Asbestos Abatement in Homes: A Step-by-Step Approach
Introduction
Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks
Asbestos is not commonly used in building materials anymore, but there is a good chance that you have heard about it or the risks that come with asbestos exposure. So what exactly is it? Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is heat and fire resistant. These natural properties led to asbestos being used in building insulation and fire retardant materials for several decades until the harmful nature of the material began to be understood. Today we know asbestos causes certain cancers and is potentially deadly to be exposed to it, and 3 Kings offers residential asbestos abatement in Seattle and Vancouver
Why Asbestos Abatement is Necessary
Asbestos causes damage years down the line after a person has breathed in the microscopic fibers of asbestos. These fibers embed themselves in the lungs and other tissue in the body and cause irritation and scarring which can cause the formation of cancer cells. This is why asbestos abatement is crucial when any materials thought to contain asbestos are involved with a demo or remodel. It can be an involved process, but due to the nature of the exposure risks, it is necessary and legally required to try and nullify and contain asbestos as best as possible.
Before Abatement Begins
Identifying the Presence of Asbestos
Before a job starts, we at 3 Kings Environmental have to account for the potential presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. Material samples can be tested to find out if asbestos is present or not. Asbestos was mostly used between the 1940s and the 1970s, but it does not always mean something built before or after did not use materials that contained asbestos.
Choosing a Certified Asbestos Abatement Company
It is crucial that if there is a chance for asbestos exposure at a job site that you pick a company that has not only experience with asbestos removal, but is a certified asbestos abatement company. This shows that they are familiar with the most modern and effective removal strategies available. When dealing with the safety of workers, it is imperative that asbestos is dealt with properly.
Legal and Safety Requirements
Since asbestos is such a prevalent material that can cause a lot of damage when handled improperly, there are quite a few different regulations involved with it. From actual legislation to OSHA guidelines, there are several governing bodies that have made the rules about how to dispose of asbestos in the safest and most complete way possible.
Preparation for Asbestos Abatement
Setting Up a Containment Area
The first step is to establish a well-defined perimeter and seal it off completely from the outside world. We are dealing with microscopic materials, so creating a closed environment is the best way to ensure that the harmful particulates do not get blown away by a breeze.
Relocating Residents and Securing the Property
In order to keep other people in the area safe, people may be asked to leave their homes or places of work during an asbestos abatement. This is for their own safety as well as to eliminate variables that could interfere with the removal process.
Safety Measures for Abatement Teams
Personal Protective Equipment like disposable clothing, gloves, masks, and ventilators are key to worker safety. Our employees are trained in the proper way to keep themselves and others safe during any asbestos abatement jobs.
The Asbestos Abatement Process
Step 1: Wetting Asbestos-Containing Materials
Since we are dealing with microscopic fibers that can easily float on the breeze, we firstly wet down and material thought to possess asbestos fibers. This makes the fibers less likely to spread and makes dealing with the materials a bit easier since it is less likely to flutter away.
Step 2: Careful Removal of Asbestos Materials
After being wetted, the materials are carefully removed by individuals in the proper protective gear. Our team is sure to gather all of the materials that could have asbestos in them and gather them for proper disposal.
Step 3: Secure Packaging and Labeling of Asbestos Waste
The next step is to package the asbestos-contaminated materials in a secure package that is properly labeled. The packaging meets all standards for safety and the labels make it clear that hazardous materials are inside of the package.
Step 4: Cleaning and Decontaminating the Area
After the bulk of the hazardous material has been removed, the work is not done yet. Workers then clean the area by sweeping, wiping, and vacuuming any debris that might have been left behind. Those materials used in this step must also be properly disposed of.
Step 5: Air Quality Testing
Finally, when all of the suspected materials have been removed and the area has been cleaned and decontaminated, the air must be tested before the area can be unsealed and used. Once the air quality and safety has been assured, then the next phase of the job can begin.
Post-Abatement Procedures
Final Inspection and Clearance Testing
Before any other work goes on in an asbestos abatement site, the site must be cleared by an expert. Sometimes materials can be tested to ensure that there is no presence of asbestos.
Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Materials
After all of these potentially deadly materials are collected, they are taken to approved disposal centers. These places specialize in the proper ways to eliminate the harmful waste.
Returning the Property to Safe Use
Only after being tested and assured that the area is free of harmful materials can other people or our workers go back to the site to continue the job.
Conclusion
The Importance of Professional Asbestos Removal
If you suspect that materials at a remodel or demo job could have asbestos, then you need to immediately stop work and contact a professional. Not only are you putting your own life at risk, but anyone in the area could be exposed to potentially life-threatening fibers that are invisible to the naked eye.
Long-Term Safety and Peace of Mind
Even though asbestos abatement done by professionals is more expensive than a DIY job, things like the health and safety of yourself or your family or employees is not something to gamble with. Hiring 3 Kings Environmental allows you to rest assured that the harmful material has been removed in a safe and environmentally responsible way. If you need residential asbestos abatement in Vancouver or Seattle, contact us today!
