Code of Massachusetts Regulations
454 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS
Title 454 CMR 28.00 - The Removal, Containment, Maintenance, or Encapsulation of Asbestos
Section 28.14 - Work Practices for Asbestos Cement Pipe (ACP)

Universal Citation: 454 MA Code of Regs 454.28

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Asbestos Cement Pipe Maintenance and Repair Requirements.

(a) Public and Private Utility Contractors or other entities who have completed the "eighthour OSHA Class II Asbestos Training: Asbestos Cement Pipe (ACP) Worker Safety" course found at 454 CMR 28.05 or a course similar in length and content reviewed and approved in writing by the Department shall comply with the following provisions and procedures.
1. Complete a survey as required under 310 CMR 7.15(12A)(b).

2. Asbestos-cement pipe shall be handled in a manner that will minimize the risk of making it friable ACM or releasing asbestos dust into the environment, and with minimal disturbance.

3. Expose the asbestos cement pipe without disturbing the pipe. Excavate no closer than six inches of the pipe. Carefully uncover the remainder of the soil surrounding the pipe by hand or with a shovel.

4. An assessment shall be made by a person trained per 454 CMR 28.05(9) to determine if the pipe is damaged, cracked or broken.
a. Not Damaged (intact and not deteriorated):
i. Place six-mil thick polyethylene ("poly") sheeting under the asbestos cement pipe to prevent soil contamination.

ii. Adequately wet the asbestos cement pipe with amended water using surfactant or liquid soap before and during removal to avoid creating airborne dust.

iii. Separate the asbestos cement pipe at the nearest coupling (bell or compression fitting).

iv. Slide the pipe apart at the joints (no saw cutting) or use other methods that do not cause the pipe to break, become friable or otherwise create the potential to release asbestos fibers.

v. Wrap the wet asbestos cement pipe and other debris in two layers of six-mil polyethylene sheeting, seal with duct tape and label in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. This can be done in the trench or adjacent to the trench.

vi. If the trench is filled with water, the placement of polyethylene sheeting is not required.

vii. Manage wrapped asbestos cement pipe, polyethylene sheeting and any other material contaminated with visible asbestos debris as asbestos-containing waste (ACW) in accordance with 310 CMR 7.15: U Asbestos and 310 CMR 19.061: Special Waste

b. Damaged (deteriorated or not intact) or when cutting or mechanical breakage (e.g., with saws, snap or blade cutting, and/or tapping) is necessary:
i. Place six-mil thick polyethylene sheeting under the asbestos cement pipe to prevent soil contamination.

ii. Adequately wet asbestos cement pipe with amended water where cutting or breaking will occur.

iii. Saw cutting of asbestos cement pipe shall only be conducted with a HEPA-shrouded vacuum attachment or wet cutting equipment, unless it is conducted within a small enclosure that isolates the area in which the saw cutting is being conducted to prevent the release of asbestos fibers to ambient air.

iv. Wrap wet asbestos cement pipe in two layers of six-mil polyethylene sheeting, seal with duct tape and label. Work shall be done either in the trench or adjacent to the trench.

v. Manage wrapped asbestos cement pipe, polyethylene sheeting and any other material contaminated with visible asbestos debris as asbestos-containing waste (ACW) in accordance with 310 CMR 7.15: U Asbestos and 310 CMR 19.061: Special Waste

c. For activities that disturb friable ACM, no visible emissions shall be discharged to the outside air during the collection, processing, packaging or transporting of any ACM or ACW.

5. The final visual inspection shall be satisfied by complying with the following requirements:
a. The visual inspection shall be performed by a person trained per 454 CMR 28.05(9).

b. The person conducting the final visual inspection shall:

c. Inspect the work area to ensure there was no visible debris remaining:
i. In the excavation trench;

ii. In soil excavated from the trench;

iii. In the surrounding area adjacent to the trench after the removal of the asbestos cement pipe; and

iv. On any tools used during the removal/repair/replacement activities.

d. Ensure that all ACM has been removed for proper storage/disposal.

e. Sign and date the documentation of the final inspection as evidence that the inspection was performed and that the condition of "no remaining visible debris" was met. Owners/operators shall keep such documentation at their regular place of business for two years from the date of final visual inspection and provide it to the Department upon request.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.