FMMC 10-04 – CORE DRILLING THROUGH ENCAPSULATED ASBESTOS

Effective April 25, 1991
Revised: August 9, 2012
Reviewed: December 2013

INFORMATION

Although asbestos containing materials have been abated in many areas throughout the Medical Center, there may be some ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) which has been either encapsulated or remains in place. In all cases, caution must be exercised to avoid accidental exposure to asbestos fibers.

POLICY

When a repair or project requires ordinary drilling or core drilling and it is unknown whether or not asbestos is present, precautions must be taken by the following strict guidelines in order to prevent asbestos exposure.

PROCEDURE

1.   Wet the area thoroughly before and during the drilling process. Use a spray bottle to apply water. You may add laundry detergent to serve as a wetting agent.

2.   Use containment around the drill bit such as an air tight sealed plastic bag or modified glove bag. Top edges of plastic to surface using duct tape contain debris in bag or other suitable method.

3.   You must wear an appropriate respirator designed for asbestos work.

4.   Keep all unnecessary traffic and personnel out of immediate area and warn other workers in the vicinity. Use appropriate signs and labels.

5.   Use a hepa vacuum to clean up any dust and particles remaining on flat surfaces. Use wet paper towels to clean debris. Discard all material, bags, and towels in containers marked asbestos waste.

6.   When drilling:

a.   For friable or reasonably soft material, slowly push the drill into the material.

b.   On floor tile, wet area thoroughly with wetting agent.

c.   Transite board, wet area thoroughly with wetting agent. 

Never drill into fire doors containing asbestos material. Wear all protective equipment such as respiratory, disposable coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers.

7.   Training and retraining shall be done annually by University of Kentucky’s Environmental Management Division.

Anytime materials are encountered during renovations or maintenance activity that appear to contain asbestos Environmental Management shall be contacted to test the material and give further instructions upon test results