Asbestos Abatement

What is Asbestos Abatement?

•    Asbestos abatement is a necessary process aligned with renovating and demolishing buildings or structures.  Asbestos abatement constitutes the removal process of asbestos in private properties or commercial buildings. There are numerous ways to conduct an asbestos abatement process; however, the removal procedures are dependent on how and where the asbestos was applied in the structure.

•    Asbestos abatement is a necessary procedure, particularly for older structures, where asbestos was commonly used as a heat retardant agent. Asbestos abatement is mandatory because of the inherently deadly characteristics of asbestos.
•    Asbestos on its own does not present a danger to individuals in contact with the mineral. When asbestos is disturbed; however, asbestos dust becomes airborne. When this form of asbestos is chronically inhaled, the agent attacks the respiratory system and presents a serious problem for those perpetually in contact with asbestos. As a result of their deadly characteristics, asbestos fibers must be handled with extreme caution. The asbestos abatement process, in accordance with the treatment and use of asbestos, must also be administered with the utmost care and responsibility.

Asbestos Abatement Process

1.) Determine if the Area is in need of Asbestos Abatement: Before the abatement process can begin, a team of professionals must conduct a survey on the structure to ensure that the procedure is mandatory. To conduct this survey, you must have the underlying area tested for asbestos. The structure, including all the components within the structure must be tested for the presence asbestos. If considerable asbestos exists, abatement will be necessary if the structure is undergoing renovation or demolition.
2.) Determine Whether the Asbestos Abatement Procedure Requires a Professional:After the area has proven the need for the initiation of an abatement process, you must decide whether to hire asbestos removal contractors or handle the project yourself. Considering the inherently dangerous characteristics of asbestos fibers, the inclusion of a professional for asbestos abatement is highly recommended. That being said, if you decide to remove the asbestos yourself, you must assemble a comprehensive abatement team. According to law, your team must include at least one asbestos professional. Furthermore, all individuals on the team must be equipped with safety gear and must be cleanly shaven-- the presence of facial hair will augment the likelihood of inhaling the malignant asbestos fibers.
3.) Obtain Government Issued Permits: Following the assembly of a team, you must obtain permits from your local state government to legally administer the asbestos abatement process. Individual states possess specific rules and procedures regarding the obtainment of an asbestos abatement permit; however, all states will require you to sign documents to certify that you will take the mandatory safety measures when removing the asbestos.
4.) Asbestos Abatement Safety Protocol: In order to meet the safety protocol guidelines of your state you must equip yourself and your team with: goggles, dispensable clothing, a water sprayer, a pry bar, a knife, asbestos disposable bags and a breathing apparatus.
5.) Day of the Removal: Before contacting the asbestos you and your team must dress in the appropriate asbestos abatement clothing and put on coordinating breathing apparatuses. The actual process of removal begins by spraying and coating the asbestos with water. Once the asbestos is saturated, use a pry bar and knife to remove the agent. Saturating the asbestos with water will break down the fibers and facilitate the removal process through the creation of flaking chunks. When the asbestos is removed, place it in the double-sealed asbestos bags.
6.) After the Removal: Once the asbestos has been stripped from the attached foundation or pipes, remove all protective clothing and dispose of it. All materials and the asbestos itself should be placed in the asbestos trash bags. Once all the asbestos and the protective clothing has been disposed of it safe to remove your breathing apparatus. Once the bags are filled, take them to a local landfill specially designed to manage asbestos disposal. Before arriving at the location you must call the landfill to ensure they have room for the disposed asbestos, as well as the ability to safely remove the dangerous agent. Once the area is removed of all asbestos, it is suggested that the individual have the location tested again for the presence of any additional chemical agents.