Recommendations for personal protection of workers engaged in handling asbestos

IS 12078: Scope Overview

• Purpose: This standard focuses on safety in the handling and use of asbestos, aiming to minimize airborne asbestos dust exposure to workers in asbestos mines and related industries.

• References: Definitions and related practices are aligned with:

  • IS 11451:1986 (Terminology)
  • IS 8347:1977 (Safety practices)
  • ILO Codes of Practice: Safety in the use of asbestos, 1984
  • Schedule XIV under Factories Act (Handling and Processing of Asbestos)

• Scope Includes:

  • Safety measures during asbestos mining and processing
  • Minimizing health risks from airborne asbestos fibers
  • Coordinating with international safety standards

No specific formulas or tables are provided in the scope clause itself; these appear in subsequent sections related to exposure limits, protective equipment, and handling procedures.

Summary Diagram of Scope Context

graph TD
  A[IS 12078: Safety in Asbestos Handling] --> B[Worker Exposure Minimization]
  A --> C[Reference Standards]
  C --> D[IS 11451:1986]
  C --> E[IS 8347:1977]
  C --> F[ILO Codes of Practice 1984]
  C --> G[Factories Act Schedule XIV]
  B --> H[Asbestos Mines]
  B --> I[Asbestos-based Industries]

For detailed formulas and tables, refer to sections on exposure limits, dust control, and protective equipment in the standard.

IS 12078: Definitions and Objectives - Key Points

Definitions (Clause 2.1)

• Uses definitions from:
  • IS 11451-1986
  • IS 8347-1977
• Additional definitions specific to asbestos handling as per this standard.

Objectives (Clause 2.2)

• Prevent/minimize exposure of airborne asbestos dust to:
  • Workers in asbestos mines.
  • Workers in asbestos-based industries.

Additional Context

• Harmonized with international standards, notably:
  • ILO Codes of Practice: Safety in the Use of Asbestos, 1984
  • Schedule XIV under Factories Act (handling & processing asbestos).

Summary Table of Objectives

Note:

IS 12078 forms part of a series addressing asbestos safety, ensuring comprehensive coverage of handling, processing, and worker protection.

flowchart TD
    A[IS 12078 Standard] --> B[Definitions]
    A --> C[Objectives]
    B --> D[IS 11451-1986]
    B --> E[IS 8347-1977]
    C --> F[Prevent exposure in mines]
    C --> G[Prevent exposure in industries]
    A --> H[International Coordination]
    H --> I[ILO Codes of Practice 1984]
    H --> J[Factories Act Schedule XIV]

IS 12078: Personal Protection Components - Key Points

1. Personal Protection Components (Clause 4.1)

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
• Protective Clothing
• Proper Hygienic Facilities

2. Respiratory Protective Equipment (Clause 5.2.1 & 5.4.1)

• Selection per IS: 9623-1980.
• Only tested and approved equipment by the relevant authority.
• Must be suitable for the specific work activity and wearable for the entire use period.
• Considered a temporary or emergency measure, not a substitute for engineering controls.

3. Occupational Exposure Control (Clause 3.1)

• Minimize airborne asbestos dust by:
  • Proper building and workplace design.
  • Organizing work to reduce contamination.
  • Maintaining exposure within permissible limits.
• Follow IS: 11451-1986 for safety and health requirements.

Summary Table: Respiratory Protective Equipment Selection

Diagram: Personal Protection Components Overview

graph LR
A[Personal Protection] --> B[Respiratory Protective Equipment]
A --> C[Protective Clothing]
A --> D[Hygienic Facilities]
B --> E[IS: 9623-1980 Compliance]
E --> F[Approved Equipment]
E --> G[Activity-Specific Use]

Note: For detailed specifications, refer to IS: 9623-1980 and IS: 11451-1986 standards.

IS 12078: Respiratory Protective Equipment - Key Points

Definitions (Clause 2.1.1)

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) removes airborne contaminants or supplies uncontaminated air/oxygen.
• Includes respirators and breathing apparatus.

Selection (Clause 5.2.1)

• Follow IS 9623-1980 for selection.
• Use only tested and approved equipment.
• Equipment must suit the specific work and be wearable for the entire use period.

Types of Breathing Apparatus (Clause 5.3.1)

Maintenance (Clause 5.3.1)

• RPE issued exclusively to individual workers.
• Must be regularly cleaned and serviced by trained personnel.
• Maintain proper service records.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure fit testing and user training.
• Replace filters and components as per manufacturer or IS guidelines.
• Use in conjunction with protective clothing and hygiene (Clause 4.1).

flowchart TD
    A[Work Environment] --> B[Hazard Identification]
    B --> C[Select RPE per IS 9623-1980]
    C --> D{Type of Equipment}
    D --> D1[Closed-circuit]
    D --> D2[Open-circuit]
    D --> D3[Fresh air hose]
    D --> D4[Escape apparatus]
    D1 & D2 & D3 & D4 --> E[Issue to worker]
    E --> F[Regular cleaning & servicing]
    F --> G[Record maintenance]

This summary aligns with IS 12078 requirements for respiratory protective equipment.

IS 12078: Selection and Use of Respiratory Equipment

Key Points from Clauses:

• Selection (5.2.1, 5.2.4):

  • Follow IS 9623-1980 for selection guidelines.
  • Use only tested and approved respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
  • Equipment must suit the specific work activity and be wearable for the entire use period.
  • Ensure availability of spares, ease of maintenance, and size variety.

• Issuance & Maintenance (5.3.1):

  • RPE is for exclusive use by assigned workers.
  • Must be cleaned and serviced by trained personnel before reuse.
  • Maintain service records.

• Use (5.4.1):

  • Follow IS 9623-1980 for proper usage.

Relevant Specifications (IS 9623 Parts):

Summary Table for Respirator Selection (per IS 9623-1980)

Maintenance Checklist:

• Clean after each use.
• Check seals, valves, and filters.
• Replace worn parts.
• Record maintenance and issue history.

flowchart LR
    A[Select RPE per IS 9623] --> B[Check suitability for work]
    B --> C[Verify approval & test status]
    C --> D[Ensure spares & sizes availability]
    D --> E[Issue to exclusive user]
    E --> F[Regular cleaning & servicing]
    F --> G[Maintain

IS 12078: Protective Clothing - Key Points

• Clause 6.9: Protective clothing must be worn only in asbestos work areas and contaminated zones of wash/changing rooms to prevent cross-contamination.

• Clause 6.10 (Cleaning & Laundering):

  • Protective clothing must be cleaned following detailed procedures (6.10.1 to 6.10.2.4), ensuring removal of asbestos fibers without damaging the fabric's protective properties.
  • Typically involves controlled laundering with specialized equipment and disposal of contaminated wash water.

• Clause 4.1 (Personal Protection Components):

  • Protective clothing is a critical part of personal protection alongside respiratory equipment and hygienic facilities.

General Specifications for Protective Clothing (from typical asbestos safety practice):

flowchart LR
    A[Asbestos Work Area] --> B[Protective Clothing Worn]
    B --> C[Work Completed]
    C --> D[Contaminated Zone]
    D --> E[Clothing Removed & Decontaminated]
    E --> F[Clean Storage or Disposal]

Summary: Protective clothing must be strictly confined to contaminated zones, cleaned as per IS 12078 clauses, and integrated with respiratory equipment for full personal protection.

IS 12078: Hygienic Facilities & Maintenance – Key Points

1. Hygienic Facilities (Clause 7.1 & 7.2)

• Provision for:
  • Storage & changing areas for work/protective clothing.
  • Airflow control to prevent contaminated air moving into clean zones.
  • Storage & replacement of respiratory protective equipment.
  • Shower facilities: 1 shower per 15 persons using protective clothing.
• Location (Clause 7.2):
  • Facilities should adjoin asbestos work areas or be as close as possible.
  • Supplementary facilities must be provided if direct adjacency is not feasible.

2. Clothes Lockers (Clause 6.11)

• Two separate lockers per worker:
  • One for off-site clothes.
  • One for work/protective clothes.
• Lockers must be isolated to prevent contamination.

3. Maintenance & Cleaning (Clause 7.3)

• Effective arrangements must be in place for cleaning and maintaining all hygienic facilities regularly.

Summary Table: Shower & Locker Provision

Airflow Control Concept

flowchart LR
    Contaminated_Area[Contaminated Area]
    Hygienic_Facility[Hygienic Facility (Clean Side)]
    Contaminated_Area -- Negative Pressure --> Hygienic_Facility
    Hygienic_Facility -- Positive Pressure --> Clean_Area[Clean Area]

• Airflow must be from clean → hygienic → contaminated zones to avoid cross-contamination.

Ensure:

• Regular cleaning schedules.
• Proper disposal of contaminated water from showers.
• Adequate signage and separation to maintain hygiene and safety.

IS 12078: Cleaning and Storage of Equipment - Key Points

• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE):

  • Cleaning & maintenance per IS 9623:1980 (Clause 5.3).
  • Special care in handling, disinfection, and drying as per Clauses 5.3.1 to 5.3.8.
  • After cleaning, store RPE to avoid contamination (Clause 5.5).

• Protective Clothing:

  • Cleaning and laundering details in Clauses 6.10.1 to 6.10.2.4.
  • Ensure removal of contaminants without damaging fabric or protective properties.

• Hygienic Facilities:

  • Maintain cleanliness and hygiene as per Clause 7.3.
  • Effective cleaning schedules and maintenance protocols must be in place.

Summary Table: Cleaning & Storage Reference

Important Notes:

• Follow IS 9623:1980 for RPE cleaning procedures including disinfection.
• Avoid moisture or chemical residues during storage.
• Use designated clean, dry, and dust-free storage areas.

flowchart LR
    A[Used Equipment] --> B[Cleaning per IS 9623:1980 / Clauses 6.10]
    B --> C[Drying & Inspection]
    C --> D[Storage in Clean Area]
    D --> E[Ready for Next Use]

This ensures equipment longevity and user safety.

IS 12078: Training & Instruction for Workers Using Respiratory Protective Equipment

Key Specifications from Clause 5.4.3:

Workers must be instructed on:

• Purpose & Importance: Why respiratory equipment is necessary and the importance of consistent use.
• Usage Conditions: When and how to recognize situations requiring the equipment.
• Selection & Maintenance: Recommendations for choosing and maintaining devices.
• Operation: How the equipment functions.
• Fit & Use: Correct wearing and fit-checking methods.
• Operation Check: How to verify the equipment works properly.
• Servicing: Importance of regular maintenance.

Additional Requirements:

• Record Keeping (Clause 5.3.7): Maintain training records for each worker.

Summary Table for Training Content

Reference

• Aligns with ILO Codes of Practice (1984) and Factories Act Schedule XIV on asbestos handling.

flowchart TD
    A[Worker Training] --> B[Reason & Importance]
    A --> C[Usage Conditions]
    A --> D[Equipment Operation]
    A --> E[Fit & Use]
    A --> F[Operation Check]
    A --> G[Regular Servicing]
    A --> H[Record Maintenance]

Ensure all workers receive documented, comprehensive training per IS 12078 for safe asbestos handling.

IS 12078: Record Keeping & Equipment Issuance for Respiratory Protective Equipment

Key Specifications & Requirements

• Exclusive Issue (Clause 5.3.1):
  Respirators are issued exclusively to designated workers and must be cleaned and serviced before re-issue.

• Centralized Issuance & Return (Clause 5.3.3):
  Respirators issued and returned at a central point. Cleaning includes:

  • Face piece
  • Head straps
  • Inlet & exhaust valves
  • Battery recharge for powered respirators
    Follow manufacturer instructions strictly.

• Record Keeping (Clause 5.3.6 & 5.3.7):
  Maintain records for each respirator including:

  • Worker issued to
  • Dates of cleaning and servicing
  • Training and instruction records per worker

Recommended Record Format (Example)

Respirator Types Covered (IS 12078 Parts)

flowchart TD
    A[Respirator Issuance] --> B[Central Point]
    B --> C[Cleaning & Servicing]
    C --> D[Inspection (Face piece, Valves, Straps)]
    D --> E[Battery Recharge (if applicable)]
    E --> F[Issue to Worker]
    F --> G[Record Maintenance]
    G --> H[Training Records]

Summary: Maintain strict records of issuance, cleaning, servicing, and training. Use centralized control for issuing respirators and follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance.

IS 12078: Handling and Laundering of Contaminated Clothing (Asbestos Protective Clothing)

Key Specifications (Clause 6.10)

• Controlled Laundering (6.10.2.1):
  Laundering must occur under strict conditions to prevent airborne asbestos emission during handling, transport, and washing.

• Prohibition of Home Laundering (6.10.2.4):
  Laundering asbestos-contaminated clothing at the wearer’s home is strictly forbidden to avoid contamination risks.

• Contract Laundry Precautions (6.10.2.3):
  When using contract laundries, ensure:

  • The contractor understands asbestos handling risks.
  • They are equipped with proper facilities to safely launder contaminated clothing.

Best Practice Summary

flowchart LR
    A[Contaminated Clothing] --> B[Sealed Bagging]
    B --> C[Transport to Laundry]
    C --> D[Controlled Laundering Facility]
    D --> E[Safe Disposal of Waste]
    D --> F[Clean Clothing Returned]

Note: No specific formulas apply here; focus is on procedural compliance and safety controls per IS 12078.

IS 12078 - Ventilation and Airflow Control Key Points

Exhaust Ventilation (Clause 7.2.2)

• Negative pressure exhaust ventilation must be provided in units with supplementary facilities to control airborne contaminants.
• This ensures contaminants like asbestos fibers are drawn away from workers and not allowed to disperse.

General Recommendations (from IS 12080-1987 & related clauses)

• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are essential in workplaces handling asbestos to minimize airborne dust.
• Ventilation design should comply with ILO Codes of Practice (1984) and Schedule XIV of Factories Act.
• Control measures must keep airborne asbestos dust within permissible exposure limits.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a secondary measure, not a substitute for ventilation.

Typical Ventilation Design Parameters:

Formula for Airflow Rate (Q):

[ Q = A \times V ]

• Q = Airflow rate (m³/s)
• A = Cross-sectional area of duct or opening (m²)
• V = Air velocity (m/s)

flowchart LR
    Contaminated_Area -->|Negative Pressure| Exhaust_Fan
    Exhaust_Fan -->|Airflow| Outside
    Outside -->|Fresh Air| Supply_Vent
    Supply_Vent --> Contaminated_Area

Summary:

• Use negative pressure exhaust ventilation to control asbestos dust.
• Design LEV with adequate capture velocity and airflow.
• Follow IS 11451-1986 for worker safety and PPE as a backup.
• Maintain airflow and pressure differentials to ensure contaminant control.

IS 12078: Marking and Labeling of Contaminated Items (Clause 6.10.2.2)

• Packing: Contaminated clothing must be packed in dust-proof containers (e.g., plastic bags).

• Sealing: Containers must be secured at the neck to prevent fiber escape.

• Labeling: Containers must be conspicuously marked with the text:

  ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED CLOTHING
  

  in capital letters for clear identification.

Additional Relevant Specifications:

Summary:

• Use dust-proof, sealed containers for contaminated clothing.
• Mark containers clearly with "ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED CLOTHING".
• Follow IS 12078 cleaning and storage protocols to ensure safety and prevent fiber release.

flowchart LR
    A[Contaminated Clothing] --> B[Pack in Dust-Proof Container]
    B --> C[Secure Neck of Container]
    C --> D[Label: "ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED CLOTHING"]
    D --> E[Send for Laundering Outside Factory]

IS 12078: Respiratory Protective Equipment for Asbestos Work

Key Clauses & Specifications:

• Clause 5.2.1 & 5.4.1:
  Respirators must comply with IS 9623-1980 (Specification and use guidelines). Only approved types suitable for the work and wearable for the entire duration should be used.

• Clause 5.2.2 & Appendix A:
  Respirator selection depends on max airborne asbestos concentration. Appendix A classifies concentration ranges and recommends respirator types accordingly.

• Clause 5.3.1:
  Respirators are issued exclusively to individual workers, must be regularly cleaned and serviced, with maintenance records maintained.

Respirator Types (per IS 12078):

Selection Summary (from Appendix A):

flowchart LR
    A[Airborne Asbestos Concentration] --> B{Concentration Range}
    B -->|<= 0.1 mg/m³| C[Filter-type particulate respirator]
    B -->|0.1 - 1.0 mg/m³| D[Half/Full-face respirator with supplied air]
    B -->|> 1.0 mg/m³| E[Closed-circuit / Escape breathing apparatus]

Summary: Use IS 9623-1980 approved respirators, select based on asbestos concentration per Appendix A, maintain exclusive use, cleaning, and servicing records.

IS 12078: References to Related Standards

• Key Related IS Codes:

  • IS 11451-1986: Definitions relevant to asbestos safety.
  • IS 8347-1977: Additional definitions and safety norms.
  • IS 11769 (Part 2)-1986: Guidelines for safe use of asbestos-containing friction materials.

• International Reference:

  • ILO Code of Practice, 1984 – Safety in the use of asbestos (International Labour Office, Geneva).

• Legal Framework:

  • Schedule XIV under Section 87 of the Factories Act – Handling and processing of asbestos.

Summary Table of Related Standards

This ensures harmonization of IS 12078 with national and international asbestos safety standards.