5 Things To Be Kept In Mind While Asbestos Removal

Asbestos abatement mainly includes the classification, removal, repair, and encapsulation of substances or products in a structure to reduce the threat of exposure to these toxic minute asbestos fibers. It's always best to handle by any professional asbestos abatement company or specialists. A rule came to action from 4 April 2016 that, if more than 10 m2 of non-friable asbestos has to be removed over the whole area of the project for the site, it must be done by a licensed asbestos removal specialist.

All breakable asbestos removal work (where the number of minute fibers released into air is likely to be high compared to others) must also be carried out by an accredited asbestos removal contractor. This includes work on asbestos such as asbestos insulation, and damaged asbestos board, repairing broken tiles. Every accredited asbestos removalist who holds a current Certificate with proper asbestos awareness of Competence until April 2018 can remove asbestos by the law.

Three simple things will help keep you safe while handling asbestos during work:

1. Always keep dust down.

• Before you start the job, and if it is safe to do so, wet asbestos-containing materials using a low-pressure water spray such as a garden sprayer or a hand-held water spray. Continue wetting as you work. This will reduce the amount of dust in the air. * Never use a hose as this can be of high pressure and will spread the asbestos dust into the air. * A mixture of eight elements water to one part washing-up liquid will help the water soak into the substance.

2. Reduce cutting or breaking of the asbestos cement products.

The breaking and cutting of asbestos cement products can easily spread minute asbestos fiber into the air and which can be inhaled and embedded in the lungs easily. These inhaled fibers can cause dangerous and deadly diseases like Lung cancer, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma etc.

3. Don’t use high-pressure water jets for asbestos removal.

Using high-pressure water jets can too wet surfaces as this may increase the spread of loose fibers or dust.

4. Use the right protective equipment for asbestos fiber removal.

• Always wear a mask during asbestos abatement- A disposable P2 mask with a valve is the minimum needed for this work. P1 or ‘nuisance dust’ masks will not provide the proper protection you require, and also don’t re-use disposable masks. * Don’t forget to wear Overalls

5. Clean up properly after removing.

• Clean properly the work area and always use tools- Use a damp cloth to wipe down tools and surfaces to remove asbestos fibers. Do not re-use the cloth. It must contain asbestos waste. * Personal clean-up- Dispose of disposable masks and overalls safely after you have finished the job. The mask and overalls are asbestos waste.

Always remember to filter the air once the work area has been sealed, isolated and also after clean up, we set up a state-of-the-art and air filtration system. This system serves to contribute air circulation for the work area while at the same time preventing any tiny airborne asbestos fibers from escaping to pollute nearby areas. There are many best asbestos awareness training institutions which provide both classroom and online classes with practical sessions which helps the removal contractors to improve their skills and can work safely without any hazards.

Olive Learning is a leading provider of compliance based eLearning courses for the UK and Ireland marketplace.