N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 56-8.9

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 56-8.9 - Equipment and waste container decontamination and removal procedures

(a) Timing of waste transfer activities. During Phase II B of the project, after ACM, PACM, asbestos material and debris is bagged, wrapped, or containerized, waste transfer from the regulated abatement work area as per this section, shall occur when no gross removal is taking place.

(b) First cleaning. External surfaces of contaminated bags/containers and equipment shall be cleaned by wet wiping or HEPA-vacuuming or both in the regulated abatement work area before moving such items into the waste decontamination system washroom by persons assigned to this duty.

(1) Exception. Minor size regulated abatement work areas that do not have a contiguous washroom, are allowed to have all waste bag/container cleaning with additional containerization completed within that work area. The waste generated shall be immediately bagged/containerized within the regulated abatement work area. Once the abatement and cleaning is complete within the regulated abatement work area, each waste bag/container shall be wet-wiped, placed in a second bag/container and sealed airtight (except for non-porous drums which shall be washed and dried only), labeled with the generator's name, location generated and other caution labels as per current EPA NESHAP regulation requirements, then moved to the airlock. The waste bags/container shall then be transferred to the secured waste trailer/dumpster for disposal by appropriate legal method.

(c) Washroom procedures. All bagged/containerized contaminated items and asbestos waste shall be passed into the washroom during waste transfer operations. Workers from uncontaminated areas in full protective clothing and appropriate respiratory protection shall enter the washroom and place the appropriate supply of specified clean waste bags/containers within the washroom. One team of workers shall be stationed in the washroom for bag/container cleaning and additional containerization as necessary. The workers shall ensure all curtained doorways are closed during the waste container transfer procedure and that all bags/containers are sealed properly before removing for transport and disposal.

(1) Additional cleaning. Once in the waste decontamination system, external surfaces of the contaminated bags/containers and equipment shall be cleaned an additional time by wet cleaning in the washroom.

(2) Additional containerizing. Once the additional cleaning is completed and the cleaned bags/containers of asbestos waste are dried of any excessive pooled or beaded liquid, they shall be placed in a clean uncontaminated plastic bag or wrapped in sheeting (except for non-porous drums which shall be washed and dried only), as the items physical characteristics demand, and sealed airtight. When the bags/containers are moved to the holding area, lockable trailer, or lockable hardtop dumpster, the bags/containers shall be appropriately labeled with the date they are moved from the waste decontamination system marked on the container in waterproof markings. Caution labels as per the requirements of current EPA NESHAP regulations, including the generator's name and location generated shall also be affixed at this time.

(3) Removal to airlock or small project clean room. The equipment and cleaned/containerized waste shall be moved into the airlock, or for small projects to the clean room, that leads from the washroom. The washroom workers shall not enter this airlock, small project clean room or the regulated abatement work area until waste transfer is finished for that transfer period. Once waste transfer is complete, the washroom workers shall proceed to the regulated abatement work area and then to the personal decontamination system, or immediately to the remote personal decontamination system.

(d) Removal to holding area, lockable trailer or lockable hard top dumpster. Bags/containers and equipment shall be moved from the airlock and into the holding area, or directly from the holding area to the lockable trailer or lockable hardtop dumpster by persons attired in clean personal protective equipment who have entered from uncontaminated areas. Asbestos waste may stay in the holding area no longer than one week or in a lockable trailer or lockable hard top dumpster until filled but in no instance longer than 10 calendar days after successful completion of Phase II C for all regulated abatement work areas at the site.

(e) Cart usage and cleaning. The cleaned containers of asbestos waste and equipment shall not be stored in the clean room but shall be placed in holding carts adjacent to but outside of the clean room, after passing through the decontamination unit. The carts may be used for temporary storage adjacent to the clean room until the end of the work shift.

(f) Holding carts. The carts shall be watertight and have doors or tops that shall be closed and secured. The carts shall be HEPA-vacuumed and wet cleaned at least once a day.

(g) Trailers and dumpsters. Waste transport trailers and dumpsters used to transport RACM waste, shall be hard topped, lockable and lined with two layers of six mil fire-retardant polyethylene. Prior to transport from the work site, all waste trailers and dumpsters shall be sealed to ensure air, dust and watertight integrity, utilizing six mil plastic, duct tape and expandable foam sealant as necessary. The waste transporter is responsible for cleaning/decontamination of waste trailers or dumpsters, once the waste has been properly disposed of at the appropriately licensed and permitted landfill facility. Waste haulers (truck drivers) accessing the work area to remove waste trailers/dumpsters, do not require certification as asbestos handlers. Waste hauler truck operators shall be allowed within the regulated work area for loading of waste and shall remain in their vehicle with the windows up and the ventilation system off while in the work area.

(h) Enclosure security. The entrance to and exit from the waste decontamination system enclosure(s) shall be secured to prevent unauthorized entry. Signs per section 56-7.4 of this Part shall be posted at the entrance to the decontamination units.

(i) Assigned persons for small asbestos projects. Where only one egress exists and the shower is used as a waste removal washroom, workers shall be stationed in each area/room of the decontamination system enclosure to transfer/process the contaminated bags/containers and equipment through adjacent areas/rooms as per this section. These workers shall not cross into the adjacent areas/rooms until waste transfer is finished for that transfer period and all other workers have decontaminated as per these regulations. The clean room/holding area workers shall enter from uncontaminated areas attired in clean personal protective equipment. The clean room shall not be used as a holding area, but shall be used as a waste bag/container transfer area for loading waste bags/containers into carts, for immediate transfer to the waste transport trailer/dumpster.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 56-8.9