Section 855.430  Separation Barriers

a)         Enclosure of Contained Areas

1)         Separation barriers may be erected to enclose a work area.

2)         Barriers constructed to enclose a contained area shall be of 1/2 inch minimum thickness plywood, gypsum board or similar sheathing material with any framing required to properly support the barriers.  Framing shall be on the outside of the barrier (outside the contained area).  Gypsum board and similar cementitious material shall be protected on the work side from damage from moisture, such as by painting or by covering with polyethylene sheeting.  All seams and edges of the barriers shall be caulked, or the work side of the barrier shall be covered with 2 layers of six mil polyethylene or equivalent sheeting with overlapping seams and taped seams and edges.

3)         If the space on the outside of the barrier is not occupied and is secured so that there is no access by building occupants, including custodial and maintenance employees, the barrier may be constructed of lumber or metal framing with a maximum on-center spacing of 24 inches, with two layers of polyethylene sheeting with staggered joints applied to each side of the framing.  Edges and seams must be taped.

4)         The work side of the barrier shall be prepared, in accordance with this Section, before any other project activities are begun.

b)         Separation of Secured Areas from Occupied Areas

1)         Barriers shall be erected by the contractor where necessary to prevent possible access by building occupants to areas where asbestos project activities will occur.

2)         Barriers erected to separate occupied areas of the building from secured areas, and that will not serve as containment barriers, shall be constructed of 1/2 inch minimum thickness plywood, gypsum board, or similar sheathing material with sufficient framing to properly support the barrier.

3)         The barrier shall extend from the floor level to within six inches of the ceiling, but is not required to exceed a height of eight feet above the floor.

4)         If access through the barrier by abatement workers is required, an entrance with a lockable door shall be installed in the barrier.

5)         In lieu of separation barriers erected to prevent access to the work area through lockable doors in accordance with subsection (b)(4) above, existing door locks shall be re-cylindered.

c)         The contractor shall exercise due caution to prevent disturbance of friable ACBM during the placement of separation barriers.