Asbestos Removal Process

Asbestos Removal Process

If your home is more than fifteen years old than it is likely that asbestos is present somewhere inside the residence. If you decide to remove the existing asbestos there are several options available to treat and remove asbestos safely. Which method is the most appropriate one depends largely on the condition of the material in question along with the location.

If the asbestos material is damaged or deteriorated it is highly recommended that you repair it or remove it altogether. If the asbestos material is in tact but poses an opportunity of being damaged or disturbed it is best to remove the materials in an attempt to avoid future exposure. Removal of asbestos containing materials is the only permanent solution to an existing asbestos problem.

Should you decide to have the asbestos material removed from your home the removal should only be performed by a professional. Generally the steps he/she would take are as follows:

  • First the professional asbestos abatement contractor should enclose the specified area in plastic. Depending on the size of the area the dimensions of the plastic covering may vary, however the entire work area should be completely enclosed including the floor, ceiling and any air vents. Furniture should not be left in the work area and if it cannot be removed than it must also be covered in plastic.
  • Next the professional will wash everything inside the specified area and vacuum the area with a high-efficiency HEPA vacuum.
  • The professional will confirm that all ventilation ducts and/or air vents in the work area are sealed off. This is an important step in ensuring that no asbestos fibers escape during the removal process.
  • Once removal begins the asbestos material will be kept wet at all times, this significantly reduces the amount of asbestos fibers released into the air.
  • As the asbestos is removed it will be placed into heavy-duty plastic bags. The bags are then sealed and labeled as required by disposal regulations.
  • Upon completion of the removal the concerned area will need to pass a visual inspection and an air inspection. The visual test occurs first and consists of a thorough examination thus determining if the area is free and clear of all asbestos dust and debris.
  • Next the air inspection takes place. This inspection entails an aggressive examination of an air sample. The air is stirred up with the use of a fan before the sample is taken. Once the sample is retrieved it is examined for any asbestos fibers present per cubic centimeter of air. Quite often an acceptable sample after abatement is, .01 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air.
  • If the work area fails either of these tests the professional must re-clean the entire location before testing can take place again.

It is important to mention that a hired professional is trained to perform this grueling task. Generally speaking, if you choose to participate in an asbestos removal project without the proper knowledge, skills or equipment than you assume all risks involved. Your only legal options in having asbestos removed from your residence are to hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor.

Asbestos removal can be very dangerous and quite difficult. While the release of asbestos fibers into the air may be unavoidable at times, there are no known safe levels of asbestos exposure. Therefore the law strongly suggests you hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor to perform all asbestos removal in your home. Certified asbestos abatement contractors have the proper equipment and knowledge necessary for maximum protection against the harmful asbestos fibers that present such a risk to one's health. The simple step of hiring a professional can ensure the safety of you and your family members from the detrimental effects of unnecessary asbestos exposure.

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