When it comes to removing asbestos it is important to hire asbestos abatement professionals as they are well versed in the rule and regulations of handling, removing, and disposing of this notorious material. The risk of development of various asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma etc. can increase due to exposure to asbestos by handling it improperly.
Reasons to handle asbestos safely
To avoid exposure to asbestos it is necessary to handle it safely. The fibers of asbestos can spread into the air if it is handled wrongly.
The airborne fibers of asbestos can be stuck to the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen when inhaled with the breath. Various types of diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer can be caused due to exposure to asbestos.
Reasons to hire an asbestos abatement company
Due to the ban on asbestos products and certain regulations as well as the availability of safer substitutes the use of asbestos has reduced considerably. Still, the risk of asbestos exposure is present for the general public due to the presence of asbestos in old materials and products. The asbestos used in the old products and materials gets disturbed during their demolition or renovation.
If the materials and buildings containing asbestos have been broken or became worn out then the workers and homeowners should hire an abatement company to remove and dispose of asbestos properly and safely. Homeowners should monitor the damaging or wearing of materials containing asbestos as they are safe until they are intact and in good condition.
So, it is important for the homeowner to hire a certified asbestos abatement company that is familiar with the laws of abatement set by local, state, and federal governments. They will use their experience and expertise while removing or encasing asbestos for safe disposal.
Working of the asbestos abatement process
Know the plan: The plan designed by an industrial hygienist is followed by the professionals of your asbestos abatement company. This plan will include detailed information about the ways to treat that area starting from the process of preparation to clean up. It will also include all the laws related to the abatement of asbestos so that your contractor can follow them strictly.
Proper segregation of the spot: After reading the plan, your asbestos abatement team should identify the dangerous areas in your building and inform people occupying that building to leave the place until the entire process is over.
Regulate the work area: The team of asbestos abatement company will disable your HVAC system, safely seal off the areas that are not being treated and seal the filtration system, air pressure differential system, and air ducts to prepare and regulate the area to work on. The work area should be inspected by the firm dealing in industrial hygiene before starting the process of removal and disposal of the asbestos.
Removal of asbestos: To remove or repair the asbestos-containing materials your contractor will use wet methods and hand-operated tools. They will use respirators and protective clothes to protect them during this process. The removed asbestos will be packed in the bags of waste disposal and sealed so that the team of the decontamination units can dispose of them safely in the decontamination chamber established along the worksite.
Vacuum with HEPA to high-efficiency particulate air: At the site of asbestos removal special vacuums with HEPA filters will be used to reduce the spreading of the fibers of asbestos during the process of its removal.
Clean up the work area: your contractor will use HEPA vacuum and wet methods to clean up the entire work area after completion of the process of removal of asbestos under the supervision of the industrial hygienists. They will also conduct sampling of the cleared air as required by the state and federal asbestos abatement laws. After completing the testing of the affected area they will remove the barriers used in air filtration and on the work area.
After cleanup: After removing the barriers the team of your contractor will use a HEPA vacuum to cleaning up the entire work area again. After completing the process finally, your contractor will submit you a report containing the record of permits, the shipment of waste, copies of all licenses, and site logs. Similarly, you will get a report from the industrial hygienist containing the copies of analysis of the laboratory and results of inspections. You must keep these reports for compliance with the regulations of environmental safety.
Thus the process of asbestos abatement works.
