Asbestos was once a popular building material due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, we now know that asbestos exposure can lead to severe health issues, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. As a result, asbestos removal has become essential to protect public health. This comprehensive guide will cover the best practices and regulations for safe asbestos removal.
Understanding Asbestos Regulations
Before diving into the best practices, it’s crucial to understand the regulations governing asbestos removal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are the primary agencies regulating asbestos handling and removal in the United States. Some of the key regulations include the following:
- The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
- OSHA’s Asbestos Construction Standard
State and local regulations
Pre-Removal Preparations
Before beginning the removal process, several crucial steps must be taken to ensure the safety of all involved:
- Asbestos inspection: A licensed asbestos inspector should assess the building for the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- Asbestos survey: A thorough survey should identify the type, amount, and location of all ACMs in the building.
- Develop a removal plan: Based on the inspection and survey, a comprehensive removal plan should be created, outlining the scope, methods, and timeline for the removal process.
Best Practices for Safe Asbestos Removal
Throughout the asbestos removal process, the following best practices should be followed:
- Hire a licenced asbestos removal contractor: Asbestos removal should be entrusted only to licenced professionals.
- Isolate the work area: The area where asbestos removal will occur must be separated from the rest of the structure.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): Employees should don respirators, coveralls, gloves, and goggles, among other PPE.
- Employ proper removal techniques: Wet removal methods should be used to minimise the release of asbestos fibres into the air.
- Proper waste disposal: All asbestos waste must be disposed of following local, state, and federal regulations.
Post-Removal Procedures
After the asbestos has been removed, there are several important steps to ensure the area is safe for re-occupancy:
- Clearance inspection: A licensed inspector should perform a visual inspection to ensure all ACMs have been removed.
- Air monitoring: Air samples should be collected and analysed to confirm that asbestos fibre concentrations are within acceptable limits.
- Final cleaning: The work area should be thoroughly cleaned using HEPA-filtered vacuums and wet wiping techniques.
- Documentation: All relevant documents, including inspection reports, waste disposal records, and clearance certifications, should be kept for future reference.
Asbestos removal is a complex and often unsafe process that should only be carried out by trained professionals in accordance with the legislation and recommended procedures mentioned in this handbook. By taking the required precautions and adhering to these standards, you will be helping to protect the safety of those working in the building as well as the occupants of the facility.
