An Incident With

Asbestos

Prelude
Three storey building, built late 60s early 70s Super six roofing (12 -15% asbestos), Weatherside cladding Number of leaks in the roof Access to the roof was delayed by weather continual rain

When access was gained it was found that there was:

Extensive covering of moss and lichen Build up under the fastenings which was affecting the weather tightness of the roof

Lichen

Lichen Adhesion Process

As the Super six weathers the surface matrix begins to break down. Medula from the lichen penetrate the surface effectively anchoring it to the super six.

Conclusion
To make an effective repair the moss and lichen needed to be removed

Methodology
Place filters in down-pipes so that they would not be blocked by moss and lichen. Wet area of roof Sweep off moss, mould and dirt growth Hose roof again Seal around fastenings

Problem
Sweeping the moss and lichen off the roof was a very slow process. Broom bristles could be taking off particles of the super six

Change 1 to Methodology
Use a low pressure water-blaster Method apparently approved by OSH

Problem
The low pressure waterblasting worked until some well adhered lichen was found.

Change 2 to Methodology
Spray stubborn areas of moss and lichen with Moss-Kill Wash off moss and lichen

Safety Alert

And Then !!!

Sound (OLE2)

The Sky Fell In

Pinged !
23 August - DOL advised a complaint had been received - the complainant was concerned that a roof material that contained asbestos was being waterblasted FM set about confirming that the roof material did contain asbestos!!

What happened ?
Moss and lichen not killed Roofing material washed off with lichen Spouting overflowed Lumps of Super Six and Lichen fell on to pathways and grounds below

And
Areas of contamination also found in surrounding gardens Washings were walked into the building Fairly widespread contamination

Department Of Labour Visit

Generally quite helpful Provided advice on super six How the clean up should continue

Remedial Plan
Quantify
Extent of contamination

Report
Government authorities

Advise
Building occupants Wider University community

Quantify
Environmental lab brought in Samples / swabs taken indoor and outdoor Contamination mapped and found to be widespread around building and internally in passageways

Report
Regional Public Health
Site visit, provided advice, talked to building occupants

Department of Labour (then OSH)

Progress of the clean up Concerned primarily with compliance and who if anyone was culpable

Advise
Building Occupants and Staff in adjacent buildings
Of the contamination Remedial measures to be taken

Staff Issues
Concern for their health
Meetings held Regional Public Health present to explain about asbestos Offered chest X-Rays Registration with DOL

Staff Issues
Timeline for remedial work Not permitted in the building
One re-entry permitted to collect gear in PPE

Relocated to alternative accommodation

The Clean Up
Asbestos removal contractors brought in All hard surfaces scrubbed and residue bagged Gardens raked and suspicious particles removed Interior wet wiped and vacuumed Air tests to confirm standard

Investigation
Protagonists interviewed
Manager of Maintenance Contractors Sub-contractor University Asset Manager

Advice on working with asbestos not sought at start

Findings
Flawed
Stage 1 OK But didnt work

Methodology

Which led to

Stage 3 Moss kill not given Sufficient time To work

Stage 2 Water-blaster applied excessive pressure to roof

Lichen not killed, took roofing material with it when water-blasted

No over-flow Protection on guttering

Deposits of asbestos Material from overflow & water-blaster

Outcome
A revised method for the maintenance of asbestos-cement materials was established and documented as a SOP in Facilities Management The roof and exterior of the building were reclad along with alterations to improve the facility