Facility Component Removal or "Wrap and Cut"

What is "Wrap and Cut"?

"Wrap and Cut" refers to a method of asbestos abatement. This method is used when an entire facility component will be removed. The facility component is first wet with water and then wrapped in polyethylene sheeting (poly). The entire wrapped component is then removed, or "cut", from its original location and taken from the building. Sometimes asbestos-containing material (ACM) must be removed from parts of the component to allow it to be removed from its original location. This method can also be used to wrap components with ACM inside them.

When is a "Wrap and Cut" project regulated?

A "Wrap and Cut" project is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH):

In commercial properties when:

• The total amount of ACM in or on the component(s) to be removed from a facility is greater than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet or 35 cubic feet; or
• It is part of a larger asbestos-related work project which is greater than 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, or 35 cubic feet; or
• The 260 linear feet, 160 square feet or 35 cubic feet thresholds will be exceeded in the facility during the calendar year.

In residences when:

• The total amount of ACM in or on the component(s) to be removed from the residence is greater than 10 linear feet, 6 square feet or 1 cubic foot; or
• It is part of a larger asbestos-related work project which is greater than 10 linear feet, 6 square feet or 1 cubic foot; or
• The 10 linear feet, 6 square feet or 1 cubic foot thresholds will be exceeded in the residence during the calendar year.

Important: For this work method, the total amount of ACM notified to MDH is the amount of ACM that is wrapped plus any ACM that needs to be removed to provide an asbestos-free cutting area.

When may I use this method?

"Wrap and Cut" may be used instead of full containment procedures only when:

• The ACM in or on the component is in good condition and is not damaged; and
• The amount of ACM removed to free the component using glove bags or minicontainments is less than 25 linear feet or 10 square feet per room.

What procedures must I use?

If you are going to use "Wrap and Cut", you must conduct the work in the following manner:

• The area must be pre-cleaned within 10 feet of the component being removed.
• Wet the component thoroughly.
• The component must then be wrapped in 2 layers of 6-mil polyethylene sheeting (poly).
• The poly must be sealed with tape to provide an airtight seal around the component.
• Once the component is sealed in poly, it may be cut from its original position and removed, provided the areas that are being cut are free from asbestos.

If the cutting areas are not free from asbestos, the following steps must be taken:

• A glove bag or mini-containment must be attached to an area covered with plastic as described above.
• The glove bag or mini-containment operation must then be done according to the Minnesota Rules.
• After the glove bag or mini-containment operation is complete, the encapsulated ends must also be wrapped with plastic as described above.

Once you have an asbestos-free area to cut, the component is now ready to be removed.

During the removal:

• The component must be supported while being released. The component then must be lowered to the ground or floor and not dropped or thrown.

Once removed:

• The component must be labeled with the appropriate asbestos warning labels.
• If you plan on removing the asbestos from the component after it has been wrapped and cut, this removal must be done according to the containment portion of the Minnesota Rules.

How do I find out more information?

For more information about asbestos, contact the Asbestos Program at MDH through the internet or by telephone at (651) 201-4620.