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IS 11767:2005 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for cleaning of premises and plants using asbestos fibres. This standard provides recommendations for cleaning procedures in premises and industrial plants where asbestos fibres may be present. It outlines safety precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), approved cleaning methods like wet cleaning and HEPA vacuuming, and procedures for the proper disposal of asbestos waste to minimize worker exposure and environmental contamination.
Recommendations for cleaning of premises and plants using asbestos fibres
Managing and working with asbestos. Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Approved Code of Practice and guidance.
Provides legally-backed practical guidance on all aspects of working with asbestos, including cleaning and decontamination.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USA
HighCurrent
Safety and Health Regulations for Construction - Asbestos
Legally enforceable regulation detailing work practices, decontamination, PPE, and cleaning for asbestos in construction.
Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove AsbestosSafe Work Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos
Provides practical guidance on asbestos removal, including decontamination, cleaning methods, and waste disposal.
BS 8520-1:2009British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
MediumWithdrawn
Equipment used for the removal of asbestos. Part 1: Controlled wetting and injection equipment - Specification
Specifies requirements for equipment (HEPA vacuums) recommended for cleaning in the IS code, providing detailed performance criteria.
Key Differences
≠The Indian Standard is a 'Recommendation', whereas international counterparts like the UK's CAR 2012 and USA's OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 are legally binding regulations with significant penalties for non-compliance.
≠IS 11767:2005 sets a control limit of 2 fibres/ml (4-hr TWA), which is significantly higher and less protective than the modern international limits, such as the UK and US limit of 0.1 fibres/cm³ (equivalent to 0.1 f/ml).
≠International frameworks (e.g., UK, Australia) mandate a formal, tiered licensing system for contractors performing asbestos work, ensuring proven competency. IS 11767 only recommends that personnel be 'properly trained' without specifying a legal licensing structure.
≠The IS code provides a general recommendation for post-cleaning air monitoring, while international standards like HSE ACOP L143 specify a strict quantitative clearance level (e.g., < 0.01 fibres/ml) that must be met before an area can be reoccupied.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are fundamentally based on the principle of preventing airborne fibre release, prioritizing wet methods and controlled vacuuming over dry sweeping.
≈The use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered vacuum cleaners (often specified as 'Type H' or 'Class H') is a common and critical requirement for cleaning asbestos dust.
≈All standards mandate or strongly recommend the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including disposable coveralls and respiratory protection (e.g., P3/P100/HEPA filters).
≈The procedure for waste disposal is highly similar, involving sealing asbestos waste in clearly labelled, heavy-duty, impermeable bags (often double-bagged) for transport to an authorized disposal site.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Airborne Fibre Control Limit (Work Area)
2 fibres/ml (over 4 hours)
0.1 fibres/cm³ (TWA over 4 hours)
HSE ACOP L143 (UK)
Post-Cleaning Clearance Level (for Re-occupation)
Not explicitly quantified; states air monitoring should show 'satisfactory' conditions.
Less than 0.01 fibres/ml
HSE ACOP L143 (UK)
Vacuum Cleaner Standard Reference
Type H vacuum cleaners complying with BS 5415 (now withdrawn).
Class H vacuums complying with BS EN 60335-2-69.
HSE ACOP L143 (UK)
Vacuum Filtration Efficiency
Implied by reference to 'Type H', but not explicitly stated.
≥ 99.995% at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS).
BS EN 60335-2-69 (referenced by HSE)
Regulatory Status
Recommendation / Code of Practice
Legally enforceable regulation
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101 (USA)
Waste Bag Requirement
Impermeable bags, suitably marked.
Double-bagged in UN-approved bags with specific warning labels.
Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice
Contractor Requirement
Personnel should be properly trained.
Must hold a license issued by the regulator for most removal work.
HSE ACOP L143 (UK)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Permissible Asbestos Exposure Limit (TWA over 8 hours)0.1 fibres/cc
Vacuum Cleaner Filtration Efficiency (HEPA)99.97% for 0.3 micron particles
Asbestos Waste Bag Thickness125 micron (minimum)
Asbestos Warning Label SpecificationAs per IS 12080
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Recommended Respiratory Protective Equipment for Various Operations
Can I use a regular industrial vacuum for asbestos dust?+
No. Only a Class H (HEPA) industrial vacuum cleaner suitable for hazardous dust must be used, as specified in Clause 6.2.2.
What is the most critical safety measure when cleaning asbestos?+
Using appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and employing wet methods to prevent fibre inhalation are the most critical safety measures (Clause 5 & 6).
How should I dispose of cloths used for cleaning asbestos dust?+
They should be treated as asbestos waste. Place them in a sealed, impermeable bag clearly labelled as 'Asbestos Hazard' and dispose of them at an authorized hazardous waste site (Clause 8).
Is air monitoring required during cleaning?+
Yes, air monitoring is recommended to ensure that the control measures are effective and exposure limits are not exceeded (Clause 4.1.3).