Asbestos Abatement and Removal Safety

Understand key safety practices in asbestos abatement and asbestos removal

Information about asbestos abatement and removal can help you safely remove the material. Asbestos originally appeared to be a safe, fireproof material. Only well after it became a widespread element of building materials did its health hazards become apparent. Today, whenever remodeling exposes asbestos, the owner needs to engage in asbestos remediation to locate and then remove any asbestos that might pose a problem to the building's inhabitants or visitors.

Though it's always safest to leave asbestos removal and abatement to asbestos abatement companies, you may need to remove material that contains asbestos from your business yourself. If so, keep these key safety factors in mind:

1. Contain the area in which the asbestos removal and asbestos abatement will occur.

2. Ensure all workers wear proper protective gear for asbestos abatement and removal safety.

3. Get rid of asbestos properly by checking with your state.

Make sure you contain the area for asbestos removal

Because asbestos poses a health risk for anyone not wearing protective gear, you must fully contain the area in which the asbestos removal or abatement will occur so that no asbestos fibers get released into the rest of the building or into the environment at large.

Check that workers wear safety gear to protect them during asbestos removal

Exposure to asbestos, especially long-term exposure or intensive exposure, can create severe health problems. Therefore, full protective gear is of utmost importance. The basic gear required includes a full head-to-toe disposable coverall through which asbestos fibers can't penetrate, goggles, a respirator, asbestos-proof gloves and heavy rubber boots.

Use asbestos abatement and removal safety guidelines when you dispose of asbestos

To minimize any health risks of the asbestos once you remove it, you need to properly dispose of the asbestos. Individual states create their own regulations around safe disposal of asbestos, though there are some overarching guidelines to follow.
Department of Ecology provides a discussion of that state’s policies, as well as more general information on asbestos.

• Even if you hire an asbestos removal contractor, it's a good idea to understand the safety precautions that need to be taken during asbestos removal. Sharing the precautions with your employees or the occupants of the building can also allow them to know what to expect.

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