When it comes to handling asbestos, safety is everything. Every precaution taken on-site is about preventing one thing—airborne asbestos fibers from spreading beyond the containment zone. One of the most crucial parts of maintaining that control is properly sealing doorways and openings.
On an asbestos site, a poorly sealed doorway can compromise the entire operation, allowing hazardous fibers to escape into clean areas. That’s why for crews performing asbestos removal in Nanaimo, sealing and securing entry points isn’t just a step in the process—it’s a critical safety measure that protects workers, building occupants, and the surrounding environment.
WHY DOORWAY SEALING MATTERS SO MUCH
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can stay airborne for hours once disturbed. Even a small leak in containment barriers can release these fibers into adjacent spaces, creating a serious health risk.
Properly sealing doorways is essential because:
- It keeps asbestos fibers confined to the controlled area.
- It helps maintain negative air pressure inside the work zone.
- It ensures workers and air monitoring systems function safely and effectively.
When done right, a sealed doorway acts as a secure airlock—allowing access when necessary but ensuring that no fibers escape.
THE ROLE OF CONTAINMENT IN ASBESTOS REMOVAL
Containment is the backbone of every asbestos project. Before any removal begins, the work area is completely enclosed in thick plastic sheeting, often using 6-mil polyethylene. Every seam, wall, and opening must be airtight.
The goal is to create a sealed environment where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be removed safely without contaminating other parts of the building. Air inside the containment zone is constantly filtered through HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) machines that maintain negative pressure. This ensures that air always flows into the workspace, not out of it.
For projects involving asbestos removal in Nanaimo, strict containment standards are non-negotiable. WorkSafeBC and other regulatory agencies require contractors to follow specific procedures for sealing doorways, vents, and any other openings.
MATERIALS NEEDED TO SEAL A DOORWAY PROPERLY
A properly sealed doorway requires the right materials and techniques. Even a small oversight can compromise the containment zone. Here’s what most professionals use:
- 6-mil Polyethylene Sheeting: Thick, durable plastic used to cover the doorway and surrounding wall area.
- Duct Tape or Industrial Tape: Used to secure seams tightly and reinforce edges.
- Two-Layer Airlock System: A double-flap doorway that allows workers to enter and exit safely while minimizing air exchange.
- Staples or Wood Framing (optional): Added support for high-traffic doorways or larger entry points.
Some setups also include a zippered doorway or prefabricated decontamination unit for more controlled entry and exit. The choice depends on the project’s size and complexity.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW A DOORWAY IS SEALED ON AN ASBESTOS SITE
- Clear The Area:
The doorway and surrounding wall must be free of dust, debris, and moisture. This ensures the plastic adheres properly. - Apply The First Plastic Layer:
A large sheet of polyethylene is taped over the doorway, covering the entire frame with extra overlap on all sides. The seams are sealed tightly with duct tape. - Add The Second Layer For The Airlock:
Another sheet of plastic is applied, usually hanging loosely to create a flap. Workers can pass through by lifting one flap at a time, which limits airflow and prevents fibers from escaping. - Reinforce With Tape:
The edges of the plastic are double-taped for added security. Corners are especially vulnerable to air leaks, so they get extra attention. - Check For Leaks:
Before any asbestos removal begins, workers perform a smoke test to confirm the seal is airtight. If the smoke leaks out, more tape or an additional plastic layer is applied. - Maintain Negative Pressure:
HEPA filtration systems are turned on to ensure air flows inward through the doorway when flaps are opened, never outward. This keeps contaminated air contained inside.
THE TWO-STAGE AIRLOCK SYSTEM
Professional asbestos crews don’t just seal a doorway—they create a full containment entry system. This often includes a two- or three-stage airlock that allows workers to safely move between clean and contaminated zones.
The stages typically include:
- Dirty Room: Where workers remove disposable protective clothing and equipment.
- Shower Room (on large sites): Used for full decontamination.
- Clean Room: The final area before exiting containment, where fresh PPE is stored.
This setup ensures that any asbestos fibers clinging to suits or tools are removed before workers step back into clean air.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Even small mistakes in sealing can have serious consequences. Some common issues crews must watch out for include:
- Using plastic that’s too thin, which can tear easily.
- Leaving small gaps around hinges or corners.
- Failing to check air pressure before beginning removal.
- Allowing the airlock flaps to open simultaneously.
Every worker on the site is trained to monitor containment barriers throughout the day. If any section comes loose or damaged, it’s repaired immediately.
REGULATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
WorkSafeBC and Health Canada set strict rules for asbestos abatement procedures, including containment requirements. These guidelines ensure that asbestos removal projects are carried out safely, protecting both workers and the public.
Companies providing asbestos removal in Nanaimo must adhere to these regulations by maintaining proper containment and ensuring that all workers have up-to-date safety certifications.
In addition, air monitoring is performed throughout the project and again after completion to verify that no asbestos fibers have escaped the containment zone.
WHY LOCAL EXPERTS MATTER
Not all asbestos sites are the same. Homes and commercial buildings in Nanaimo vary in design and condition, which can make containment more challenging. Local contractors understand these building types and know how to adapt sealing methods for older structures with uneven doorways or unusual layouts.
Hiring local experts ensures that your asbestos removal project is handled safely, efficiently, and according to British Columbia’s regulations.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Properly sealing a doorway might sound like a small detail, but on an asbestos site, it’s one of the most important steps in the entire process. Without effective containment, even a well-executed removal job can become a serious health hazard.
For professional crews handling asbestos removal in Nanaimo, sealing doorways and maintaining airtight containment zones are second nature. These precautions protect workers, residents, and the surrounding community from one of the most dangerous building materials ever used.
When it comes to asbestos, safety begins with the seal—and that’s something no responsible contractor ever overlooks.
