A licence is required in Western Australia for the removal of materials that contain asbestos.  Only a licence holder, or an employee of a licence holder, may carry out this type of work.

There are two types of asbestos removal licence (unrestricted and restricted). Each licence in valid for a period of three years and is endorsed with a number of conditions that relate to the way asbestos removal work is carried out:

• Unrestricted: An Unrestricted Asbestos Removal Licence allows the licence holder, or people employed by the licence holder , to remove all forms of asbestos (friable and non-friable). Friable asbestos means any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder, or can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Examples of friable asbestos include, but are not limited to, asbestos lagging, sprayed insulation, millboard, felt and woven asbestos matting. Unrestricted asbestos removal licence holders; and
• Restricted: A Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence allows the licence holder, or people employed by the licence holder, to remove amounts exceeding 10 square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos.  Bonded asbestos contains material such as cement or rubber, which stabilises the product and gives it a non-friable structure. Common examples are asbestos cement sheets and pitch-based electrical switchboards.  Restricted asbestos licence holders

Under ten (10) square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos can be removed without a licence.

Although a licence is not required to remove ten square metres or less of non-friable asbestos material, all asbestos removal work must be carried out properly using safe work procedures and systems of work. There is a duty of care that all removal of asbestos containing materials is carried out in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 and Part 9 of the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos – 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 2002 (2005)] and Code of practice for the  Management and control of asbestos in workplaces

Over ten (10) square metres must be removed by a licensed and trained individual or business.

For more information contact a licensed asbestos contractor, your local government authority or the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

Hazibags are, suitable for the transport of any Solid Dangerous Goods packing Group II & III. They are certified through the National Australian Testing Authority system (NATA) under the UN recommendations for the transport of dangerous goods. Some of the dangerous goods people use Hazibags for include:

• Asbestos
• Medical & Veterinary Waste
• Spill Response (Solids)
• Emergency Services Contaminated Equipment
• Contaminated Soils
• Veterinary Waste
• Pesticides
• Quarantine
• Toxic & Noxious Plant Waste

Many businesses store a bag “at the ready”, just in case it’s needed on the spot. An unused Hazibag should be kept in its carry bag  and  stored  undercover in a manner to prevent accidental damage and exposure to the elements i.e. sunlight and extreme weather conditions.

Remove the Hazibag from the carry bag. Open the Hazibag and fold open each side (half height) until all four sides become rigid. Now open the liner and fold over each side. To fill the Hazibag it is best to place it on level ground/area that is strong enough to withstand the weight of a filled Hazibag. When the Hazibag is half full, pull up all four sides in order to finish filling. Once you have filled the Hazibag twist the top of the inner liner around and fold over to form a gooseneck. Cable tie or tape it off. Push the liner down and close the Hazibag lid with the zip. Make sure you do not overfill the Hazibag. When the Hazibag has to be placed
outside for filling, care should be taken to protect it from the elements. Once filled do not drag your Hazibag as this will most likely damage the bag.

Before lifting, always check your Hazibag for possible damage during filling. Always read the handling instructions printed on the Hazibag label. The Hazibag should be lifted and lowered vertically and symmetrically, taking care to avoid jerky movements and swinging. Please note that most damages during transport occur due to improper handling. Under no circumstance allow any person to be standing or moving below a suspended Hazibag.

HANDLING THE HAZIBAG WITH CRANES OR HOISTS

Hooks,spreader bars or other devices used for lifting should have rounded edges and/or protective covers. Hastie Waste recommends using hooks with a safety latch to prevent accidental slipping off the hook. When the Hazibag is suspended, the loops must be vertical, without any twists or knots.

HANDLING THE HAZIBAG WITH FORKLIFTS .-

The forklift must be rated for the load to be carried. When moving loads hanging from the forklift incorrectly, there is a danger that the forklift could become unstable. To avoid this, care should be taken that the Hazibag is placed close to the mast and as low as possible with the mast tilted slightly backwards. The load should not obstruct the view of the driver, and care should be taken that the wheels of the forklift do not damage the Hazibag. The forks should be free of sharp edges to avoid damage to the Hazibag. The forklift should be stopped before the Hazibag is lowered or raised. Hazibags must not be dragged.

RIGHTING A FALLEN HAZIBAG

To the right (lift) a Hazibag that has toppled on its side, an endless sling wound through all the lifting loops should be used. Any attempt to right the Hazibag using fewer loops than those provided may result in the loops being torn off.

No. 

Hazibags are a one-use-only product designed to contain and dispose of dangerous goods such as Asbestos.

Do

Do not

No, even though Hazibag was initially designed for asbestos, it is certified under UN recommendations for containment and transport of all “packing group III” dangerous goods.