Nilfisk Vacuum Filter

Introduction
The following is the Safe Work Procedure for the removal of the Main and HEPA filters on the Nilfisk Vacuum used for the control of asbestos fibres generated during brake repairs.

Personal Protective Equipment
Person(s) involved in the changing of the filters in this vacuum device must wear the following Personal Protective Equipment from the start until finish of the work:

1. Disposable coverall, complete with hood, made of Tyvex material, that fits snugly at the wrist, neck and ankles.
2. Half-mask cartridge respirator equipped with HEPA filters. This respirator must be fit tested prior to use (contact the OH&S Department).
3. Feet must be covered with either boot covers or laceless rubber boots (preferred type).

Other Equipment Required
The following equipment will be required to complete this filter change:

1. New replacement filters of the correct type and any seals which go with them.
2. Screwdriver
3. Plastic drop sheets of sufficient size to cover the floor of the work area.
4. Transparent plastic bag large enough to contain the vacuum filter cartridge.
5. Large heavy gauge yellow plastic bags labelled Asbestos.
6. Four wooden barricades or roll of barrier tape.
7. Warning signs.
8. Roll of duct tape.
9. Spray bottle containing water.

Preparation of Work Area
A proper work area must be set up in order to minimize possible contamination of the general shop area with asbestos fibres.

1. Select an area to work in which does not have high pedestrian traffic or which is exposed to air movement or drafts. Minimum size: 4 metres x 4 metres (12 ft x 12 ft).
2. Mark the boundaries of the work area using wooden barricades or barrier tape.
3. Place signs warning persons not to enter unless authorized to do so.
4. Lay down plastic drop sheets within the work area to prevent the spread of asbestos dust to other areas.
5. Ensure that the sheets are continuous and do not have untaped seams.
6. Put the Personal Protective Equipment on and do not remove until all work completed. PPE must be removed in a specific manner (see below).
7. Perform maintenance on the Vacuum system (see below).

Replacement of HEPA Exhaust Filter (017104)

1. To complete this work, the handle and exhaust air diffuser must be removed.
2. Turn the blue retaining clips with a screwdriver or coin, so the slots are vertical
3. Gently press down on the centre of the handle, so its ends come free. The handle can now be removed, and the exhaust filter mounted in their place.
4. Place the foam seal on the motor's exhaust port.
5. Place the exhaust filter on the motor top and the special handle over it.
6. Press the ends of the handle into position so they grasp the exhaust filter and secure it to the motor top.
7. Turn the blue retaining clips until their slots are horizontal once more. This will lock the filter securely in place:
   • To complete this work, the handle and exhaust air diffuser must be removed.
   • Remove the two cover screws and lift off the protective filter cover.
   • Place an airtight plastic bag over this filter cartridge, taking care not to jar or damage the filter material.
   • Hold the top of the filter cartridge through the plastic bag and lift the cartridge off its base.
   • Remove both the top and bottom foam seals from the base and place in the plastic bag with the cartridge.

Note: A few drops of mineral spirits will make removal of the bottom foam seal easier. Wipe the filter base plate clean with a damp disposable wipe cloth.

1. Seal the plastic bag containing the expended filter, foam seals, and wipe cloth.
2. Grasp the new filter cartridge and centre it over the new foam ring on the base plate. With it centred, carefully replace the protective filter cover. Be sure to apply firm downward pressure to the protective cover until it seats firmly on the plastic filter base plate.
3. While this pressure is being applied, tighten the two cover screws. This will ensure a proper compression of foam gaskets and provide a secure filter seal.
4. While this pressure is being applied, tighten the two cover screws. This will ensure a proper compression of foam gaskets and provide a secure filter seal.

Clean-up of Work Area and Waste Disposal
All material removed from the vacuum cleaner (filters, filter cartridges, etc.) together with the plastic drop sheet is considered to be contaminated and must be place in a heavy gauge plastic bag which is clearly labelled Asbestos:

1. When maintenance is complete, clean up any dust and waste materials by vacuuming the work area the HEPA vacuum, being careful not to disturb the plastic drop sheet. Dusty materials may also be cleaned up by wet sweeping or damp mopping.
2. The drop sheets must be wetted, folded to contain the dust, bagged and placed in the heavy gauge plastic bag labelled Asbestos.
3. Rinse off hands and dry them before proceeding.
4. While still wearing the cartridge respirator, remove the disposable coveralls and boot covers by rolling them down so that the hands are touching the clean inside surface and not the contaminated outer surface.
5. Place the disposable coveralls and boot covers in the heavy gauge plastic bag marked Asbestos.
6. While still wearing the respirator:
   a. thoroughly wash any exposed skin with soap and water.
   b. wash the face piece and harness of the respirator with soap and water.
7. Remove the respirator.
8. Tape over the outside of the cartridges with duct tape and remove them from the respirator.
   The cartridges are considered to be contaminated and are to be placed in the heavy gauge plastic bag marked Asbestos for later disposal.
9. The respirator may be re-used. Wash the inside of the face-piece with soap and water. Allow to dry. Store in a zip lock bag.
10. Remove the barricades and return the work area to normal.