S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-86.1.XVIII

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-86.1.XVIII - ENCAPSULATION AND ENCLOSURE

A. Applicability.

1. The notification/application, air sampling, work practice, clean-up, and disposal requirements of this Section shall apply to each owner/operator engaged in an encapsulation or enclosure operation where mechanical sprayers will be utilized and the potential to disturb RACM will involve amounts greater than 160 square or 260 linear feet of surfacing materials or thermal system insulation.

2. Surfaces that have been previously coated or treated with an encapsulant and that are not in poor condition are exempt from the requirements of this Section.

B. Notification/Application.

1. In a facility with RACM being encapsulated, the owner/operator shall:

a. Provide the Department with written notification/application at least ten complete working days prior to beginning any encapsulation activities.

b. Notify the Department as soon as possible by telephone and follow-up in writing when any previously-notified information changes or when a previously-notified project has been canceled.

2. Acceptable delivery of notification/application shall be by U. S. Postal Service, commercial delivery service or facsimile transmission, by hand, or by other methods deemed acceptable by the Department.

C. Air Sampling and Analysis Procedures.

1. Background Monitoring.

a. Background ambient air sampling shall be required.

b. At least five air samples shall be collected prior to the start of abatement activities in order to obtain an index of background airborne fiber concentrations.

c. Representative samples should be taken both inside and outside the work area within the facility to establish existing ambient air levels under normal activity conditions.

d. The air sampler shall document any variations and justifications for the variances, and shall provide the information to the Department upon request.

2. Clearance.

The owner/operator shall ensure that non-aggressive TEM clearance air monitoring is conducted prior to re-occupancy of any area that has been encapsulated.

D. Work Practice Requirements.

1. Preparation.

a. The owner/operator of an encapsulation or enclosure operation shall:

(1) Define the work area using barrier tape and danger signs in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101, as amended, and any subsequent amendments and editions.

(2) Shut down, lock, and tag out all HVAC equipment in or passing through the work area.

(3) Remove existing filters and dispose of as asbestos-containing waste.

(4) Securely seal all intake and exhaust openings and any seams in system components with 6-mil or thicker polyethylene sheeting and tape.

(5) Securely seal each opening between the work area and uncontaminated areas, including but not limited to windows, doorways, elevator openings, corridor entrances, drains, ducts, electrical outlets, grills, grates, diffusers, and skylights, with a critical barrier consisting of at least one sheet of 6-mil or thicker polyethylene sheeting and tape.

(6) Thoroughly clean and remove all movable objects from the work area.

(7) Thoroughly clean, then cover and secure all non-movable objects in the work area with at least one layer of 4-mil or thicker polyethylene sheeting.

(8) Cover and secure all surfaces not being encapsulated or enclosed with at least one layer of 4-mil polyethylene sheeting for walls or ceilings and 6-mil polyethylene sheeting for floors.

2. Encapsulation/Enclosure Procedures.

a. During any encapsulation of RACM, the owner/operator shall ensure that:

(1) The encapsulant chosen for use is compatible with the substrate to which it will be applied and is appropriate for the application intended.

(2) When airless sprayers are utilized, nozzle pressure shall be adjusted between 400 and 1,500 pounds per square inch (psi).

(3) Loose, damaged, or fallen RACM is cleaned immediately using wet methods and HEPA vacuuming.

(4) RACM is not tracked from the work area onto uncontaminated surfaces.

(5) Once all encapsulated surfaces have completely dried, each surface is wet wiped or HEPA vacuumed.

b. During any enclosure of RACM, the owner/operator shall ensure that:

(1) The enclosure is constructed air-tight so as to prevent the escape of airborne asbestos fibers.

(2) Loose, damaged, or fallen RACM is cleaned immediately using wet methods and HEPA vacuuming and is properly packaged for disposal.

(3) RACM is not tracked from the work area onto uncontaminated surfaces.

(4) Wet methods and HEPA vacuums are used to clean any fallen RACM immediately.

3. Disposal.

The requirements of the Disposal Section of this regulation shall apply.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-86.1.XVIII