Ceiling Dust Removal Procedure

By Peter Kearns, Builder’s Licence No: 35894, Lead Dust Centre, MARRICKVILLE NSW 2204

EDITOR'S NOTE: this procedure is superseded by the
Australian Dust Removalists Association (ADRA) Code of Practice (CoP)

This Procedure to Remove Ceiling Dust was prepared by our employees (not Sub Contractors) based on their experiences over the last 3½ years in 400 houses under the Sydney Aircraft Noise Insulation Project [SANIP].

We employ 3 foremen to monitor and control this work and have a staff of 16 to carry out the work.

Air monitoring is carried out by an Independent Company. We use H.E.P.A. Vac systems – Trailer mounted 1 x 20 Litre Portable, 1 x 12 Litre Portable. Currently we are pursuing a second trailer mount vac unit.

We have in place an accredited quality assurance procedure and a full O.H.S. Policy

• Ensure all HEPA Vacuum machinery is well maintained and serviced by manufacturers of equipment.
• Contact homeowner three (3) days prior to starting work on site.
• Visual inspection by staff to seal up penetrations and cracks at wall/ceiling junctions, manholes, light fittings etc.
• Seal any cracks, opening and the like with tape or sealants.
• Place air monitoring equipment inside home, and on workman clipped to his belt. Air monitoring is carried out by A.D. Envirotech Australia and a report is sent to our office for our records.
• Set up site by fixing ladders in position below roof entry point. Should roof guard rails be required these are installed prior to starting on site.
• Workmen – direct employees are now ready to commence vacuuming process and appropriate protective equipment is put on by all staff entering roof cavity. Dust mask gloves, disposable overalls, air monitor, lighting, work boards and goggles.
• The roof is opened for access usually by lifting off 1m² of roof tiles or one sheet of metal strip roofing this point of entry is where the vacuuming commences.
• The vacuuming process is carried our by a team of two workmen.
• The extracted dust is sealed in metal drums on the trailer mounted vacuum unit.
• When fully vacuumed the ceiling is sprayed with a P.V.A. spray to consolidate any dust not accessible or not able to be picked by the vacuum. The spraying commences at the furthest point of entry and is worked back to entry point.
• All equipment is removed from roof, any debris, rubbish, gloves, overall. Etc are bagged and sealed in heavy duty clear plastic bags for disposal.
• The roof is reinstated and rendered watertight.
• All ladders and guardrails required are removed.

The dust and contaminated clothing are disposed of in accordance with EPA regulations. Waste is disposed of through Pacific Waste depots with certification nominating the type of waste.