The glovebag is, as a rule, only permitted for pipe insulation in the open air; indoors only as a rare exception. Credim uses it mainly on industrial sites; in homes we work in a hermetic zone.
A glovebag is a transparent plastic bag that is taped airtight around a pipe. The bag has built-in gloves. This allows us to remove the asbestos-containing material inside the sealed bag. The bag remains closed and is then disposed of as asbestos waste.
Under the Code on well-being at work (art. VI.3-55), the glovebag may, as a rule, only be used to remove asbestos insulation around pipes in the open air, and even then only under strict conditions, among other things: a single, easily accessible pipe, a total diameter including insulation of no more than 60 cm, a pipe temperature of no more than 30 °C and insulation that is barely damaged. Indoors, the method is only permitted as a rare exception and with a substantiated notification. That is why we mainly use it on industrial sites, for example for outdoor pipework on company premises. We always remove pipe insulation in a cellar or boiler room in a hermetic zone.
The technique is legally recognised by the FOD WASO and may only be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Doing it yourself with a plastic bag and gloves is not a good idea: without proper sealing and negative pressure, fibres can escape.
Before we start, we cordon off the work area and measure the fibre concentration in the air. Then we place the glovebag around the pipe. Through the gloves in the bag, we loosen the asbestos with appropriate tools while keeping the material wet to avoid dust formation. Everything we remove goes straight into the bag.
After the procedure, the bag is carefully closed and sealed. We dispose of the waste as asbestos-containing waste, with the necessary documents. Finally, we measure afterwards to see if there are still fibres in the air.
Asbestos fibres are only dangerous when they are released. When removing pipe insulation, this risk is real: the material is often crumbly and is located around bends and fittings. A licensed company not only has the right equipment, but also the knowledge to carry out the work in accordance with the rules. Moreover, the legislation is strict: for most asbestos removals, you must hire a licensed company. Doing it yourself violates the rules and puts your health at risk.
Curious which technique applies to your situation? On our page about which asbestos technique you need, we explain the differences between a simple operation, a glovebag, and a hermetic zone.
For larger or damaged asbestos applications, such as an asbestos cement roof or non-bonded insulation over a large area, we build a hermetic zone with negative pressure. This is a sealed space where we work under negative pressure and with airlocks. The glovebag is, as a rule, only intended for limited amounts of pipe insulation in the open air.
Also for asbestos in a chimney or flue, a different approach is needed. This often involves a hermetic zone, because the asbestos is difficult to reach and a lot of dust can be released.
Are you unsure whether the glovebag technique is suitable for you? Contact Credim. We will look at the situation together and choose the safest and most efficient method.
Which technique is needed depends on the material and its condition. Credim masters all three.
For damaged or non-bonded asbestos. The space is sealed airtight and put under negative pressure.
More about this technique
The glovebag method for pipe insulation in the open air, mainly on industrial sites. The material is removed in a sealed bag around the pipe using built-in gloves.
More about this technique
For bonded material with a low risk of fibre release, such as asbestos cement. According to a strict work plan and with the right protection.
More about this techniqueA certified expert comes by, assesses the situation and gives you a clear, non-binding proposal.
