Asbestos is a well-known insulator that once was a part of construction materials. Although we have stopped using it for its health threat, many old residential and commercial buildings still have this substance.
Removing asbestos from commercial properties has its own set of challenges. The process is delicate and requires precision, expertise, and strict safety precautions. Here are some safety precautions you should take before commencing your asbestos removal process on your commercial property.
Containment and isolation
Containment is the first step of safe asbestos removal. When scratched or broken, asbestos is likely to break down into small fibres and spread across. You need to create a controlled work area that prevents asbestos fibres from spreading beyond the removal site. This can be done with the following steps:
- Erecting Barriers: Install plastic sheeting barriers to seal off the work area from the rest of the building. These barriers prevent asbestos fibres from entering other parts of the property.
- Air Pressure Differential: Maintain negative air pressure within the containment area. This prevents the escape of contaminated air, directing it to specialised air filtration systems.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers involved in asbestos removal must wear specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimise exposure to fibres. The appropriate PPE includes:
- Respirators: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators filter out asbestos fibres from the air workers breathe.
- Disposable Suits: Full-body disposable suits protect workers from skin contact with asbestos-containing materials.
- Gloves and Footwear: Gloves and shoe covers prevent fibres from attaching to clothing and footwear.
Wet removal techniques
Wet removal involves dampening asbestos-containing materials to reduce the release of fibres into the air. This technique minimises the risk of airborne contamination during removal. Methods for wet removal include:
- Spraying Water: Asbestos-containing materials are lightly misted with water to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
- Wetting the Work Area: The entire work area is kept damp to further control the dispersion of fibres.
Sealing and bagging
After removal, asbestos-containing materials must be securely sealed and bagged to prevent fibre release during transportation and disposal. The bagging process involves:
- Double-Bagging: Asbestos waste is double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags to provide an extra protection layer.
- Sealing Bags: Bags are sealed with duct tape to ensure they are airtight and leak-tight.
Thorough cleanup and decontamination
After removal, a thorough cleanup and decontamination process is essential to ensure that no residual fibres remain. This process includes:
- Wet Cleaning: Surfaces in the containment area are cleaned using wet methods to trap any remaining fibres.
- HEPA Vacuuming: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums are used to remove fine particles and fibres.
- Worker Decontamination: A designated area is set up for workers to remove PPE and clean themselves before leaving the containment area.
Conclusion
Safe asbestos removal techniques are crucial for safe and successful asbestos removal projects. By following these techniques, you can minimise the risk of fibre release and protect the health and safety of everyone involved.
That said, when it comes to hiring asbestos removal services in Sydney, Deft Demo comes as a foremost service provider. We are one of the leading commercial demolition contractors in Sydney, with more than 17 years of experience in asbestos removal.
If you have any queries regarding the asbestos removal or disposal process or want to hire us as your trusted asbestos removal partner, feel free to contact us.