Asbestos abatement is a very serious procedure which requires experience, professional knowledge and great caution, considering how harmful these microscopic fibers can be. If you have a problem with asbestos contamination, it is best to call a professional asbestos abatement company. They are equipped with tools and knowledge to deal with this issue in the safest possible way, without jeopardizing your or your family’s health. Let’s go through the crucial steps to learn what you can expect during this process.
1. A Written Action Plan
Before any asbestos abatement process, the company that is going to perform it is obligated to give you a written contract which will outline the plan and all procedures involved in the process. The contract should include details like preparation, setup of the contaminated area, how the area will be treated and cleaned after the removal is finished, as well as all local, provincial and federal laws the company must adhere to during the abatement process.
2. Adequate Safety Equipment
Asbestos is a very harmful material which can cause serious health issues with long-term exposure. Anyone working with such a dangerous material is required to wear adequate protective equipment (protective suits, gloves, goggles, respirators, etc.), as well as to follow strict safety measures. All safety equipment should be approved and fit the appropriate standards of quality.
3. Proper Containment
After the workers arrive at your home, they will start the abatement process by setting up and isolating the containment area, which includes sealing the air ducts, disabling HVAC, and sealing off the entire area with thick plastic sheets and HEPA filters. The contaminated area should be completely sealed off from the rest of the house. A decontamination chamber should be also set up right beside the containment area. This step prevents the spread of asbestos fibers and ensures that all residents are safe during the entire process.
4. Thorough Asbestos Removal
When the contaminated area is completely secured, the workers will start with the removal process. Using specialized equipment, they will carefully remove all asbestos-containing materials (furnishings, insulation, flooring, etc.), and pack them into designated disposal bags. The bags will be secured with a protective lining and removed from your property.
5. Post-Removal Cleanup
Cleanup is the last step of the asbestos abatement process and a very significant part of the job. Every asbestos fiber needs to be removed for the abatement to be successful. The workers will vacuum the entire containment area using HEPA vacuum cleaners to ensure minimal dispersal of dangerous asbestos fibers. After vacuuming, lockdown may be applied depending on the job. If a type 3 process has been conducted, then an air quality test should be performed by a certified asbestos or consultation company, in order to check whether the abatement process was successful and if clearance criteria is met. If the air test shows no presence of asbestos, the abatement company can remove the barriers from the containment area and do the final HEPA vacuuming.
Finding a proper asbestos abatement company is very important – its staff must be experienced, licensed and familiar with all local, provincial and federal laws regarding asbestos abatement. Inch by Inch Inspections offers its high-quality service in Toronto and the GTA, with a range of certifications for the removal and remediation of common indoor contaminants. If you are looking for a professional, friendly and honest inspection company, call Inch by Inch Inspections today and schedule your asbestos abatement.