ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1

Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation, and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been shown to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.  
5.1.1 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that “Effects on the lung are a major health concern from asbestos, as chronic (long-term) exposure to asbestos in humans via inhalation can result in a lung disease termed asbestosis. Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath and cough and may lead to severe impairment of respiratory function. Cancer is also a major concern from asbestos exposure, as inhalation exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the abdominal cavity and surrounding internal organs), and possibly gastrointestinal cancers in humans. EPA has classified asbestos as a Group A, known human carcinogen” (1).4  
5.1.2 The World Health Organization states: “Exposure to asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres primarily from contaminated air in the working environment, as well as from ambient air in the vicinity of point sources, or indoor air in housing and buildings containing friable asbestos materials. The highest levels of exposure occur during repackaging of asbestos containers, mixing with other raw materials and dry cutting of asbestos-containing products with abrasive tools” (2).  
5.1.3 The World Bank states: “Health hazards from breathing asbestos dust include asbestosis, a lung scarring disease, and various forms of cancer (including lung cancer and mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum). These diseases usually arise decades after the onset of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma, a signal tumor for asbestos exposure, occurs among workers’ family members from dust on the workers’ clothes and among neighbors of asbestos air pollution point sources” (3).  
5.2 Extensive litigation has occurred worldwide as a result of the health effects of asbestos over the past century, resulting in considerable economic consequences. The regulatory response to asbestos haza...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes work practices for asbestos-cement products when maintenance, renovation, and repair are required. This includes common tasks such as drilling and cutting holes in roofing, siding, pipes, etc. that can result in exposure to asbestos fibers if not done carefully. These work practices are supplemented and facilitated by the regulatory, contractual, training, and supervisory provisions of this practice.  
1.2 Materials covered include those installed in or on buildings and facilities and those used in external infrastructure such as water, wastewater, and electrical distribution systems. Also included is pavement made from asbestos-cement manufacturing waste.  
1.3 The work practices described herein are intended for use only with asbestos-cement products already installed in buildings, facilities, and external infrastructure. They are not intended for use in construction or renovation involving the installation of new asbestos-cement products.  
1.4 The work practices are primarily intended to be used in situations where small amounts of asbestos-cement products must be removed or disturbed in order to perform maintenance, renovation, or repair necessary for operation of the building, facility, or infrastructure.  
1.5 The work practices described herein are also applicable for use where the primary objective is the removal of asbestos-cement products from the building or other location, particularly the use of wet methods and other means of dust and fiber control.  
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.7 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcinogens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Precautions in this practice should b...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2019
• ICS: 91.100.40 - Products in fibre-reinforced cement
• Technical Committee: D22 - Air Quality
• Drafting Committee: D22.07 - Sampling, Analysis, Management of Asbestos, and Other Microscopic Particles

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2394-11 - Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E2356-18 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2356-14 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1368-11 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2356-10 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2356-09 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E1368-05e1 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1368-05 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2356-04e1 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM E2356-04 - Standard Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM E1368-03 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2003
• Refers: ASTM E1368-02 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2002
• Referred By: ASTM E1368-23 - Standard Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D7886-14(2019)e1 - Standard Practice for Asbestos Exposure Assessments for Repetitive Maintenance and Installation Tasks
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020

Overview

ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1, titled Standard Practice for Maintenance, Renovation, and Repair of Installed Asbestos Cement Products, is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International. This practice addresses safe work methods for handling, maintaining, renovating, and repairing installed asbestos-cement products, a class of materials still present in many buildings and infrastructure systems worldwide.

The primary goal of this standard is to protect public health and safety by minimizing exposure to airborne asbestos fibers-well-established causes of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Inhalation of these fibers can occur during common tasks such as drilling, cutting, or removing asbestos-cement materials if proper precautions are not followed. This document applies only to existing installations and not to installation of new asbestos-cement products.

Key Topics

• Health Risks and Regulatory Context

  • Airborne asbestos fibers pose significant health hazards, including various cancers and chronic lung disease.
  • Regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. EPA and World Health Organization, classify asbestos as a known human carcinogen.
  • There is global recognition of the need for stringent controls due to the ongoing risk from legacy asbestos-cement products.

• Scope of Covered Materials

  • Applies to installed asbestos-cement products in buildings, external infrastructure (such as water, wastewater, and electrical distribution systems), and even pavement made from manufacturing waste.
  • Includes both non-friable and friable forms-non-friable being hard to crumble by hand but potentially hazardous when cut or broken.

• Safe Work Practices

  • Provides procedures for tasks such as drilling, cutting, breaking, sanding, or surface cleaning.
  • Emphasizes use of wet methods, dust suppression, and HEPA-filtered vacuums to minimize airborne fiber release.
  • Specific methods and restrictions on prohibited activities (e.g., high-speed power sawing and dry cutting) are included.

• Community and Worker Protection

  • Prioritizes minimizing exposure for both workers and building occupants or bystanders.
  • Stresses comprehensive planning, training, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Applications

ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1 is designed for a wide range of users and scenarios:

• Building Maintenance Personnel: Guidance for safely making repairs that may disturb asbestos-cement in roofs, walls, pipes, or ducts.
• Facility Managers: Framework for developing maintenance strategies and protocols where asbestos-cement is present.
• Renovation Contractors: Work methods for small-scale removal or alteration, ensuring legal and safe project delivery.
• Utilities and Infrastructure Projects: Safe techniques for handling or repairing buried asbestos-cement pipe systems during excavation or service upgrades.
• Government and Regulatory Authorities: Reference for developing or enforcing policies governing asbestos-cement management.
• Property Owners and Managers: Basis for drafting contracts and tender requirements that specify asbestos-safe practices.

This standard is particularly valuable for legacy buildings and infrastructure, helping manage risks in environments where asbestos bans are incomplete or the installed base remains extensive.

Related Standards

To ensure effective asbestos management, users should also consult:

• ASTM E1368 – Practice for Visual Inspection of Asbestos Abatement Projects
• ASTM E2356 – Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Surveys
• Guidance Manual Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Work Practices (NIBS)
• Local and national regulations for asbestos control and abatement

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM E2394-11(2020)e1 enables organizations to:

• Reduce health risks from asbestos-cement maintenance or repair
• Comply with international and national asbestos regulations
• Minimize legal and financial liabilities
• Protect workers, occupants, and nearby communities
• Ensure sustainable building and infrastructure management

Integrating the prescribed safe work practices not only minimizes the release of hazardous asbestos fibers but also facilitates responsible stewardship of older properties and infrastructures where these materials are encountered.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ϵ1
Designation: E2394 − 11 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Maintenance, Renovation, and Repair of Installed Asbestos
Cement Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2394; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Keywords were added editorially in January 2020.
1. Scope conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.1 This practice describes work practices for asbestos-
cement products when maintenance, renovation, and repair are 1.7 Warning—Asbestos fibers are acknowledged carcino-
required. This includes common tasks such as drilling and gens. Breathing asbestos fibers can result in disease of the
cutting holes in roofing, siding, pipes, etc. that can result in lungs including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
exposure to asbestos fibers if not done carefully. These work Precautions in this practice should be taken to avoid creating
practices are supplemented and facilitated by the regulatory, andbreathingairborneasbestosparticlesfrommaterialsknown
contractual, training, and supervisory provisions of this prac- or suspected to contain asbestos. Comply with all applicable
tice. regulatory requirements addressing asbestos.
1.2 Materials covered include those installed in or on 1.8 This practice does not address safety hazards associated
buildingsandfacilitiesandthoseusedinexternalinfrastructure with working on asbestos-cement products such as falling
such as water, wastewater, and electrical distribution systems. through roof panels or trench cave-ins. The use of power tools
Also included is pavement made from asbestos-cement manu- presents possible electrical hazards, particularly in wet envi-
facturing waste. ronments. These and other safety hazards must be considered
and controlled in compliance with the employer’s policies and
1.3 Theworkpracticesdescribedhereinareintendedforuse
applicable regulations.
only with asbestos-cement products already installed in
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
buildings, facilities, and external infrastructure. They are not
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
intended for use in construction or renovation involving the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
installation of new asbestos-cement products.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.4 The work practices are primarily intended to be used in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
situations where small amounts of asbestos-cement products
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
mustberemovedordisturbedinordertoperformmaintenance,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
renovation, or repair necessary for operation of the building,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
facility, or infrastructure.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.5 The work practices described herein are also applicable
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
for use where the primary objective is the removal of asbestos-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
cement products from the building or other location, particu-
2. Referenced Documents
larly the use of wet methods and other means of dust and fiber
control.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1368 Practice for Visual Inspection ofAsbestosAbatement
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Projects
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
E2356 Practice for Comprehensive Building Asbestos Sur-
veys
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D22 on Air Quality
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.07 on Sampling, Analysis,
Management of Asbestos, and Other Microscopic Particles. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published February 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E2394 – 11. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2394-11R20E01. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
2.2 Other Standards: replaced with asbestos-free materials, this practice provides
Guidance Manual Asbestos Operations and Maintenance techniques for maintenance, renovation, and repair operations
Work Practices that are most protective of worker and community health.
4.3 While the provisions of this practice can apply to
3. Terminology
abatement projects whose purpose is removal of the asbestos-
3.1 Definitions:
cement products, such work may involve the handling of large,
3.1.1 amended water, n—water to which a surfactant has
heavypiecesofmaterialwithmechanizedequipmentthatisnot
been added to reduce surface tension.
discussed in this practice.
3.1.2 asbestos, n—the asbestiform varieties of serpentinite
4.4 Iftheworkcanbedonewithoutdisturbinganyasbestos-
(chrysotile), riebeckite (crocidolite), cummingtonite-grunerite
cement products, that is the most desirable course of action to
(amosite), anthophyllite, and actinolite-tremolite.
reduce the potential for exposure to asbestos fibers. Before
3.1.3 asbestos-cement products, n—materials containing as-
commencing any work involving materials that are suspected
bestos fiber added during the manufacturing process to cement of containing asbestos, ask if there is reliable information
and other binders or fillers, including pavement made from available to confirm the presence or absence of asbestos in the
waste material produced by this manufacturing process.
product. (See 8.1.1 and 8.1.2.)
3.1.4 asbestos-containing materials, n—material containing
4.5 This practice includes supporting information and gen-
more than one percent asbestos.
eral precautions applicable to the materials and work practices
covered to enhance their understanding by the user. These
3.1.5 dust and debris, n—visible particles, fragments, or
sections are intended for users with a sufficient technical
chunks of material, large enough to have settled in the work
background to benefit from the material contained therein, and
area by virtue of their weight, that are presumed to have
who are probably in a supervisory, management, or other
originated from asbestos-containing material.
official capacity within their organization. The appendices
3.1.6 friable material, n—material easily crumbled or pow-
contain detailed step-by-step instructions for selected proce-
dered by moderate (hand) pressure; also weakly-bound and
dures and materials, and it is expected that these instructions
low-density materials.
will either be provided to workers in writing or explained to
3.1.7 non-friable material, n—material not easily crumbled
them verbally by their supervisors.
or powdered by moderate (hand) pressure; also strongly-bound
4.6 This practice does not require compliance with the
and high-density materials.
regulations of any specific governmental agency, although
3.1.8 thickened substance, n—a liquid with sufficient den-
excerpts and references are included. It is expected that users
sity and viscosity to capture dust and debris released from a
of this practice will comply with all applicable regulations in
material during one of the operations described in Section 7.
their country and other governmental jurisdiction thereof.
4. Summary of Practice
5. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice describes the following aspects of
5.1 The inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers has been
maintenance, renovation, and repair operations involving in-
shown to cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
stalled asbestos-cement products:
5.1.1 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports
4.1.1 The characteristics of asbestos-cement products com-
that “Effects on the lung are a major health concern from
monly found in buildings, facilities, and external infrastructure
asbestos, as chronic (long-term) exposure to asbestos in hu-
such as utilities.
mans via inhalation can result in a lung disease termed
4.1.2 Maintenance, renovation, and repair operations that
asbestosis. Asbestosis is characterized by shortness of breath
can result in the release of airborne asbestos fibers and the
and cough and may lead to severe impairment of respiratory
creation of asbestos-containing dust and debris.
function. Cancer is also a major concern from asbestos
4.1.3 Methods for controlling the release of airborne asbes-
exposure, as inhalation exposure can cause lung cancer and
tos fibers and minimizing the creation of asbestos-containing
mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the thin membranes lining the
dust and debris.
abdominal cavity and surrounding internal organs), and possi-
4.1.4 Methods of determining and minimizing worker and
bly gastrointestinal cancers in humans. EPA has classified
community exposure to airborne asbestos fibers from these
asbestos as a Group A, known human carcinogen” (1).
materials and operations.
5.1.2 The World Health Organization states: “Exposure to
4.2 This practice accepts the premise that removal of
asbestos occurs through inhalation of fibres primarily from
asbestos-cement products is always the preferred approach
contaminated air in the working environment, as well as from
because it eliminates the potential for exposure to asbestos
ambient air in the vicinity of point sources, or indoor air in
fibers, but also acknowledges that removal is not always
housing and buildings containing friable asbestos materials.
feasible or the most advantageous course of action. In situa-
The highest levels of exposure occur during repackaging of
tions where asbestos-cement products cannot be removed and
3 4
Available from National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), 1090 Vermont The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20005-4905, https://www.nibs.org. this standard.
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
asbestos containers, mixing with other raw materials and dry suppliers. The techniques require careful and diligent work-
cutting of asbestos-containing products with abrasive tools” manship but do not require the services of highly-skilled
(2). tradesmen.
5.1.3 The World Bank states: “Health hazards from breath-
5.6 This practice is intended to be used not only by
ing asbestos dust include asbestosis, a lung scarring disease,
constructionworkersandtradesmenintheperformanceoftheir
and various forms of cancer (including lung cancer and
work, but also by building owners and others as the basis for
mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum). These diseases
preparing contracts and tenders for activities included in the
usually arise decades after the onset of asbestos exposure.
scope of this practice. It will also provide a foundation for
Mesothelioma, a signal tumor for asbestos exposure, occurs
government officials to develop regulations intended to protect
among workers’ family members from dust on the workers’
worker and community health. Where such regulations already
clothes and among neighbors of asbestos air pollution point
exist, of necessity they take precedence over this practice in
sources” (3).
event of a conflict.
5.2 Extensive litigation has occurred worldwide as a result
5.7 Thepersonswhoaremostatriskofexposuretoairborne
of the health effects of asbestos over the past century, resulting
asbestosfibersarethosewhoperformworkonasbestos-cement
in considerable economic consequences. The regulatory re-
products during maintenance, renovation, and repair opera-
sponse to asbestos hazards has resulted in civil sanctions and
tions. This practice places its primary emphasis on the protec-
criminal prosecution of violators.
tion of their health. However, other members of the
community—other workers and individuals in a building being
5.3 Regarding the production and use of asbestos fiber:
renovated, residents of a house undergoing repairs, and unsus-
5.3.1 The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reports: “World
pecting bystanders—are at risk to a lesser degree. By minimiz-
consumption was relatively steady between 2003 and 2007,
ing the risk to the worker performing the maintenance,
averaging 2.11 million metric tons (Mt). The leading consum-
renovation, and repair operations, the potential exposure of
ing countries in 2007 were, in decreasing order tonnage, China
others is reduced as well.
(30 %), India (15 %), Russia (13 %), Kazakhstan and Brazil
(5 %each),andThailand,Uzbekistan,andUkraine(4 %each).
5.8 It is expected that employers will comply voluntarily
These eight countries accounted for about 80 % of world
with the provisions of this practice in the interest of protecting
asbestos consumption in 2007. From 2003 through 2007,
worker and community health and reducing their own liability.
apparent consumption declined in most countries. However,
However, the existence of a regulatory infrastructure for
there were significant increases in apparent consumption in
occupational and community health greatly enhances compli-
China, India, and Uzbekistan between 2003 and 2007. In
ance with measures to reduce exposure to asbestos fibers and
general, world asbestos consumption is likely to decline as
other toxic materials. In some countries, such a system is
more countries institute bans on its use” (4).
highly advanced, but in others it needs to be created or further
5.3.2 The World Health Organization also states: “Bearing
developed. These efforts can be furthered by referencing this
in mind that there is no evidence for a threshold for the
practice in laws and regulations and requiring compliance with
carcinogenic effect of asbestos and the increased cancer risks
its provisions.
have been observed in populations exposed to very low levels,
5.8.1 Issuance of construction permits can be made contin-
the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is
gent on showing evidence of worker training, experience in the
to stop using all types of asbestos. Continued use of asbestos-
use of these procedures, and adequate resources (manpower,
cement in the construction industry is of particular concern,
equipment, and supplies) to use them properly.
because the workforce is large, it is difficult to control
5.8.2 A contractual framework that references this practice
exposure, and in-place materials have the potential to deterio-
and requires use of its procedures ensures the building owner
rate and pose a risk to those carrying out alterations,
or other party securing construction services under a contract
maintenance, and demolition” (2).
or tender arrangement that the responding offeror has been
5.3.3 The Chrysotile (formerly Asbestos) Institute reports
informed as to the expected level of performance when
that: “More than 90 % of the world production of chrysotile is working with asbestos-cement products.
used in the manufacture of chrysotile-cement, in the form of
pipes, sheets, and shingles. These products are used in some
6. Uses and Characteristics of Asbestos-Cement Products
sixty industrialized and developing countries” (5).
6.1 In order to apply the methods for controlling the release
5.4 It follows that the installed base of asbestos-cement
of airborne asbestos fibers and minimizing the creation of
products worldwide is enormous and continues to grow. In asbestos-containing dust and debris, it is necessary to under-
other words, the problem of exposure to asbestos fibers from
stand the uses to which asbestos-cement products have been
working with these materials is substantial and will remain put, their physical characteristics and their composition includ-
significant for the foreseeable future.
ing asbestos fibers and other constituents.
5.5 The significance of this practice is that it provides work 6.2 All asbestos-cement products are defined and regulated
practices that protect worker and community health within the as non-friable asbestos-containing materials—that is, while
resources available in developing as well as industrialized some of them may be broken into smaller pieces by hand
countries.Itreliesasmuchaspossibleontools,equipment,and without the use of tools or mechanical equipment, the broken
supplies that are readily available without recourse to specialty piecescannotbecrumbledintopowderbyhandpressurealone.
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
(See 3.1.6 and 3.1.7.) The materials are susceptible to being 6.5.10 Other Products—Guttersanddownspouts,laboratory
crushed into powder by the application of mechanically- tabletops, fume hoods, garden and greenhouse fixtures, and
multiplied force that may range from the use of pliers to the furniture, etc.
impact of construction equipment, creating dust and debris and
releasing asbestos fibers. Asbestos-cement materials are also
7. Potentially Hazardous Maintenance, Renovation, and
susceptible to weathering, chemical attack, corrosion and Repair Operations
physical damage that may result in degradation of the surface.
7.1 Alloftheoperationsdescribedbelowinvolvedisturbing
If any of these events occur the material is treated as friable
the matrix of the asbestos-cement material, which inherently
asbestos-containing material.
causes some degree of fiber release and creation of dust and
6.3 Another common characteristic of all asbestos-cement debris. This practice contemplates the use of wet methods as
products is their relative impermeability to water, which described in Section 8 to control the release of asbestos fibers
reduces the effectiveness of wetting agents that penetrate and the creation of dust and debris.
friable asbestos-containing materials and reduce fiber release
7.2 Cutting—Cutting operations involve a penetration
when the matrix of the material is disturbed.
through the material in a straight or curved line or by making
a large-diameter hole. An example of the former would be
6.4 Asbestos-cement products may be installed in combina-
using a knife or saw to make a rectangular hole in a piece of
tion with other friable and non-friable asbestos-containing
siding for passing an exhaust duct through. A large-diameter
materials. For example, asbestos-containing soundproofing
hole, such as a tap into a water pipe, is defined as one requiring
mayhavebeensprayedontheundersideofanasbestos-cement
a hole saw with cutting teeth, as opposed to a drill bit. Thin
roof deck or inside walls made of asbestos-cement panels.
material may be cut by scoring the surface with a knife,
Work practices for these associated asbestos-containing mate-
inserting the blade of a chisel in the groove and striking the
rials are outside the scope of this practice, but are discussed in
chisel sharply with a hammer.
Practice E1368 and the ASTM Manual on Asbestos Control
(6).
7.3 Drilling—Drilling operations are done with a twist drill
bittomakethroughholesorblindholes.Ifapowerdrillisused
6.5 Examples of common asbestos-cement products include
it might have an impact action as well as rotary motion.
the following. This list is by no means exhaustive.
Masonry bits may be used for their resistance to wear.
6.5.1 Roofing Materials—The afore-mentioned resistance to
water penetration resulted in widespread use of asbestos-
7.4 Breaking—Flat and corrugated sheets and siding may be
cement corrugated sheets and flat shingles for roofing applica-
brokenbybending,withthelocationandprecisionofthebreak
tions.
controlled by scoring the surface and appropriately restraining
6.5.2 Siding—The afore-mentioned resistance to water pen-
the material. A section of duct may be removed in a similar
etration resulted in widespread use of asbestos-cement corru-
manner by using a chisel to break the material where it has
gated sheets and flat shingles for construction of exterior walls been scored with a sharp-pointed knife.
on buildings.
7.5 Sanding—Edges or surfaces of materials that have been
6.5.3 Flat Panels—Panels of various thickness and finishes
cut or broken may have to be sanded to obtain the desired
were used inside and outside buildings as architectural
quality of finish, or to prepare the surface for bonding to a
materials, tile underlay, electrical and thermal insulation, and
non-asbestos material.
in greenhouses.
7.6 Grinding—If an asbestos-cement pipe has to be mated
6.5.4 Tanks—Tanks for water and other liquids have been
with a non-asbestos replacement section, the ends of the pipe
constructed from asbestos-cement panels, fabricated from pre-
may require bevelling or otherwise finishing the mating sur-
formed sections and molded from asbestos-cement.
face. This may require grinding the end of the pipe.
6.5.5 Cooling Towers—Flat and corrugated panels are used
7.7 Filing—Finishing the edges and surfaces of asbestos-
for roofs, siding, and louvers on cooling towers, and exhaust
cement products remaining in place after maintenance, reno-
vents are made of asbestos-cement.
vation and repair work may require removal of small amounts
6.5.6 Pipe—Pipe of various sizes is found in facilities and
of material with a hand file or rasp.
utility infrastructures for conveying water and wastewater in
pressure and non-pressure applications, and are primarily
7.8 Dismantling—Piecesofmaterialmayberemovedintact,
located underground. Pressure pipe has been made with croci-
or as nearly so as possible, by removing the fasteners that hold
dolite to improve its strength.
the material to the substrate or framework (as with a roof or
6.5.7 Ducts—Thin-walled ducts are used to house electrical
cooling tower), or that hold the pieces together. Instead of
and communications cables and to convey heating and cooling
fasteners, the pieces may be held on, or together with, an
air for the conditioning of occupied spaces and other purposes.
adhesive (which may also contain asbestos).
6.5.8 Exhaust Flues—Exhaust flues from furnaces and boil-
7.8.1 Removal of the asbestos-cement material may leave
ers are sometimes made with asbestos-cement.
an asbestos-containing residue on the substrate. The residue
6.5.9 Pavement—Powdered waste material containing ce- should be removed by Scraping, Sanding, Grinding or Filing,
ment and asbestos fibers that results from the manufacturing of using the control methods in Section 8. Under no circum-
asbestos-cementproductshasbeenusedasapavingmaterialin stances should residue be removed using the Prohibited opera-
residences and communities near the plants. tions in 7.11.
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
7.8.2 Pieces of dismantled asbestos-cement products should by this practice. The re-cycling of removed materials for the
not be dropped or thrown to the ground, but should be lowered manufacture of new asbestos-cement products is also not
while wet in a controlled manner. Brown has shown that endorsed.
dropping sheets of roofing to the ground results in airborne
7.13 Excavation—Excavation for construction related to
concentrations of 0.03 to 0.27 fibers/mL, while careful han-
sub-surface infrastructure may disturb buried asbestos-cement
dling and wetting of the sheets reduces the concentrations to
pipes and electrical ducts, rendering them friable, contaminat-
ND (non-detected) to 0.07 fibers/mL (7).
ing the worksite, and creating an exposure hazard and disposal
7.9 Surface Cleaning—Surfaces of asbestos-cement prod- problem. Inspection of the worksite to locate these materials is
ucts may be coated with substances such as paint or other required and, if they are found, the work practices herein must
sealants, or with mold or other organic growth. Removal of be followed.
these coatings by blasting or scraping can release asbestos
8. Dust, Debris, and Fiber Control
fibersfromthesubstrate.Brownsuggeststhatexternalsurfaces
8.1 The ultimate goal of the following control methods is to
of asbestos-cement sheets that have become weathered should
minimize the amount of airborne asbestos fibers that could be
not generally be coated because the coating will soon blister
inhaled by workers or members of the community. Minimizing
and peel due to poor surface adhesion (8).Asbestos fibers that
the release of asbestos fibers into the air during the operation is
adhere to the coating create a contaminated waste stream and
a primary objective. A secondary objective is to minimize the
disposal problem when the coating comes off the surface. (The
amount of dust and debris created and to prevent the re-
health hazards of the coatings and any substances used to
entrainment of asbestos fibers into the air.
remove it are outside the scope of this practice.)
8.1.1 If reliable information is available confirming that
7.10 Scraping—Residue may be removed from a surface by
asbestos is present in the product, the precautions in this
scraping with a sharp-edged blade on a hand tool such as a
section and Section 9 are mandatory. If information is not
putty knife or chisel, using the control methods in Section 8.
available it may be either assumed that the product is asbestos-
7.11 Prohibited Operations—The following operations are
cementortheproductmaybesubmittedforanalysistoconfirm
not endorsed by this practice because of the high probability of
or refute the presence of asbestos. For example, cellulose-
excessive airborne fiber concentrations or the generation of
cement sheet products have been increasingly used in several
excessive amounts of dust and debris, or both. Some of the
countries since the mid-1980s. If reliable evidence is provided
operations are prohibited by law or regulation in certain
that the material is “asbestos-free,” the work practices in this
jurisdictions.
sectionarenotrequired,butmaybeusefulforgeneralpurposes
7.11.1 Cutting with High-Speed Power Saws—According to
of dust control.
the UK Health and Safety Executive, use of a circular saw for
8.1.2 Thereisnoindustrywidepracticeoflabelingproducts
cutting asbestos-cement sheet has been shown to produce
to indicate that they contain asbestos, and the absence of such
airborne fiber levels as high as 20 fibers⁄mL and a jig saw as
a label should not be taken as evidence that the product is
high as 10 fibers⁄mL (9). Use of band saws and powered
asbestos-free.Thepresenceorabsenceofasbestosinamaterial
hacksaws operating at high cutting speeds would be expected
cannot be determined by looking at it with the unaided eye. A
to have a similar result. The effectiveness of dust capture
sample of the material must be collected and analyzed to
devices for these tools and their suitability for many working
determine if it contains asbestos fibers. For suspected asbestos-
conditions contemplated by this practice must be confirmed by
cement products analysis by Polarized Light Microscopy (11)
testingpriortosanctioningtheiruse.Thelimitationsofthedust
should be sufficient. For sample collection techniques, see
capture devices should be stated, so people will be aware of
Practice E2356, Appendix X1.
them,withawarningthatifthereisvisibledustescapingtothe
8.1.3 If the presence of asbestos in the material is evident or
air the equipment should not be used until properly repaired.
cannot readily be disproved, determine if the work can be done
7.11.2 Grinding with High-Speed Abrasive Wheels—
withoutdisturbinganyasbestos-cementproducts.Forexample,
AccordingtoVanherle,thismethodhasbeenshowntoresultin
wiring may be routed over a wall instead of through it,
high levels of airborne dust when used to mitre edges of
eliminating the need to drill a hole through an asbestos-cement
corrugated asbestos-cement sheets (10).
panel.Insteadoftakingaventpipethroughanasbestos-cement
7.11.3 Burnishing with High-Speed Wire Brushes and
roof,bringitoutthroughawallmadeofnon-asbestosmaterial.
Cleaning with Compressed Air are also prohibited. It may be possible to abandon asbestos-cement products in
7.11.4 High Pressure Water Blasting—This method of
place and install a new component or system to perform their
cleaning weathered asbestos-cement surfaces can propel function.
asbestos-richmaterialontothesurroundingpropertiesandtheir
8.2 Wet Methods—Water and other water-based liquids
grounds, and also creates a contaminated waste stream and
reduce the amount of airborne fibers released and control the
disposal problem.
spread of dust and debris. With friable asbestos-containing
7.12 Re-Use and Re-Cycling—The re-installation of materials, the liquids penetrate the matrix to some degree.This
asbestos-cement products that have been removed during does not happen with non-friable asbestos-cement products,
maintenance, renovation, and repair operations for other pur- where the liquid remains on the surface. Nonetheless, wet
poses in any building, facility or infrastructure is not endorsed methods are still effective when used as follows.
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
8.2.1 Water (with Surfactant): tube or pressurized can. Thick glue has also been used for this
purpose. Any substance with sufficient density and viscosity
8.2.1.1 Water to which a surfactant has been added is called
that is otherwise compatible with the conditions of use
“amended water” and the surfactant is referred to as a “wetting
(temperature, for example) and does not present a health
agent.” The surfactant reduces surface tension and allows the
hazard of its own is acceptable for this purpose.
water to spread across the surface more readily. It also
8.2.2.6 Wet sponges serve a purpose similar to thickening
promotes penetration into friable material and “amended wa-
ter” will penetrate cracks and pores in non-friable materials, agents for containing fibers, dust, and debris from some
maintenance, renovation, and repair operations, in particular
including asbestos-cement products, to some extent.
drilling holes through certain non-friable materials. The drill
8.2.1.2 A formulation of one ounce of a surfactant consist-
bit is driven through the sponge and placed on the mark, then
ing of equal parts polyoxyethylene ester and polyoxyethylene
the sponge is held against the surface while the hole is drilled.
ether mixed with five gallons of water has been used in the
The sponge is disposed of as contaminated waste. Care must
asbestos abatement industry as “amended water.” Equally
obviously be taken to avoid getting the sponge caught in the
effective for the purpose of wetting the surface of asbestos-
rotating drill bit or chuck, and the presence of water in the
cement products is any liquid soap that will dissolve in water
sponge creates a potential electrical hazard if a power drill is
at room temperature.
used.
8.2.1.3 “Amended water” is usually applied to friable
8.2.3 Liquid Adhesives—A liquid with adhesive properties
asbestos-containing materials with an airless sprayer to mini-
will bind the dust and debris into a solid matrix and entrain the
mize the release of fibers from the surface by the impact of the
fibers when it dries or cures. A wide variety of substances is
water droplets. For wetting small areas of asbestos-cement
available for this purpose, including paints, spray adhesives,
products for maintenance, renovation and repair work, a hand
glues and foams. The adhesive can be wiped from the surface
sprayermaybeusedorthewatermaybepouredonthesurface.
being worked on while still in a liquid state and disposed of
For outdoor work, it may be more practical to use a disposable
(see 8.5.1) or, if the material being worked on is to be disposed
spray bottle instead of a wand sprayer, thus avoiding the
of, the contaminated adhesive can remain attached.
problem of the nozzle getting plugged from being dropped in
8.2.4 Material Softening Agents—Asbestos-cement being a
the dirt.
highly caustic material, it will react readily with liquids of high
8.2.1.4 Controlofthewaterisimportantbecauseitbecomes
acidity. Some common hypochlorite-based liquids such as
contaminated with asbestos fibers and debris from the opera-
household cleaners will soften the surface of an asbestos-
tion. Provisions must be made for collecting the water in a
cement product, making it easier to score, cut or break. It may
plastic bag or other container, or for removing dirt contami-
benecessarytoneutralizetheexcessliquidbeforedisposal,but
nated by the run-off (see 8.5.2).
in the small amounts contemplated for maintenance, renova-
8.2.2 Thickened Substances:
tion and repair work, environmental contamination from dis-
8.2.2.1 Waterbyitselfwillnotcapturelargeamountsofdust
posal is not considered a major concern.
and debris produced by some operations, particularly if power
8.2.5 Wet Wiping:
tools are used, and will evaporate or freeze in some climates.
8.2.5.1 The basic rule that asbestos-containing materials are
A heavy coating of a water-based substance is more effective,
never worked on dry applies to wiping the surface of asbestos-
as its mass and viscosity traps dust and debris in addition to
cement products. Removal of dust and debris from the surfaces
wettingthesurface.Therequiredthicknessofthesubstancehas
is always done with wet rags, sponges or paper towels. It is not
to be determined through practice, and it is sometimes neces-
necessary to use “amended water” to wet the towels, although
sary to add more of the substance after the initial application if
“amended water” sprayed or poured on a surface to be cleaned
dust and debris are seen to be escaping from it.
would spread more readily.
8.2.2.2 The substance is collected with wet rags or paper
8.2.5.2 A second rule of wet-wiping is to wipe the surface
towels after the operation is completed and placed in plastic
withapapertowelonlyonceandnottogobackoveritwiththe
bags for disposal (see 8.5.1). The asbestos-containing dust and
same towel, although the towel may be re-folded to expose a
debris remains entrained in the substance.
clean surface. Wet-wiping is done with the towel flat, not
8.2.2.3 Most of these substances are viscous enough to
wadded up. If a rag or sponge is used, it is wet in a “clean
retaintheirshapeandconsistencyduringtheoperation.Foruse
bucket” and the water squeezed out into a “dirty bucket” after
on a vertical or overhead surface, it may be necessary to
wiping the surface. The towels, rags, and sponges are disposed
contain the substance in a paper, plastic, or thin metal cup. A
of after use.
disadvantage of some substances is their opacity, which ob-
scuresone’sviewofthesurfacebeingworkedon.Usingaclear
8.3 HEPA-Filtered Vacuum Cleaners:
substance, such as hair gel, overcomes this problem.
8.3.1 Ahousehold vacuum cleaner or a shop vacuum should
8.2.2.4 Thickened substances are particularly effective in
never be used for work on any asbestos-containing material,
containing large, non-respirable pieces of debris such as that including asbestos-cement products, because the bags and
generated by cutting with a chisel or breaking by bending filters cannot capture the microscopic asbestos fibers. Use of
(“scoreandsnap”).Controllingthespreadofthistypeofdebris such devices might contaminate the area worse than if no
reduces the area to be cleaned up afterwards. vacuum at all was used.
8.2.2.5 A thickened substance commonly used for control- 8.3.2 A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is
ling fibers, dust, and debris is shaving cream from a squeeze capable of trapping asbestos fibers. Vacuum cleaners with a
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
HEPA-rated final filter are available in hand-held and back- insertion of non-asbestos fitting in a straight run of asbestos-
pack models with sufficient suction and capacity for asbestos- cement pipe, or making holes in asbestos-cement pipe for any
cement products maintenance, renovation, and repair work. purpose. However, the tools should be used with wet methods
in accordance with Section 8.
8.3.3 HEPA-filtered vacuums are commonly used for asbes-
tos Operations and Maintenance work and for abatement work
8.4.1.2 TheUndergroundContractorsAssociationofIllinois
in conjunction with wet-wiping for final cleaning of surfaces, (UCA) Best Practices for Removing Asbestos-Cement Pipe
with and without brushes or other devices attached to the
(13) describes a “wheel cutter” for removing underground
nozzle. Prior to starting a maintenance, renovation, and repair
non-pressure pipe. While no illustration is provided, the
operation, a HEPA-filtered vacuum could be used to remove
description matches three devices shown in the section of
visible dust from an asbestos-cement surface that has been
RCP2A on low-speed dry-operating tools. A modified version
deteriorated by weathering (as with roofing and siding) or of the UCA procedure is provided as Appendix X2 to this
debris from physical damage. To reduce the frequency of bag
practice, again requiring the use of wet methods.
and filter changes required, and to minimize the pressure drop
8.4.2 Low-Speed Power Tools:
(and airflow) caused by accumulation of dust on the HEPA
8.4.2.1 Power tools can be electrically or pneumatically
filter, the device should be used sparingly and only after other
driven,theformerrequiringbatteries,linepoweroragenerator
methods of physically collecting dust and debris have been
and the latter requiring an air pressure supply or a powered
used as much as possible.
compressor. Because wet methods will be used, electric power
8.3.4 There are disadvantages to using HEPA-filtered
tools must be on a Ground Fault Circuit Interruption device to
vacuums, and they should be used only if wet methods (see
prevent electric shock to the workers. Tools powered by
8.2) are not sufficient to pick up dust and debris and clean
rechargeable battery packs are preferable for this reason.
surfaces. Even if a HEPA-filtered vacuum is used, large pieces
8.4.2.2 RCP 2A show power tools with and without dust
of asbestos-cement debris should be wetted and picked up by
collection attachments that are all portable with the exception
hand, as the suction of the vacuum may not be sufficient to
of table-mounted cutting units. Some of the tools, such as the
capture the pieces and transport them through the hose to the
powerdrill,arereadilyavailablefromcommercialsources,and
collection bag.
for several of the specialized tools the power source is an
8.3.4.1 The worker must be trained in the use of the
ordinary power drill. With the exception of the bench-mounted
HEPA-filtered vacuum, including cleaning and maintenance of
units, all of the devices are portable enough to be used on
the unit. This includes changing the bag and filters, storing the
installed asbestos-cement products for maintenance, renova-
hose, and ensuring that the latches and connections are tight to
tion and repair work.
prevent leaks.
8.4.2.3 Vacuum-assisted power tools similar to those shown
8.3.4.2 Once the HEPA-filtered vacuum is used to pick up
in RCP 2A are available from commercial suppliers. The
asbestos dust and debris it becomes a contaminated piece of
suitability of any power tool regarding control of fiber release
equipment that must be properly accounted for. Opening the
and worker exposure depends on the ability to control the
unit to change the bag or filter, or for other maintenance, must
speed of the power source to minimize the generation of dust
be done by a worker wearing a respirator and protective
and debris. For devices with dust collection attachments, the
clothing in a location where the surrounding area will not be
ability of the device to capture the fibers, dust, and debris is
contaminated. The used bags and filters must be disposed of as
critical. One disadvantage of vacuum-assisted power tools,
contaminated waste.
besides the obvious need for electric power not only for the
tool but also for the suction device, is the introduction of a
8.4 Tools and Equipment—Tools and equipment used for
contaminated piece of equipment into the workplace that must
maintenance, renovation and repair work on asbestos-cement
be cleaned and maintained by qualified individuals.
products must be suitable for performing the operations in
Section 7 on a material that is by its very nature hard and 8.4.3 Tool Selection and Use—This practice requires the use
abrasive. In addition, the tools and equipment must not release
of manually-operated hand tools wherever feasible to perform
excessive asbestos fibers or dust and debris. The use of hand the operations described herein. Use of these tools in conjunc-
tools is preferred whenever possible and power tools, when
tion with the control methods described in 8.2 will minimize
required, must be operated at low speed. exposure of workers to airborne asbestos fibers. The use of
8.4.1 Hand Tools: manually-operated hand tools is indicated where electrical
power for power tools is not available, or where the use of wet
8.4.1.1 A description of numerous hand tools for asbestos-
methods for controlling fibers, dust, and debris creates electri-
cement work is contained in AIA RCP2A, Catalogue of Tools
cal hazards in the absence of proper grounding precautions.
for Working with Asbestos-cement Products on Site (12). The
devices shown in the section of RCP2Aon hand-operated tools 8.4.3.1 Where manually-operated hand tools do not provide
are manually-powered and are no different from similar tools sufficientphysicalforcefortheoperation,ortheiruseresultsin
available from numerous commercial suppliers. Except for a unacceptably low productivity at the work site, portable power
set of parallel shears that appears intended for cutting and tools may be used. Tools that can be operated at low speed, or
punching holes during installation of large sheets, all of the in conjunction with wet methods for dust suppression, without
tools shown in this section of RCP2Aseem applicable to work the need for vacuum-assisted dust collection devices are
covered by this practice. Such tools would be used for preferred. The tools shall be operated at the slowest possible
removing small sections of damaged asbestos-cement pipe, speed for cutting, drilling or otherwise disturbing the matrix of
ϵ1
E2394 − 11 (2020)
the asbestos-cement material. An employer is advised to rely ated cleaning supplies (such as paper towels) can be disposed
on exposure monitoring as described in 9.2 when deciding on of in lighter-weight sealable plastic bags as long as they are
the appropriate use of power tools, with or without dust properly labelled. Gently press the air out of the bags before
collection attachments. sealing them with duct tape.
8.4.3.2 Vanherle (10) lists several principles for minimizing 8.5.3 For outdoor work, intact pieces of removed material
the amount of airborne dust released from working on that fall on the ground should be picked up and disposed of as
asbestos-cement products. The factors that he recommends in8.5.1.Visibledustanddebrisshouldbewettedandpickedup
considering in the selection and use of tools, whether with the dirt it is laying on or has become partially buried
manually-operated or powered, are: in—do not attempt to pick this material out of the dirt. The
(1) The influence of the size of the dust particles produced, contaminated dirt should be wetted and placed in disposal bags
(2) Theinfluenceoftheamount(volume)ofdustproduced, as in 8.5.1, leaving a surface visibly free of dust and debris.
(3) The avoidance of dust particles getting airborne, and 8.5.4 For outdoor work in remote areas, such as along a
(4) The use of techniques which produce no dust at all. waterorwastewaterdistributionsystem,thebagsofwastemay
be buried at the site next to the pipe, providing that precautions
While the operations described by Vanherle appear directed
are taken against the waste being dug up and re-used, and
towardtheinstallationofnewasbestos-cementproducts,which
measures taken to avoid disturbing the waste during future
is expressly not the subject of this practice, some of the
excavations. If a section of pipe is removed, crushing it to
operations are the same as required for maintenance,
reduce the volume of waste buried or disposed of at a landfill
renovation, and repair work and the four precautions enumer-
is prohibited. Filling an intact section of pipe with waste
...