the
asbestos
roofing
 Asbestosis
 mesothelioma,
 pleural
thickening
 lung cancer
 Spreading of water
on the asbestos
sheets
 After removal
putting the
asbestos sheets
slowly in order to
prevent breakage
 Covering the
asbestos sheets
removed from the
roof at a distance.
 Using
wheelbarrows and
trolleys to carry the
asbestos removed
sheets to the
dumping area

6DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Safe Work Method Statements
Procedure (in
steps):
Possibl e
Hazards :
Risk Score Safety Controls :
Removing
asbestos sheets
Getting
exposed and
working in
close
contact with
the
electrical
cables
Maximum Switching off the entire power system of the building
wherever possible – a well-trained person needs to conduct
the procedure.
It is difficult to discontinue or isolate the entire
electricity of the building where asbestos is removed.
Therefore, the circuits and the electrical lines needs to
be identified locally and discontinued by a competent
electrician. In case light is required for working, the use
of generators and portable lights are suggested (Borys
2012)

7DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Removing
asbestos sheets
Release of
asbestos
particulates
in the
atmosphere
thereby,
affecting all
the workers
and people
present
High to
Extreme
(persisting)
ƒ
The use of compressed air to discontinue the electricity,
removal of electrical powers and using power tools to
remove asbestos sheets is advisable to the workers.
ƒ
In order to restrict the spread of asbestos fibers, closing the
doors and windows of the buildings is suggested (Holt and
Allen 2015)
ƒ
Spraying and spreading of water and sealant before
removing asbestos sheet is advisable if the asbestos
sheets have deteriorated and is fragile with time. The
workers removing the asbestos sheet need to prevent
breaking the sheets. Additionally, the workers must not
drop the asbestos sheet rather keep it on the ground
avoiding breakage (Frost 2013).
It is necessary for the workers to spread water around the
nails that was used for attaching the asbestos sheets.
Spreading of water will wet the area around the nail. This
will make it easier for the cutters to remove the nails
thereby, preventing breakage and spreading of the asbestos
sheets. All the materials used for attaching the asbestos
sheets such as nails and bolts needs to be disposed as
asbestos waste. Suitable PPE needs to be worn by the
workers engaged in removing asbestos sheets. In order to
ensure safety for the workers, they need to take safety
measures that include full disposable suits, gloves, safety
goggles and boots along with covering the respiratory
track completely. The use of P3 dust filter cartridges is
suggested.
The PPE needs to be replaced by the workers engaged
in removing asbestos sheets by using decontamination
facilities.

8DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Removing
asbestos sheets
Release of
asbestos
particulates
in the
atmosphere
thereby,
affecting all
the workers
and people
present
High to
Extreme
(persisting)
ƒ
The residues on the floor due to asbestos removal need to be
sprayed with eater for wetting it. After wetting the residues,
HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) needs to be used
that will act as a vacuum. Moreover, the residues collected by
the vacuum needs to be put in bags and disposed along with
the decontamination of the vacuum parts (Hoshino and
Nakamichi 2012).
Asbestos sheet
removal from
the roof
The
asbesto
s
residues
might
fall of
the
ground
or on
the roof
Maximu
m
In order to remove asbestos sheets from the roof, the use
of high platforms along with portable scaffolds and
scissors are suggested. In case the aforementioned measure
is not possible, walkways passage for the workers needs
to be laid that is approximately 50 mm wide (Toyokuni
2014) . Suitable railings or guard needs to be used
around the perimeter of the roof for protection.
Safety harness needs to be worn by the workers for
ensuring protection according to Australian Standards
AS/NZ 1891 ‘Industrial fall arrest systems and devices
(Darcey and Feltner 2014)

9DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Asbestos sheet
removal from
the roof
Possibility
of asbestos
sheets
falling
from roof
due to
manual
handling
Average The asbestos sheest needs to removed in such a way
that it is not broken. Therefore, in order to prevent
breakage, lifting devices such as scaffolds and scissor
needs to be used. The asbestos sheet needs to be
carefully lowered in the ground with the help of more
than one worker. Removal of asbestos sheets on windy
days needs to be strictly prohibited. ƒ
Asbestos
removal from
the site
Asbestos
particles to
the exterior
atmosphere
where
Workers
and
members of
the public
may be
affected
Main priority In order to prevent the damage of the asbestos sheet, a
separate place needs to be selected for keeping the asbestos
that is removed. For disposal, the asbestos sheets needs to
stacked on polythene sheeting and wrapped suitably. The
bags containing asbestos needs proper sealing. In order to
decontaminate the area where asbestos removal has been
conducted, the use of HEPA filter is suggested before
leaving the site. The vehicles and site used for asbestos
removal needs to be approved by EPA and local authority.
The asbestos removal sheets and wastes related to it
needs to be put directly put in the dustbins that must be
covered by polythene bag, that is, 0.2 mm thick. The
bags will be no larger than 1200mm by 900mm (Salazar
et al. 2014).

10DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Transportatio
n of asbestos
materials on
site
Collisions
with
pedestrians
and the
workers on
site
Main priority The speed of the vehicle transporting asbestos needs to
be generally 10 km/hr and needs to be driven
maintaining all the traffic rules. It needs to be ensured
that barriers and safe access routes for pedestrians and
workers supervising pedestrian access routes if heavy
equipment is moving in and out of the work site across
a pedestrian access point
The drivers needs to restrict themselves in engaging in
distracting activities such as use of mobile phones,
eating and listening to music.
Requirements of
EPA
Measures Undertaken
Collection and
Storage
Asbestos fiber and
dust waste
According to WHO, the asbestos waste needs to be covered properly to
avoid emission (WHO 2015). Moreover, the asbestos waste needs to be
stored in bags with specific characteristics that include:
 The bag should be of heavy duty but low density polyethylene bags
with 0.2 mm thick, 0.9 m wide and 1.2 m in length.
 The waste bags should be tied properly and should not contain more
than 25 kg of waste.
 According to the Australian Standards AS 1319- Safety Signs for the
Occupational Environment, the asbestos removal bags should be
marked ‘CAUTIOUS ASBESTOS’

11DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Collection and
Storage
Any type of
asbestos waste
If the waste is stored in sealed bags:
The bag containing asbestos wastes should be kept in
containers that are leak proof. According to the
Australian Standard AS 1319- Safety Signs for the
Occupational Environment, the bags containing asbestos
waste needs to be marked by writing ‘DANGER-
ASBESTOS WASTE ONLY-AVOID CREATING
DUST’. The font size should not be less than 50 mm in
size. In order to prevent spillage, the mouth of the
container needs to be closely fitted followed by storing
the waste in secured area that restricts the entry of
unauthorized person. This will help in mitigating the
adverse environmental impact.
Storage and
Collection
Stabilized asbestos
waste in bonded
matrix
The asbestos waste stored in the disposal bags needs to water to be sprayed
on it. This will prevent the emission of the asbestos dust particles in the air.
The asbestos wastes needs to be covered all the time
Transportation
Any type of
asbestos waste
•The asbestos waste needs o be transported in vehicles
that are leak proof.
Before leaving the disposal site, the asbestos residues need to be removed
properly.
Transportation
Stabilized asbestos
waste in bonded
matrix
In order to prevent emission of asbestos dust particles,
the asbestos wastes needs to be wetted (Paglietti et al. 2012).

12DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Disposing
Types of asbestos
wastes
•The asbestos waste should be disposed only in authorized lands (Tiwari
and Saha 2015).
•Burial is one of the ways of disposing the asbestos wastes.
•The asbestos waste should be buried at to a minimum level at the dumping
site.
• Without creating dust emission, the waste must be disposed at the
dumping ground.
• Prior covering the asbestos waste, it should not be compacted.
• Earthmoving equipment needs to be avoided for asbestos removal.
• For making roads, the use of these wastes should be prevented.

13DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
Conclusion
In this report, it can be concluded that asbestos is a toxic material that consists of six
different types of fibers. The asbestos fibers are thin, needle-like and microscopic due to which
the fibers can easily enter the lungs of the workers. Due to long time exposure to asbestos, the
workers develop fatal diseases such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos
related lung cancer. In most of the cases, the diseases due to asbestos exposure are diagnosed
after 40-50 years thereby, making the treatment difficult. The early symptoms of asbestos related
diseases include chest pain, shortness of a breath and persistent cough and cold.
Therefore, in order to remove asbestos or work in presence of asbestos, the worker needs
to take appropriate safety measures. This will help the workers to prevent the inhalation of
asbestos while working. Safety measures that need to be undertaken while asbestos removal
includes avoiding working in presence of heat, covering the nose tightly for preventing
inhalation of asbestos fibers along with taking extra caution for preventing breakage of the
asbestos sheets while removal. Moreover, In order to prevent breakage of the old asbestos sheets,
initially, the workers need to spray water on it. This will make the process of asbestos removal
easier.

14DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT & SAFE WORK METHOD
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