Recommendations for personal protection of workers engaged in handling asbestos
1987 Edition

Based on IS 12078, the selection of respiratory protective gear depends on the maximum airborne asbestos concentration anticipated. Respirators must be authorized by the relevant authority. For exposures below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), engineering controls suffice without specialized respiratory gear. When dust concentrations range from 0.1 to 1.0 fibers per milliliter, a half-face respirator equipped with a P100 or equivalent filter is recommended. For levels between 1.0 and 10 fibers per milliliter, full-face respirators or supplied-air respirators should be used. Exposures exceeding 10 fibers per milliliter necessitate supplied-air respirators with full hoods or positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It is important to use respiratory protection as a temporary or emergency measure in conjunction with appropriate protective clothing.

IS 12078 mandates that contaminated protective garments must never be laundered at home. Such clothing should be packed in dust-tight containers, like sealed plastic bags, secured at the opening to prevent fiber release. These containers must be clearly labeled with "ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED CLOTHING" in uppercase letters. When outsourcing laundering to a contract service, ensure that the contractor is fully aware of the hazards involved and possesses the necessary equipment and facilities to safely handle asbestos-contaminated items. These procedures prevent airborne asbestos exposure during transportation and washing, safeguarding workers and the environment.

According to IS 12078, hygienic accommodations for asbestos workers must be located adjacent to or as near as possible to the asbestos work zones to minimize contamination transfer. Facilities should include separate storage and changing areas for protective clothing and regular apparel, with two distinct lockers per worker to isolate clean and contaminated clothes. Airflow management must be designed to prevent contaminated air from entering clean zones. Additionally, shower facilities should be provided at the ratio of one shower per fifteen workers utilizing protective gear, with proper disposal mechanisms for contaminated wash water. These arrangements ensure worker safety and limit asbestos fiber dispersion.

IS 12078 specifies that respiratory protective equipment must undergo disinfection, washing, and cleaning at least weekly or more often depending on usage frequency. Prefilters in filtered air respirators should be replaced and filters checked during each cleaning. The cleaning and maintenance should adhere to IS 9623-1980 guidelines. Respirators are to be issued and returned to a centralized location for thorough inspection, including examination of facepieces, head straps, inlet and exhaust valves, and recharging batteries for powered respirators. Equipment is for exclusive use and must be maintained by trained personnel prior to re-issuance.

Workers must receive comprehensive training covering the rationale for using respiratory protection, emphasizing its importance and consistent use. Training should include identifying situations that require wearing the equipment, guidance on selection, operation, correct wearing and fit-checking techniques, procedures for verifying proper function, and the necessity of routine maintenance and servicing. Records of such training should be maintained. This instruction ensures that workers understand the equipment’s purpose, function properly, and adhere to safety standards as stipulated by IS 12078.