US EPA

3656276 

Journal Article 

Glovebag Modification Offers Option for Handling Asbestos-Covered Ducts 

Pinto, MA 

1988 

0 

Occupational Health and Safety
ISSN: 0362-4064 

NIOSH/00182230 

57 

10 

58-60 

A modification of a standard glovebag was described which made the technique a useful one for the removal of asbestos (1332214) containing coverings on ductwork of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for repair work. The use of the technique instead of building a containment room saved time and money. In this method, the section of the insulation to be removed from the pipe is first identified, and a square marked on the insulation using duct tape. After cutting an opening in the glovebag, it is attached to the work area by taping over the duct tape. One worker sprays the surface to be cut with surfactant and checks for leaks in the glovebag while the other worker begins to cut through the insulation. The material is removed from the sheet metal with the use of a pry bar. As material is taken from the pipe it is wetted down and lowered into the bottom of the glovebag. After the material has all been removed, the cutting area is squared up and washed again with surfactant. The encapsulant is sprayed over the entire open surface with particular attention given to the cut edges of the insulation. After removing all tools from the glovebag through the glove assembly, all excess air is removed from the bag using an HEPA vacuum unit. The bag is carefully closed to avoid any contamination of the air and disposed of properly. The cut edges of the insulation are fitted with preformed sheet metal pieces. When the work on the HVAC system has been completed, a nonasbestos type insulation material is placed in the hole where the asbestos material had previously been.