What is the recommended method for disposing of asbestos waste?

The primary method is careful burial at a specially selected and approved landfill site. The waste should be covered with at least 20 cm of soil daily and a final cover of at least 1 m of compacted soil (Clause 6).

How should asbestos waste be packaged before disposal?

It should be wetted, placed in impermeable, sealed bags (e.g., heavy-duty polythene), and each bag must carry a warning sign stating 'DANGER - CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBRES' (Clause 4).

Can anyone transport asbestos waste?

No, transportation should be done in covered, leak-proof vehicles by personnel trained in handling hazardous materials, following a pre-planned route to the disposal site (Clause 5).

What are the key safety precautions for workers?

Workers must wear appropriate PPE, including respirators and disposable overalls. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in the work area, and decontamination facilities should be provided (Clause 7).

IS 11768

: 1986

Recommendations for disposal of asbestos waste material

CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesEnvironmental · Cement Matrix Products

Download PDF BIS Portal Google

This standard provides recommendations for the safe handling, collection, transportation, and disposal of asbestos-containing waste materials. It aims to prevent environmental pollution and protect public and worker health from the hazards of airborne asbestos fibers.

Recommendations for disposal of asbestos waste material

Quick Reference Values

Minimum depth of final soil cover for burial1 m

Minimum distance of disposal site from water bodies1000 m

Minimum distance of disposal site from highways/habitations500 m

Warning notice letter heightNot less than 50 mm

Practical Notes

This code is critical for any demolition or renovation of buildings constructed before the widespread ban on asbestos. It was reaffirmed in 2018 and remains active.

The primary principle is to keep the asbestos waste material wet at all times during handling to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.

Proper, certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), especially respirators (e.g., FFP3), is non-negotiable for all personnel handling asbestos waste.