Asbestos is a heat-resistant, fibrous material that was used for many years in buildings across the country. This sturdy material was a great way to create a fire-resistant wall and provide efficient insulation for any structure. Over the years, however, asbestos was discovered to cause serious health issues. When disturbed, the asbestos fibers can enter the air and cause permanent damage to those who inhale those fibers. This danger made it impossible to continue to use asbestos in building materials. Unfortunately, there are many homes and buildings that still contain asbestos. Asbestos removal is often a very dangerous process that requires special care to limit the risks of the fibers entering the air. This makes it important for anyone planning to remove asbestos from a building to follow strict rules and guidelines for safe removal and never do these three things.
Contents
1Do Not Damage Asbestos
The fibers of asbestos only enter the air when it has been disturbed or broken-up. This makes it very important to avoid damaging the asbestos. If the asbestos material is in an area with high-traffic or large potential for damage, it is important to take steps to prevent that from occurring. If the asbestos can be left alone without risk of damage, it should be. Unfortunately, various repairs and remodeling projects can often require work that could damage the asbestos. If planning to remove the asbestos, it is important to take steps to minimize any risks of breaking or damaging the asbestos materials. There are facilities that offer help in this process. It is always important to contact a professional before beginning any project that involves asbestos. Visit airquestinc.com for information about assistance in the responsible handling of asbestos.
2Do Not Let Inexperienced Workers Remove the Asbestos
If the asbestos needs to be removed from a building, it is important to only use workers that are experienced and trained in the proper removal methods. Even if there are only plans to encapsulate the asbestos to leave in the building, it is important the person or crew doing the work understands the proper and safe methods for sealing the asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos fibers in the air can cause serious health risks. Not only should the removal process be performed by professionals, but there should not be any other people in the area that are not properly protected.
3Do Not Remove Protective Equipment
Every person who is working in or around the asbestos removal should be wearing gloves, masks, and protective eye wear at all times. Protective clothing and shoes should also be worn throughout the process. This helps to prevent the fibers from causing workers serious health issues. The area that is being worked on should also be clearly marked as a hazard area and steps taken to prevent fibers from leaving that area. Water or other misting agents can be used on the materials to prevent fibers from entering the air. Heating and cooling systems should also be shut off during this process to prevent the fibers from spreading throughout the building. It is also necessary that all cleanup be performed completely before any protective gear is removed. Once the job is completed, all protective equipment should be sealed in a bag and properly disposed of with the other asbestos-contaminated materials.
Asbestos is very dangerous, and care should always be used when dealing with any materials that contain or may contain asbestos. After the job is complete, an inspector or air testing contractor should be hired to check the air inside the building to ensure there is not an increase of asbestos fibers in the air. This can ensure that the air quality in the building is safe and the job has been performed correctly.
