Asbestos is a dangerous or life-threatening fibre that can be released into the environment and affect health. It can directly affect the lungs of the person and enter the body through the nose and mouth. You will find that asbestos abatement is the process of controlling the release of asbestos in the environment through various methods. Some certain materials or elements can seal the asbestos or completely remove it from the property. Asbestos did not show any particular symptoms and it is too late when you finally came to know that you are affected
What is asbestos abatement?
Asbestos abatement is the steps taken to control the fibres through removal, encapsulation and repairing processes. There are various techniques to stop the release of asbestos fibres into the environment. It is removed by the professionals as they have particular accessories, tools and equipment to remove the asbestos. The asbestos abatement is performed to protect everyone from the harmful impact of asbestos.
Asbestos abatement involves the sealing of a specific area through various materials. It can be sealed for a long period and does not affect the residents. An asbestos removal process is also performed to remove asbestos completely. You will find that extra steps are also taken to avoid occurrences again.
Asbestos abatement process
It requires conscious and focused efforts to remove the asbestos from the desired property. The asbestos abatement process is carried out by the appointed professionals. They know the process and perform the task of asbestos abatement sufficiently well. You should ensure that the professionals have the licence to provide the asbestos abatement services to the customers.
- Prepare a perfect plan – It is important to plan the asbestos removal. The contractors have to follow the plan that is prepared by the industrial hygienist by keeping all the factors in mind. It lays out all the processes of asbestos abatement in detail. The area treatment, cleanup and other federal laws are mentioned in the plan.
- Demarcation – After going through the plan, the contractors have to mark the contaminated area that requires treatment. When the demarcation task is performed the residents have to stay away and leave the area vacant. They can re-enter after the proper completion and testing.
- Setting the proper work area – The area should be sealed and secured with thick plastic sheets. You will find that the industrial hygiene professionals inspect the area and proper guidelines are followed by the contractors. It is done before the asbestos removal and repair work.
- Asbestos removal material – The asbestos abatement requires the use of hand tools and other methods to remove or repair the asbestos-contaminated area on the property. You will find that the professionals wear the proper clothing and respirators to prevent themselves from asbestos. Sealing material is used to cover the contaminated area. If the asbestos is removable then they are removed through the technique and the area is cleaned by the professionals.
- HEPA vacuum – The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum is done for filtration and removal of the remaining asbestos. It helps in minimising the dispersing of the fibres anywhere in the place and cleans the surface with more accuracy.
- The final round of cleaning – In this round, all the material and asbestos are cleaned from the work surface. The industrial hygiene team performs inspection and conducts the clearance air sampling process to check that the process is done under the standard laws. The barriers and air filtration sheets are not removed from the site till the complete clearance and testing are performed. It is checked whether the clearance criteria match the laws mentioned in the plan or not.
After the clearance and testing the asbestos abatement contractor remove the barriers and reclean the treatment area using the HEPA vacuum again to ensure proper cleaning. You will receive the report from the contractor which contains the information about the waste shipment, permit, site log and other licence copies. It is providence after the completion of the asbestos abatement procedure. You should keep the records for proof of asbestos removal.
Asbestos removal safety measures
The presence of asbestos disturbs most of the people, residents, neighbours and workers at the workplace. It is dangerous for health and needs to be removed as soon as possible. Professional contractors should be hired and they can assist you to stay safe from asbestos fibres. You can minimise the exposure to the fibres by following some simple steps.
- You should keep the contaminated area wet. It does not let the particles free in the air and spread all over the place. You can use the low-pressure garden mist to wet the asbestos. Water is also pretty much effective and useful to prevent asbestos from spreading and getting airborne.
- It is advised to stay away from asbestos. You cannot tear, rip it off, chip or cut the material containing asbestos. It can release asbestos fibres into the air and directly affect health.
- You should also avoid throwing any asbestos-containing material onto the ground. The asbestos fibres release like dust particles in the air and can adversely affect the health of the public present nearby. You can lower them with careful steps and prevent any breakage as a safety measure.
- Dispose of the material containing asbestos at the landfill accepting the asbestos. It helps you to prevent everyone from coming in contact with asbestos.
It is best to obtain a permit to dispose of the asbestos-containing material or get treatment for removing asbestos from NSW. You can get the permit from the asbestos handling section.
