Asbestos removal is the removal of asbestos in the construction materials of a building. Asbestos was a prevalent mineral in construction in the 60s and 80s. However, an individual was contaminated by volatile asbestos fibers, and since then, asbestos removal work has become systematic, whether for a renovation or destruction of a building. To realize these works, it is crucial to solicit the intervention of professionals or a specifically approved organization. This diagnosis allows the removal of all materials containing asbestos. The following information will help you to understand the situation.
Asbestos Removal: Mandatory or Optional?
First, if the asbestos diagnosis results show the absence of asbestos or even a tiny quantity on the premises, asbestos removal is private. However, the latter is mandatory if asbestos is higher than 5 fibers per liter of air is detected. In this case, an intervention of professionals within 3 years is required, and penal sanctions could be incurred when this is not done.
Who Must Carry Out the Asbestos Removal?
All old buildings built before 1997 must be asbestos removed. To do so, the owners are responsible for requesting the intervention of an asbestos removal company. This applies to demolition, earthworks, roofing, and general renovation of a house. Be aware that asbestos removal is not always required when asbestos is found. Indeed, it is not so much the asbestos that poses a problem but rather the inhalation of its fibers. Therefore, avoid removing materials containing this harmful product by yourself to avoid any risk of contamination and other harmful effects on your health. It is always preferable to consult specialists in the field.
Asbestos Removal Project: What Steps to Take?
Asbestos removal is a heavy and delicate worksite because of the toxicity and volatility of the substances constituting the materials to be removed. It is always recommended to request the intervention of a company specializes in asbestos removal. The following steps will allow you to start this procedure correctly.
– Inspection of the Premises
This is the step where the presence of asbestos or asbestos fibers in the house will be detected or not. It also involves inspecting the materials that are not contaminated to evaluate the risk of work to be done.
– Dusting
After an inspection of the premises and materials, the elements contaminated and that must be removed are determined. All surfaces in the room will need to be dusted before work can begin. To perform this step, protect yourself with coveralls and masks.
– Containment
This step aims to statically contain the area, i.e., isolate the room and the contaminated materials clean the walls. Dynamically, it also consists of ventilating the room from the outside to the inside by using a filtering air extractor tool. This allows the asbestos removal team to perform their task while avoiding contamination with the rest of the building.
– Asbestos Removal
It is the dismantling. Otherwise known as decontamination, this step aims to remove the materials that have been in contact and those containing asbestos. To trap the asbestos fibres and reduce the circulation of particles in the air, the contaminated materials are soaked in water before being removed. This step is also called wet removal.
– Control
At the end of the job, the contractor conducts an inspection to verify the structure’s condition and ensure that it no longer poses a risk to its occupants.
