Asbestos is a heat resistant material that is used in insulating and fire resistant materials. This is why asbestos residues are found commonly in ceiling boards and dry wall of old houses. Many companies stopped using asbestos in production of construction material in the late eighties after it was found to have serious implications in health. This was in the case of factory workers who had long-term exposure working in these factories. Removing asbestos from the home is advisable, but it is a delicate process to be conducted by professional. If your home was constructed before the 90s, you should expect the following during asbestos removal.
Pre-Abatement process
The asbestos abatement professionals have to collect samples from your home for testing to determine the level of asbestos contamination in the air. They use a special machine called an air tech/monitor to collect the air samples. Sampling before abatement also helps them make comparison after the abatement process to see if there are any residues left.
Containing the work area
During the abatement process, a lot of asbestos will end up in the air. In order to prevent the asbestos from contaminating other parts of the house or the environment, the contractors have to contain the work air. They will advise you to clean the room, remove all moveable furniture and soft furnishings for cleaning. They also disable electrical and air conditioning systems in the room. After sealing off the work area, the contractor sets up a decontamination enclosure where the workers remove their asbestos contaminated uniforms before changing into their clothes.
Set up and inspection
The contractor sets up the work equipment. They seal non-moveable objects using plastic sheets and duct tape. They also install negative air equipment that runs throughout the abatement process. An air-sampling technician conducts an inspection in the work area to determine if the area is well secured. There has to be at least a four-hour wait period before working can begin after this inspection.
Abatement
There are various techniques used by contractors depending on the kind of materials that are contaminated. They can use hand tools and wet removal. All the asbestos materials are packaged into disposal waste bags. Double bagging and secure seals are necessary to prevent any leaks. This waste is taken to landfills that are approved to accept asbestos waste.
After abatement
The project manager carries out another inspection to ensure all asbestos contaminated materials are removed from the work area. The workers also wet clean the work area thoroughly. There are two levels of waste removal. First items removed from the work area are the bags of asbestos waste and a second cleaning done. After another wait period, the barriers in the work area are removed.
For more information, check out companies such as Suncoast Skips.
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