Training for workers for hazardous waste decontamination
23/02/2021
- This article was written by Ms. Gunilla Rex (REX HUS & MILJÖKONSULT) for EDI Special Publication 2020 – Decontamination of hazardous substances.
Demolition workers many times do not know about the hazardous materials that they can get in touch with. Therefore, the Swedish Demolition Contractors has developed a digitalized course for workers who have little experience of building or demolition work.
The purpose is to make the demolition work safer and the purpose of a digitalized course is to make it more available.
“One of the important subjects in the course is to make the workers aware of hazardous materials, where they can be found and how to protect yourself”, says Lars Sandström, General Manager of BFB, the Swedish Association for demolition, drilling and decontamination. “The workers should also know that, for handling some hazardous materials, you need special education.”
In the course examples of risks are mentioned and how to handle them, as well as preparations for the work, working methods, tools, machines etc.
Examples of risks mentioned are falling down, falling building parts, lifting heavy things, use of machines, tools, equipment, dust, hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos, PCB, mercury and mould).
The course is based on short texts with illustrations and pictures in order to achieve better understanding and recollection. After each section the course participant is to answer some questions.
Hazardous materials
In every work situation there should always be an inventory made of hazardous materials. Everyone must be aware of these materials, where they are, necessary equipment, personal protection, weather you´re authorized or not to handle them etc.
Special education and special measures for protection should be taken for handling asbestos, PCB and mercury which are important examples of such substances that should be removed before demolition work.Even if an inventory is made there are always unknown factors. More or other hazardous materials can be revealed during the demolition work.
The worker must be aware of this – know where hazardous substances can be found and what they look like – and when necessary stop the work and inform the site or team management.
Asbestos
Asbestos is totally forbidden to use in Sweden since 1982. When you tool this, dangerous fibres come loose. The Swedish Work Environment Authority has detailed regulations about asbestos stripping: A special education is required for the workers, and the contractor should have a permission for working with asbestos.
The Swedish Demolition Contractors have contributed to developing a guide for procurement of asbestos stripping.
PCB
PCB can in Swedish buildings be found in:
- building sealants (1956 – 1973)
- floorings (1956 – 1973)
- small capacitors
- insulating glasses
According to a regulation we should have removed sealants and floorings containing PCBs before the 30th of June 2016. But there is still some PCB remaining in sealants; property owners and environmental authorities are working with the problem.
When clearing PCB-laden sealants the worker needs a breathing mask with dust and gas filter, protective clothing including gloves, and hearing protection.
Important when removing sealants is collecting emitted particles and gas at the source and handling waste in a correct manner.
Surfaces, protective covers and clothing must be cleaned from PCB-contaminated dust after the work activity has been finished.
The Swedish Demolition Contractors and other organizations or companies arrange two days courses for training workers for clearance of sealants containing PCB. Four companies/organisations in Sweden have agreed on guidelines for these courses.
Developers and customers are recommended to require this course from their contractors, though there are no legal requirement.
Other hazardous substances
Mould may bring rise to toxic dust. Dangerous mould is found on plaster boards that have been wet and it can also be found on wood. The worker should use a protective mask with a particle filter and protecting clothing and gloves.
Mercury gas is very toxic. Mercury can be found in drains from dentist’s places, laboratories etc. and in electrical equipment. When cutting pipes breathing mask with gas filter is required, protecting dress, rubber boots and rubber gloves.
During demolition work you can also get in contact with PAH (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) e.g. as a gas in old pipes, as a water insulation in old bathrooms or in old wooden beams treated with tar. PAH can induce cancer, liver damage etc. and you need breathing protection, protecting clothes and gloves.
More examples of hazardous materials that require protection equipment are faeces from birds (can contain pathogens), oil e.g. in concrete floors, lead compounds e.g. in paint and isocyanates (give rise to toxic gas when heated).
Demolition workers must be aware of all these risks and take the necessary measures to protect themselves and the environment. The proficiency and commitment of the contractor and his staff is vital!
