The process of asbestos removal is quite a hazardous undertaking where there can be inherent risks for the property users as well as employees. That is because any accidental exposure to even microscopic airborne asbestos fibers can be dangerous.
Such exposure may lead to certain long-term life-threatening illnesses such as:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
Therefore, it is important from the very beginning that an asbestos removal company must take all the necessary measures to safeguard both employees and also the general public against any exposure to asbestos during the time asbestos removal work is in progress on their premises.
Thankfully, these days proper legislation is in force and well-established protocols and practices are in place that can ensure that asbestos or any asbestos-containing materials are safely managed and reduce any risk of exposure.
It is extremely important and also mandatory that the right asbestos removal protocols are strictly followed to minimize any kind of risk.
If you are unaware of this kind of asbestos removal process then you are at the right place. In this short article, we will try to explain in brief the process of asbestos removal.
The process of asbestos removal includes the following few steps:
Table of Contents
1. Knowing the plan
The contractor responsible for asbestos removal will strictly follow whatever plan has been chalked out by the industrial hygienist.
This plan should provide full details on how the whole area must be treated, including the total preparation and also cleanup process.
The work plan must contain all the details about local laws that are followed for asbestos removal and the contractor has to abide by all those during the asbestos removal process.
2. Proper demarcation
Once the plan is under implementation, the contractors must clearly mark the area and inform all building residents to vacate the area until the total completion of the work and also clearance testing has been done.
3. Setting up the regulated work area
The following setup is necessary for the work area such as:
- Air ducts must be sealed
- The HVAC system should be disabled
- Those areas not under the treatment should be sealed off by using thick plastic sheets securely.
The industrial hygiene firm must finally inspect the work area preparation before the asbestos removal contractor starts the actual process of asbestos removal or any repair work.
4. Removing material
The asbestos removal contractor will be using hand tools and wet methods in order to remove/repair the ACBM (Asbestos-containing building material).
During the process, the workers will wear respirators and protective clothing to protect themselves.
The ACBM will then be placed into certain waste disposal bags, which will be sealed, and removed through a certain decontamination unit having a protective lining.
Additionally, a decontamination chamber will be built close to the work area, where a shower will be used to properly evacuate the entire workspace.
5. High-efficiency particulate air vacuuming
Special vacuums using HEPA filters, meant for asbestos removal work are going to be used to minimize any asbestos fiber dispersing during the working and cleaning of the surfaces.
6. Final cleaning
After the total removal of the entire ACBM present in the work area and also the entire surfaces of the work area have been fully cleaned by using certain wet methods and HEPA vacuuming, an independent inspection will be carried out by the industrial hygiene firm.
This industrial hygiene firm will conduct the testing of the air sample of the surrounding area as per the requirement of that area.
The barriers put up in the work area and also air filtration should not be dismantled until the final clearance testing is done and the work area fully meets the clearance criteria that were set forth during the asbestos removal plan.
7. Post-cleanup
After the entire clearance criteria have been met, the asbestos removal contractor has to remove the containment barriers put up in the work area and also reclean them by using HEPA vacuuming.
Upon final completion, a final report will be prepared by the asbestos removal contractor.
Conclusion
The asbestos removal process is quite a hazardous activity that needs a lot of safety and protection. The asbestos removal contractor will be responsible to perform the total procedure by following all the necessary steps as prescribed.
The area will be handed over to the users only after ensuring the air quality of the area.
