Guidelines for safe use of products containing asbestos, Part 1: Asbestos cement products
1987 Edition

Per IS 11769 Part 1 (1987), power-operated saws such as jig saws and band saws with hardmetal-toothed blades designed for controlled dust emission are recommended for cutting asbestos cement sheets and pipes. For pipes up to 600 mm diameter, large jig saws around 700 W with blades up to 1000 mm length are suitable, requiring guiding devices for pipes exceeding 350 mm. Shearing tools may be used for flat sheets up to 8 mm thick. Abrasive or masonry discs are explicitly prohibited due to dust hazards.

IS 11769 Part 1 advises minimizing dust generation by employing wet methods like water spraying during cutting and drilling, handling materials carefully to avoid breakage, and using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters instead of dry sweeping. Workers should wear appropriate protective gear such as respirators and gloves, work areas should be well ventilated, and waste materials collected and disposed of following proper protocols to reduce airborne asbestos fiber exposure.

To ensure safety, asbestos cement products should be stored in dry, well-ventilated locations with protection from weather and mechanical damage. Stacking heights should be controlled to prevent collapse, and products handled gently to avoid breakage and dust release. Employing wetting methods during necessary cutting or trimming, providing workers with personal protective equipment, and training them on asbestos hazards are essential for minimizing airborne fiber risks during storage and handling.

Waste materials such as broken pieces and off-cuts must be carefully collected to avoid dust release, wetted where feasible, sealed in impermeable bags or containers, and clearly labeled as asbestos waste. Disposal should strictly conform to IS 11768-1986 requirements, including transport to authorized sites and avoiding further breakage during handling. These steps are vital to ensure environmental safety and protect workers from fiber exposure.

Asbestos cement products must bear pictorial warning signs compliant with IS 12081 (Part 2):1987 to alert handlers of asbestos content and associated health risks. Protective equipment should include approved respiratory masks or respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection. Wetting techniques should be applied during cutting or drilling to suppress dust, and proper work practices such as avoiding dry sweeping should be observed to reduce fiber exposure.