Exercise Caution With Asbestos Removal

Answer 1

Removing asbestos from an older, aging structure can be hazardous because of the multitude of loosened fibers that may be present. Such a property must be thoroughly examined and the exact location of the asbestos noted before any type of demolition or removal is begun.

Locating The Asbestos

Asbestos was primarily used as an insulating material and general fire retardant. Its silicate composition resembles that of shredded wheat and the large strands contain millions of microscopic fibers. Asbestos was often molded with other materials into wall plates or ceiling tiles in boiler rooms, metal forging areas or rooms containing kilns, and was often mixed with a specialized slurry and used as a coating for wires, steam pipes and even cement floors. If the construction or survey plans for an older structure are still available, the placement of asbestos is often marked clearly.

Protect Workers During Asbestos Removal

Those entering the premises where asbestos is known to have been used must wear outer clothing that can either be washed easily on site or have a slick outer surface that will not allow the asbestos fibers to stick. If there is going to be any type of demolition work performed, such as the use of jackhammers on cement floors or the tearing away of walls or ceilings, workers must wear dust masks that have filters to prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Any tiles or wall panels, electrical box insulations or pipes coated with asbestos-laden cloths or cements should be removed in as large of pieces as possible. Asbestos fibers break loose quite easily, especially when the material they are bonded to is cut with a saw, torn by machinery or otherwise damaged.

Follow City Ordinances

Find out if the asbestos removal can be performed without certain permits. In many jurisdictions the local government may have restrictions on any kind of removal or demolition work on a structure known to contain asbestos. In many cases a special haz-mat team must perform the removal operation. One of the reasons for this is the problem of what to do with the asbestos once it is removed from the building. Simply throwing it away does not solve the problem and can even result in a huge monetary fine.

Asbestos removal is taken very seriously by both local and state governments as well as health organizations. It is always best to consult with professionals if it is determined that this material exists on a property that is being demolished or remodeled.