Best Practices for working with asbestos bridge coatings

By using the following work practices, overexposure to asbestos fibers will not occur during inspection, construction and maintenance activities.

Wet/mist the surface before disturbing bridge coatings.

Perform grinding of painted steel using a shrouded grinder designed to accommodate and provided with a High Efficiency Particle Aerosol (HEPA) vacuum. (Any coating debris generated shall be collected with the HEPA vacuum.) Where feasible, consider alternative methods to paint removal such as chemical strippers.

Provide training as outlined above: at a minimum, asbestos awareness training for all employees performing Structures and Construction inspection related activities; and Department of Labor Operations and Maintenance Certification for employees engaged in maintenance activities.