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IS 12079:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for recommendations for packaging, transport and storage of asbestos. This standard provides recommendations for the packaging, handling, transport, and storage of asbestos fibres. Its primary goal is to prevent the release of harmful asbestos dust into the environment and protect personnel from occupational exposure and related health hazards.
Recommendations for packaging, transport and storage of asbestos
! The use of asbestos is now heavily regulated or banned in many applications in India. This code is critical for legacy sites, demolition, renovation, and disposal of existing asbestos-containing materials.
! Strict adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines, including appropriate respirators (e.g., FFP3), is mandatory when handling asbestos, even when following these packaging guidelines.
! Ensure all personnel involved are trained on the dangers of asbestos and the specific handling procedures outlined in this code and IS 11451.
Code of Practice on Safety in the Use of Asbestos (1984)International Labour Organization (ILO), Switzerland
HighCurrent
Safety in the Use of Asbestos: An ILO Code of Practice
Provides comprehensive global guidelines for the packaging, transport, and storage of all forms of asbestos.
ACOP L143 (Second edition)Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Managing and working with asbestos. Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
Details modern, strict requirements for the packaging, labelling, and transport of asbestos waste, analogous to raw fibre handling.
29 CFR 1910.1001Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), USA
MediumCurrent
Asbestos
Specifies requirements for handling, disposal, and hazard communication (labelling) of asbestos-containing materials.
Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the WorkplaceSafe Work Australia, Australia
HighCurrent
Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
Outlines procedures for containment, including double-bagging, sealing, labelling, and transport of asbestos materials for disposal.
Key Differences
≠IS 12079 allows for single-layer packaging (e.g., a jute/HDPE bag with a polythene liner), whereas modern standards like the UK HSE ACOP L143 and Australian codes mandate double-bagging for asbestos waste.
≠The Indian standard specifies a minimum polythene liner thickness of 250 gauge (~62.5 µm). In contrast, modern international standards (e.g., Safe Work Australia) require heavy-duty plastic bags of at least 200 µm thickness.
≠IS 12079 was developed for the routine transport of raw asbestos fibre as a commercial product. Most current international standards focus on the transport of asbestos as a hazardous waste for disposal, reflecting the global ban on its use.
≠Modern international standards (e.g., OSHA, HSE) often require asbestos bags to be UN-approved for the transport of dangerous goods, a specification not mentioned in IS 12079.
Key Similarities
≈All standards, including IS 12079, mandate that asbestos must be contained in sealed, impermeable bags or containers to prevent the release of airborne fibres.
≈There is a universal requirement across all compared standards to affix clear warning labels to all packages containing asbestos, indicating the hazard.
≈IS 12079's recommendation to handle bags carefully, avoid using hooks, and prevent dropping is a core principle echoed in the handling procedures of all international equivalents to maintain package integrity.
≈The principle of storing asbestos in a dedicated, secure, and clean area with restricted access to prevent exposure and contamination is common to IS 12079 and international guidelines.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Packaging Method
Single bag (HDPE/Jute) with an inner polythene liner.
Double-bagging in heavy-duty polythene bags is standard practice.
Safe Work Australia Code of Practice
Bag Material Specification
Polythene liner of minimum 250 gauge (approx. 62.5 micrometres).
Heavy-duty polythene bags of minimum 200 micrometres thickness.
Safe Work Australia Code of Practice
Bag Sealing Technique
Stitching or tying the liner, followed by stitching the outer bag.
Sealing inner bag with a gooseneck tie, then placing in a second bag which is also sealed securely.
UK HSE ACOP L143
Primary Warning Label Text
ASBESTOS; Breathing asbestos dust is hazardous to health.
DANGER, CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS, AVOID CREATING DUST, CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD.
USA OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1001
Transport Vehicle
To be transported in covered vehicles, lorries or railway wagons.
Transport in an enclosed, lockable vehicle compartment. Must comply with regulations for carriage of dangerous goods.
UK HSE ACOP L143
Storage Area Floor
Shall be paved or have an impermeable sheet.
Floors should be smooth, impervious and easy to clean.
ILO Code of Practice (1984)
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values4
Quick Reference Values
Bag Material TypeImpermeable materials like high density polyethylene (HDPE)
Bag Sealing MethodSecurely sealed, e.g., by stitching and taping, to be dust-tight
Stacking methodBags to be stacked on pallets or in a way to prevent damage
Warning Label TextDanger - Contains Asbestos Fibres - Avoid Creating Dust - Breathing Asbestos Dust is Dangerous to Health
Asbestos should be packed in impermeable, dust-tight bags, such as HDPE, which are then securely sealed. These bags should be strong enough to withstand handling and transport without rupturing (Clause 3).
What warning label must be displayed on asbestos packages?+
Packages must be clearly labelled with a warning sign indicating the danger of asbestos, the need to avoid creating dust, and the health risks of breathing asbestos dust (Clause 6).
How should asbestos be stored?+
It should be stored in a separate, designated, and secure area with restricted access. The area should be kept clean, and packages should be stacked carefully to prevent damage (Clause 5).
Are there special precautions for transporting asbestos?+
Yes, vehicles used for transport must be covered. Bags should be loaded and unloaded carefully to avoid damage, and the vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned after use to remove any residual fibres (Clause 4).