Asbestos Fuse Guards: The removal guide

Asbestos Fuse Guards: Removal Guide

This is our 10-step guide on how to safely remove asbestos fuse guards from electrical boards at your property.

Step 1: Asbestos Survey

Before starting any work, it’s essential to identify the presence and type of asbestos by conducting an asbestos survey. This step ensures compliance with UK regulations, specifically the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Understanding the regulations will guide you through the legal requirements for safe removal.

Step 2: Safety Gear

Ensure you have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), including a respirator mask with a P3 filter, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety goggles. All safety gear should meet current safety standards to protect against asbestos exposure.

Step 3: Site Preparation

Prepare the area around the electrical board by removing any obstacles that might impede safe access to the fuse guards. Erect barriers or post warning signs to restrict unauthorized access to the work area, ensuring the safety of others.

Step 4: Power Isolation

Before proceeding with the removal, isolate the electrical power supply to the board. This step is crucial for preventing electrical hazards during the asbestos removal process.

Step 5: Containment

Set up a containment area around the electrical board using polythene sheeting and duct tape to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading to other areas. Ensure that the containment area is properly sealed and secured.

Step 6: Wet Down

Dampen the fuse guards with water and a wetting agent to minimize the release of asbestos fibres during removal. This helps to keep the fibres from becoming airborne and reduces the risk of inhalation.

Step 7: Safe Removal

Carefully remove the asbestos-containing fuse guards using hand tools such as screwdrivers. Avoid using power tools, which can create dust and increase the risk of asbestos fibre release. Work slowly and methodically to minimize disturbance to the material.

Step 8: Bagging

Place the removed asbestos fuse guards in heavy-duty, double-sealed asbestos disposal bags. Ensure the bags are securely sealed with duct tape to prevent any fibres from escaping.

Step 9: Decontamination

Thoroughly clean the work area, tools, and PPE using damp rags or disposable wipes. Dispose of all cleaning materials as asbestos waste, following proper disposal procedures to avoid contamination.

Step 10: Disposal

Transport the sealed asbestos waste to a licensed disposal facility. If needed, seek assistance from a professional waste collection service that specializes in asbestos disposal to ensure compliance with regulations. This is something we can help you with, we hold an environmental agency waste carriers license.

Advice

Consider hiring an asbestos removal contractor for this task. These professionals have the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to handle asbestos removal safely and in compliance with all regulations. We are fully qualified to carry out the removal and disposal for you.

Remember: Asbestos removal can be extremely hazardous, and improper handling poses serious health risks. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable with any part of the removal process, always seek professional help. Safety should be your top priority when dealing with asbestos-containing materials. Contact us now to book in your safe asbestos fuse guard removal. The is the removal guide from the HSE here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I tell if the fuse guards in my electrical board contain asbestos?

A. To determine whether your fuse guards contain asbestos, you must have an asbestos survey conducted by a qualified asbestos assessor or a licensed professional. They will take samples from the fuse guards and have them analyzed in a certified laboratory. This is the only reliable method to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Q. Is it safe to remove asbestos fuse guards myself, or should I hire a professional?

A. While it is possible to remove asbestos fuse guards yourself, it is highly recommended to hire an asbestos removal contractor. Professionals have the necessary training, experience, and specialized equipment to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials, minimizing the risk of asbestos exposure.

Q. What should I do with the asbestos fuse guards after removal?

A. After removing asbestos fuse guards, they must be double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags designed for asbestos disposal. The sealed bags should be transported to a licensed disposal facility that handles asbestos waste. It is illegal to dispose of asbestos-containing materials with regular household or commercial waste.