Whether you’re dealing with asbestos found in the ceiling of your family home, or renovating a commercial facility, there’s a lot to consider. From cost to safety and proper protocol, it’s crucial that you enlist the services of licensed asbestos removal professionals.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that poses a health risk when it becomes airborne, which can cause breathing issues and even cancer. It’s not just a risk for the people in the building, but also anyone who comes into contact with it, which is why it’s important to have all asbestos materials tested and removed by professional asbestos removal companies.
In general, only asbestos that presents a significant risk for exposure should be removed. If the problem is limited to one room or area of a larger building, wet wraps can be used to seal the material. This is an alternative to complete removal, but should only be undertaken if the damaged material contains 15% or less of the total asbestos volume in the affected area.
During asbestos removal, abatement contractors will use a variety of tools to physically remove asbestos from the area. They will wet the materials before cutting them, which is critical to prevent the release of dangerous fibres into the air. They will then use a HEPA vacuum to clear the area, and they will double-bag any asbestos waste, which is then sealed in containers and labelled to comply with hazardous waste regulations.
They will also seal the work area and turn off HVAC systems to prevent asbestos dust from entering other parts of the building during the process. They will wipe down immoveable surfaces to further prevent dust from spreading, and they will wear appropriate personal protective equipment PPE including a respirator designed for asbestos work, gloves, disposable coveralls with hoods, and safety glasses or goggles.
Once the area has been cleaned, they will reinstall any moveable furniture and conduct air monitoring to ensure that all asbestos levels remain below regulatory guidelines and are safe for reoccupation. The area is then vaccuumed once again using a HEPA vacuum, and the asbestos-containing materials are safely transported to a landfill that’s specifically authorised for the disposal of asbestos.
It’s worth noting that many DIY kits are available for testing and removing asbestos, but these should only ever be used in the context of an experienced asbestos abatement contractor. It’s not only extremely difficult to remove asbestos correctly, but it can also be dangerous for homeowners who take on the job without training or certification. It’s always best to rely on professional asbestos removal services, and make sure that you choose a company with extensive experience in the field and is familiar with state and federal asbestos regulations. You can always ask for a free quote from an asbestos removal company to get the most accurate assessment of your situation. They should also be able to provide references from previous clients, which is a good indication of their quality of work.