Guidelines for safe use of products containing asbestos, Part 1: Asbestos cement products

Scope & Key Specifications from IS 11769 (Part 1) - 1987

1. Scope:

• Covers working processes and recommended tools for pipes, flat sheets, and corrugated sheets & fittings.
• Tools vary by diameter/thickness and process type (cutting, drilling, turning, sanding, cut outs).

2. Recommended Tools Summary:

3. Machinery Assessment Formula (Clause 7.1.5):

[ d = \text{calculated chip thickness (μm)} ]

[ k = \text{speed of cutting teeth (mm/min)} = \begin{cases} H \times f & \text{(reciprocating)} \ w \times R = 2 \pi R f & \text{(radial/circular)} \end{cases} ]

Where:

• ( d ) = chip thickness (μm)
• ( v ) = feed rate (mm/min)
• ( a ) = tooth spacing (mm)
• ( H ) = stroke length (mm)
• ( f ) = frequency (rpm)
• ( w ) = angular velocity (rad/min)
• ( R ) = radius of saw blade (mm)

4. Important Notes:

• **High-speed circular

IS 11769 Part 1 (1987) - Key Tools & Specifications for Objects

1. Flat Sheets (Clause 6.2)

• For thickness up to 6 mm, same tools apply with addition of scriber, hammer shears.

2. Pipes (Clause 6.3)

a) Diameter up to 600 mm

b) Diameter above 600 mm

3. Corrugated Sheets and Fittings (Clause 6.1)

IS 11769 Part 1 (1987) - Application: Tools & Specifications

1. Recommended Tools for Working Processes

2. Tools for Corrugated Sheets & Fittings (Clause 6.1)

Note: High-speed circular saws are not recommended.

3. Machinery Assessment Formula (Clause 7.1.5)

[ k = \text{speed of cutting teeth (mm/min)} ]

• For reciprocating movement:
  [ k = H \times f ]
• For radial movement:
  [ k = w \times R = 2 \pi R f ]

Where:

• (H) = stroke length (mm)
• (f) = frequency (strokes or rev/min)
• (w) = angular velocity (rad/min)

IS 11769 Part 1: Receiving and Storing of Asbestos Cement Products

Key Specifications (Clause 4.1)

• Objective: Minimize airborne asbestos dust during handling/storage.
• Scope: Applies to all asbestos cement products (pipes, sheets, fittings).

Recommended Practices (Clauses 4.1.1 to 4.1.6)

• Store products in dry, well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture accumulation.
• Stack products on raised platforms to avoid ground contact.
• Use covered storage to protect from weather and reduce dust dispersion.
• Handle products gently to avoid breakage and dust release.
• Provide adequate signage and warnings on storage sites (Clause 9.1).
• Workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks and gloves.

Safety Signage (Clause 9.1)

• Products must bear pictorial warning signs indicating asbestos content and health hazards.

Summary Table: Storage Conditions

flowchart TD
    A[Receiving Asbestos Cement Products] --> B[Inspect for Damage]
    B --> C[Store in Dry, Ventilated Area]
    C --> D[Stack on Raised Platforms]
    D --> E[Cover to Prevent Dust Dispersion]
    E --> F[Display Warning Signs]
    F --> G[Workers Use PPE]

Note: No specific formulas are provided in IS 11769 Part 1 for storage; emphasis is on procedural safety and minimizing dust exposure.

IS 11769 Part 1 - Work on Site: Key Tools & Specifications

Clause 6: Recommended Tools for Working Processes

Important Notes:

• High-speed circular saws are NOT recommended for cutting sheets or pipes

IS 11769 Part 1 (1987) - Recommended Tools for Working Processes

1. Flat Sheets (Clause 6.2)

• For thickness up to 6 mm, additionally:
  • Scriber, Hammer shears, Nibbler, Low speed circular saw

2. Pipes (Clause 6.3)

3. Corrugated Sheets & Fittings (Clause 6.1)

Note: High-speed circular saws are not recommended; use low-speed saws with precautions.

Summary Diagram (Tool Selection for Flat Sheets)

graph TD
  A

IS 11769 Part 1 - Tools Specification & Working Practices

1. Tools for Flat Sheets (Clause 6.2)

• For thickness up to 6 mm, scriber and hammer shears can also be used.

2. Tools for Pipes (Clause 6.3)

3. Tools for Corrugated Sheets & Fittings (Clause 6.1)

Note: High-speed circular saws are not recommended; use low speed saws or mechanical saws with precautions.

Summary Table (Simplified)

| Material Type       | Cutting Tools                       | Drilling Tools                 | Other Notes                         |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------

IS 11769 Part 1: Waste Disposal Key Points

• Clause 8.1:

  • Waste material must not accumulate on floors.
  • Use vacuum cleaners regularly; if not possible, thoroughly wet waste before removal.
  • Follow cleaning procedures as per IS 11767-1986 (Asbestos waste cleaning).

• Clause 8.3:

  • Loose swarf and dust from fabrication must be wetted (where practicable).
  • Place waste in sealed, impermeable bags.
  • Dispose of according to IS 11768-1986 (Asbestos waste disposal).

• Clause 4.1.6:

  • Damaged/crushed pieces must be disposed of following IS 11768-1986.

Summary Table: Waste Handling

Notes:

• Chain cutter operation (Clause 7.3.4) produces dust-free cuts, so no chip thickness calculation needed.
• Waste disposal strictly follows asbestos-related IS codes for environmental safety.

flowchart TD
    A[Fabrication Waste] --> B{Type of Waste}
    B -->|Loose swarf/dust| C[Wet + Seal in Bags]
    B -->|Floor waste| D{Vacuum Clean?}
    D -->|Yes| E[Vacuum Clean]
    D -->|No| F[Wet before removal]
    B -->|Damaged pieces| G[Dispose as per IS 11768]
    C --> H[Dispose as per IS 11768]
    E --> I[Dispose as per IS 11767]
    F --> I

This ensures safe, compliant waste disposal on site.

IS 11769 Part 1: Marking & Warning Signs for Asbestos Cement Products

Key Specifications (Clause 9.1)

• Asbestos cement products must bear a pictorial warning sign as per IS 12081 (Part 2): 1987.
• Purpose: Warn users of asbestos fibers and health risks from asbestos dust inhalation.
• Warning sign highlights presence of asbestos and cautions against improper use generating hazardous dust.

Recommended Tools for Working with Asbestos Cement Products (Clause 6.1 & 6.2)

*Sanding only with dust extraction equipment.

Safety Notes

• High-speed circular saws are not recommended.
• Use low speed tools to minimize asbestos dust generation.
• Always follow safety rules sheet (Clause 10) for handling and disposal.

flowchart LR
    A[Asbestos Cement Product] --> B[Mark with IS 12081 Warning Sign]
    B --> C[Safe Handling & Use]
    C --> D[Use Recommended Tools]
    D --> E[Minimize Dust & Health Risk]

This ensures compliance with IS 11769 Part 1 for safe use and hazard communication.

IS 11769 Part 1 — Precautions & Protective Measures for Asbestos Cement Products

Key Points from Clauses 9.1 and 10.1:

• Pictorial Warning Sign:
  Asbestos cement products must bear a warning sign as per IS 12081 (Part 2):1987 to alert users of asbestos content and health risks from dust inhalation.

• Health Hazard:
  Inhalation of asbestos dust can cause serious health damage; therefore, dust generation must be minimized.

• Safe Handling & Disposal Guidelines (Clause 10.1):
  Manufacturers must provide a Safety Rules Sheet including:

  • Product designation
  • Manufacturer details
  • Health hazards from asbestos dust inhalation
  • Cleaning & safe disposal procedures for asbestos waste and dust
  • Handling precautions

• Work Practices:
  For normal handling, transport, storage, and installation, asbestos fibers are "locked-in" and dust generation is minimal. Use recommended work practices to avoid dust exposure.

• Open Air Tool Use (Clause 5.5):
  For short, intermittent use of slow tools outdoors, special precautions are generally not needed.

Summary Table: Safety Information Required on Safety Rules Sheet

Recommendations for Safe Use

• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks when cutting or drilling.
• Avoid dry cutting; use wet methods to suppress dust.
• Dispose of asbestos waste as per local regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
• Follow IS 12081 (Part 2) for pictorial warnings and further safety notices.

flowchart TD
    A[Asbestos Cement Product] --> B{Handling}
    B -->|Normal Use| C[Minimal Dust Exposure]
    B -->|Cutting/Drilling| D[Use PPE & Wet Methods]
    D --> E[Prevent Dust Inhalation]
    E --> F[Health