Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause cancer, lung diseases and mesothelioma. It resides in old products like textured paint, flooring and ceiling tiles, shingles and insulation. If damaged, the asbestos can release fibres into the air and become inhaled by people.
Working with asbestos requires special training and accreditation for professionals. This process is called asbestos removal Adelaide.
Enclosures
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral silicate that can be split into commercially useful fibres. The mineral is most often found in older homes and structures, but it’s also used in newer products as well. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and inhaling it can cause mesothelioma and other health problems. Because of this, hiring a professional asbestos abatement company is the best option for keeping yourself and others safe. An experienced asbestos removal company will test the building for asbestos, follow strict regulations and procedures, and carry the appropriate abatement removal equipment.
The first step in removing asbestos safely is to build enclosures around the work area. It includes drywall, insulation and ductwork. These enclosures are not designed to be permanent, but they help keep the asbestos materials contained while workers remove them.
Enclosures are built to prevent airborne asbestos fibres from escaping the work area and contaminating other areas of the home or business. The enclosures are also designed to allow clean air to enter the work area. They can be built from a variety of materials and are designed to meet EPA guidelines for airflow, decontamination areas, and waste storage.
Before an asbestos removal Adelaide project begins, the asbestos-containing materials are wetted down to limit the spread of asbestos fibres. Any contaminated material that is removed must be double bagged in 6-millimetre plastic bags and sealed before it is placed into a container for disposal.
Containment
Do-it-yourself homeowners can sometimes repair minor damage to asbestos materials without disturbing them. But before attempting any repairs, contact local health, environmental or other officials to get information about handling and disposal procedures. Also, check online for professional asbestos abatement services. Make sure any professionals you hire are licensed, insured, experienced and reputable. They should also have references and a list of clients. If you suspect improper asbestos abatement, report it to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or your county and state departments of environmental quality.
Asbestos-containing materials in good condition do not pose a health risk. However, any material that is disturbed or damaged can release asbestos fibres. It includes asbestos floor tiles that are not in good shape, asbestos insulation around hot water pipes and tanks, shingles, felt or siding on roofs, and window and door gaskets used with furnaces, wood stoves and coal stoves.
Any asbestos work should be done in a separate work area and clearly marked as a hazard zone. Barricades should be set up to prevent people and materials from moving into or out of the work area. The work area should be sealed with plastic sheeting and tape to keep asbestos dust from spreading throughout the home. Ventilation systems should be turned off to avoid spreading asbestos particles and contaminating the air. In addition, any contractor should apply a wetting agent to the material to be removed with a hand sprayer. Wet fibres will float less in the air and be easier to clean up.
Vacuuming
During and after asbestos removal work, workers should use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners to clean all surfaces in the working area. Drop sheets and barriers must be wet-wiped or HEPA-vacuumed at regular intervals during abatement to keep contaminants from escaping the working area. Once the project is complete, all materials must be wetted and double-bagged or placed in leakproof plastic containers for disposal. HEPA-vacuuming also should be used to wipe down non-asbestos materials that were in contact with asbestos during the abatement process.
Ensure that your asbestos removal Adelaide contractor follows all protocols outlined in federal and state-approved training courses. Some firms may encourage unnecessary removals or do removals improperly, increasing your family’s health risks. Ask for references from other homeowners who have used the same professional. Then, make sure your contractor has the proper licensing, insurance and certification to perform the work. Also, verify that the professionals have been trained in the latest procedures for safe handling of asbestos.