Jobs involving asbestos are more frequent than you'd think: even today there are carpenters and general contractors tearing out asbestos on a daily basis from old homes that were insulated with the Mesothelioma-causing substance. Because asbestos is so dangerous to the lungs of those exposed to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) there are extensive precautions of which to take note before beginning the removal of your asbestos. This step by step asbestos removers guide will explain the finer points of ensuring your handiwork in disposal of non-regulated ACMs whether you're a homeowner or a licensed contractor.
A Word About Safety
Typically the professional way to effectively work with asbestos is by dousing the hazardous material in water. When the fibers of asbestos are wet, they fall quickly to the ground. This prevents contractors and Do-It-Yourself handymen from inhaling the asbestos particles. There are other ways to handle asbestos besides wetting it down: body suits and oxygen masks are a great start. When using a suit and breathing apparatus be surefooted and make sure not to get your suit legs snagged on anything. If you find that the integrity of your protective clothing has been compromised, leave the worksite immediately and find another suit. Without a doubt though, wetting down the asbestos will save you time and money in the long run if you know how to do it correctly.
Step One: Sealing Off
When removing materials that are composed of asbestos it's important to take initial preparatory steps to ensure the particles don't get into other rooms. Try to keep the room where the asbestos is going to be disturbed sealed off. This means shutting down your HVAC systems and not simply closing your vents, but actually sealing them to ensure asbestos won't travel. All doors and windows should be lined with plastic sheeting and secured tightly with several pieces of duct tape. Once things are sealed off, don't re-enter the rest of the house without stripping out of asbestos exposed clothing and protective wear.
Step Two: Taking Out the Trash
When removing ACMs, move materials in big pieces when possible. If there are fewer exposed surfaces on the piece that is being carried, there are fewer dust particles moving around while cleaning. Spray-on asbestos insulation that typically incudes fireproofing agents is the easiest to wet down and scrape off. In the case that you're dealing with an asbestos product that features "thermal blocking power", the substance will more than likely not be water soluble. For materials such as this it is important to wet down the materials before, during and after removal so that the particles never get the chance to go airborne.
Words to the Wise
If you know that your home contains asbestos insulation material you should deal with it immediately. Property owners are solely responsible for asbestos that becomes released into the air from their property. To avoid costly lawsuits in the future related to third party asbestos exposure, hire licensed contractors or follow this guide for help!