It is necessary to undertake a risk assessment prior to any maintenance or service work with ACM, and only eligible persons should perform work with ACM.
Asbestos fibers may release into the environment upon drilling asbestos cement sheets. So, it is necessary to take precautions, so everyone remains safe from asbestos fibers exposure, especially the drill operator.
A hand-held drill is preferable over a battery-powered drill because fibers releasing with a hand-held drill will be low compared to the battery-powered drill.
Observe the points mentioned below while drilling vertical surfaces:
- Must tape the drilling point and, if accessible, also tape the exit point. Use strong tape, like duct tape, to prevent the edges from crumbling.
- Also, wrap the drill entry and exit points (if accessible) on the ACM with a heavy amount of thickened substance.
- Now drill through this thickened substance to avoid the release of asbestos fibers.
- Keep some damp rags to clean the paste and debris from the wall and drill bit.
- After using, don’t forget to dispose of the rags as it contains asbestos fibers and dust.
- Use a sealant to seal the cut edges.
- If it is required to pass through a cable, use a sleeve to protect the inside edge of the hole.
Keep the following points in mind when drilling overhead horizontal surfaces:
- Mark the drilling spot.
- Use the bottom of the cup to drill the hole.
- The cup should be filled with a thickened substance such as shaving cream or a gel. Insert the drill bit into the cup hole so the cup can quickly surround the bit. Besides, it is necessary to check that the drill bit passes the cup’s rim.
- Place the drill bit on the marked spot.
- Firmly hold the cup against the drilling surface.
- Drill the surface.
- While removing the bit, make sure that the cup is held tightly against the surface. Now remove the cap from the surface.
- Damp rags must be used to clean the debris and paste from the drill bit.
- Discard the rags as asbestos waste containing asbestos dust and fibers, and apply sealants to seal the cut edges.
- Use sleeves to cover the inner edge of the hole if a cable is to be passed through.
