Tips For Safe Asbestos Removal
As the owner or manager of a commercial building, you are probably aware of the dangers of asbestos. However, it is not always simple to know which of the building materials actually contain this hazardous material. In fact, many common elements of a building probably have asbestos as one of the components. This can be perfectly safe as long as the tile, wallboard, or other product remains intact. However, if it begins to degrade or is damaged, those asbestos fibers can be released into the air and be damaging to the employees, clients, or visitors.
Building Inspection
Your building can and should be inspected for products that contain asbestos. In that way you will have a reference document and be on the lookout for any damage, in addition, to an annual inspection. This test should only be conducted by a professional. Otherwise, you take the risk of inadvertently releasing the asbestos while you are taking samples. The specialist can also have the materials tested and provide a written report.
If there is a concern about the condition of anything that contains asbestos, remediation is a real solution. If the material is undamaged, leave it alone.
Material Removal
If you find it necessary to remove some materials, the specific items should be encapsulated. That will seal the material to prevent any fibers from releasing into the air. This encapsulation involves covering the material like putting a sleeve over a pipe or installing a new floor over an existing one. Again, this is a job for a professional. An ordinary construction company that is unaware of the danger can possibly do more harm.
Never sand, drill or saw into a product that contains asbestos. This includes any power tools. Removing spray coatings, insulation, or other related products requires the knowledge and experience of a professional.
Asbestos Abatement
Companies that handle asbestos abatement will take all of the proper precautions as regulated provincially and federally. This includes clearing the area where the product will be dealt with. This is intended to prevent fibers from adhering to uphostery or other furnishings. If the items cannot be moved, then they will be covered with a thick polyethylene sheet.
The rest of the floor or building will be isolated using an air lock and polyethylene sheets. All of the workers will be wearing and using appropriate personal protective gear.
Signs will be prominently posted warning anyone of the work in progress and to take precautions and avoid the work site.
Any of the materials that contain asbestos must be kept wet to prevent the dispersal of fibers into the surrounding area. None of the materials to be removed should be torn, ripped, or cut. They need to be carefully removed as intact as possible and placed in containment materials. They should not be dropped.
All of the proper permits need to be secured.
Removal of asbestos is a critical element of keeping your commercial building safe. Identifying all of the regulations and guidelines can be difficult and compliance even more arduous. That is why it is a more prudent business decision to hire a qualified, experienced company to do the work for you.