Asbestos is a dangerous carcinogen that is known to cause mesothelioma and other health problems. Even though asbestos is not banned in the United States, it continues to be used in a wide variety of products that are sold in our homes, schools and public buildings. This includes asbestos insulation, shingles and pipes. While the risk of asbestos exposure is relatively low in private residences, homeowners should consider hiring a certified abatement professional to test and remove any suspected asbestos materials from their home or business.
The EPA requires anyone who works with asbestos to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict abatement work practices. PPE includes gloves, face masks, eye protection, and a respirator. Work areas must be covered with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure units must be used to prevent contamination in the surrounding area. Signs should be posted to warn others that the area is a regulated asbestos work area.
Before beginning any asbestos work, workers should wet the surface with a hand sprayer that uses a fine mist of water and a few drops of detergent. The wetting agent is needed to reduce the release of asbestos fibers when the surface is disturbed. When sampling for asbestos, workers should make sure that no one else is in the room and shut off heating and cooling systems to minimize releases. The samples should be taken with a clean gloved hand or disposable wipe. Wet samples are more easily identified as they do not clump together as dry asbestos does.
Once the samples have been analyzed, a comprehensive report will be generated that will include the type and location of each material found on the property. Any material that is found to contain asbestos should be sealed or removed immediately. The EPA requires that any material containing asbestos be placed into an approved landfill.
In addition to removing and testing for asbestos, an experienced asbestos removal company can also perform emergency asbestos removal. This service is available for those whose building has been damaged by fire, flood or storms. An emergency asbestos removal contractor will check the air quality, inspect the affected areas, restrict access and remove the asbestos in a more timely manner than non-emergency asbestos removal.
When hiring an asbestos abatement company, homeowners should make sure that the professionals they hire are properly trained and certified to perform safe asbestos removal. There have been reports of firms that encourage unnecessary asbestos removals or have performed them improperly. Homeowners should only use companies that are licensed and insured.
Watt’s asbestos removal Elizabeth takes the utmost care to ensure that all asbestos is removed and transported safely. They take every precaution to protect you, your family and your investment property. They will inspect and if necessary remove cladding, gutters, fascias, fences, roof tiles, insulation and ceilings. They will then wrap these items in two layers of thick builder’s plastic and dispose of them at a registered waste facility.