NEWS ARTICLE ARCHIVES



Asbestos Removal Personal Protective Equipment from Honeywell

asbestos removal full face respirator mask
Optifit Convertible P3 rated Full Face Powered Air Purifying Respirator

Working with Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres which were once used extensively due to their strength, insulating properties and resistance to fire and erosion.

At the time asbestos was widely used, the effects on human health were not known.

We now know that if inhaled in sufficient quantities over a period of time, asbestos can cause diseases such as pleural plaques, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

According to SA Health, while inhaling asbestos fibres can result in these diseases, it does not automatically mean that your health is at risk if you find that your home contains materials made from asbestos.

Types of asbestos

There are three main types of asbestos that were used in production and still exist in materials today. The most common is chrysotile (also known as white asbestos), amosite and crocidolite (or white asbestos and blue asbestos, respectively). Asbestos can be classed as either friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos products contain loosely packed asbestos fibres, which can be easily crushed in your hand. Insulating rope of old oven doors, asbestos insulation and asbestos fibre blankets are examples of soft friable asbestos products.

Non-friable asbestos refers to fibres that have been included within a solid product, (eg. cement in asbestos cement sheeting) and are less-likely to become airborne if damaged.

One of the most common non-friable asbestos products is asbestos cement sheeting. Asbestos cement sheeting can be found in a flat form in internal and external walls and ceilings. A corrugated form of asbestos cement sheeting, also known as 'super six' or 'super eight', is commonly found on roofs, as fences and sometimes as external wall cladding. They do not pose a health risk, providing that the products are in good condition, well-maintained and are not disturbed or damaged.

It is when the products become damaged, however, that they may become airborne and it is advised to have them removed.

Asbestos removal

If the amount of asbestos materials or products to be removed is less than 10m2 then someone with an asbestos removal certificate is not required.

However, the methods outlined in the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002 (2005) must be adhered to by the person undertaking the removal. For removal of bonded asbestos materials or products of more than 10m2 someone with a Class B removal certificate must be used.

Friable or loosely bound materials and products must only be removed by someone who has a Class A removal certificate. All states and territories have acts and regulations in place outlining the responsibilities for all people with regard to asbestos, especially in the work place

Information on safely removing asbestos and safe disposal can be obtained from your local council, as well as details of suitable personal protective equipment.

Choosing personal protective equipment for asbestos removal

Honeywell Safety Products provides a range of safety and personal protective equipment, designed to offer the best-in-class-safety, quality and performance when working with asbestos.

It is essential that anyone working with asbestos wears a respirator.

For asbestos removal, Honeywell Safety Products recommends the Optifit Convertible P3 rated Full Face Powered Air Purifying Respirator.

The Optifit Convertible PAPR includes a full facepiece, P3 filter, Blower unit (which provides a flow rate of 170 lpm), powercord, battery pack & filter shower cap.

The face piece offers distortion free visibility and optical clarity with a replaceable, impact resistant polycarbonate lens that is treated with an anti-scratch coating, while the silicone skirt offers exceptional durability and comfort and a nose cup that prevents fogging.

The molded-in speaking diaphragm provides improved audio transmission for clear communication.

Available in three sizes (small, medium and large), workers can choose from the 5-point strap or black industrial mesh head net to fit your comfort and needs.

The P3 rated filter provides a filtering efficiency of greater than 99.95% as required under ASNZS 1716: 2012 and provides the best level of protection from inhaling asbestos fibres. The PAPR kit includes a filter shower cap which can be placed over the top of the filter to protect the filter when putting the mask through a decontamination shower following asbestos exposure.

Certified to ASNZS 1716 : 2012 Lic SMK 0952, the Honeywell PAPR system meets the ANSI/UL 913 standard for intrinsically safe apparatus for use in Class 1, Division 1, Groups A, B, C and D hazardous locations.

Choosing personal protective equipment when working with asbestos

If a person is working around asbestos, but not responsible for its removal, Honeywell Safety Products recommends P1 or P2 disposable respirators.

disposable respirators

These include the 5110 Cup Shape Dust Respirator P1 Unvalved, 4110 Flatfold Respirator P1 Unvalved, the 5210 Premium Respirator P2 Unvalved and 4210 Flatfold Respirator P2 Unvalved.

With no restriction of vision or communication, the disposable masks enable you to work safely and efficiently and are designed to fit in combination with eyewear.

Low breathing resistance encourages longer wear time by improving the wearer�s comfort, while the humidity resistant and hypoallergenic filter ensure maximum respirator service life.

The respirators feature durable, latex-free suspension straps to eliminate pre-stretching and have a flame retardant outer shell that ensures greater safety.

Made from quality materials, Honeywell disposable masks demonstrate resistance to clogging and protect you and the environment.

All Honeywell disposable respirators are latex, silicone and PVC free making them suitable for use for all workers, without the worry of possible allergies and are certified to AS/NZS 1716:2003 standards.

Further suggestions

Honeywell Safety Products also suggests workers consult their relevant state legislation to ensure compliance in all aspects of asbestos removal and to ensure the full requirements and correct PPE are selected for the job.

This article is written by Honeywell Safety Products, a leading provider of safety protection products, who offer the best-in-class safety, quality and performance to you and your workers every day. Information has been obtained from SA Health - Government of South Australia. For further information on asbestos removal, Honeywell Safety Products recommends contacting your local council in your state.

For more information on Honeywell respirators please contact Honeywell Safety Products on 1300 139 166 or visit www.honeywellsafety.com

Project News Add your Business

Home | About/Services | News Lounge | News Archive | Product Archive | Tender News | Testimonials | Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy

Company Listings:   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

© 2022 SPEC-NET