ASBESTOS DEMOLITION
Demolition projects can be complicated and risky, particularly if they involve buildings or other structures that contain hazardous materials such as asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that was widely used in construction materials prior to the 1980s. It is known to cause serious health effects when inhaled, so it must be handled with care during demolition projects. It is crucial to hire a professional to come and assess your asbestos situation and come up with a plan to handle its safe removal.
WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber comprised of several distinct minerals. Prior to the 1980s, when its health risks became widely known, asbestos was used in many common building materials including floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, siding, roofing shingles, and cement sheets. Unfortunately, the tiny fibres that make up asbestos can become airborne when disturbed or damaged and then people who breathe it in are at risk for developing serious diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
HOW TO IDENTIFY ASBESTOS IN DEMOLITION PROJECTS
Identifying asbestos before beginning a demolition project is essential for safety reasons. Some clues that there may be asbestos present include walls and floors with a texture similar to sandpaper, crumbling or flaking paint, and older buildings built prior to the 1980s. In these cases, it is best to consult a professional asbestos abatement company for assistance in testing and removal. Having someone come in and assess the situation regardless is a really good idea.
HAVING A PROFESSIONAL ASSESS YOUR ASBESTOS SITUATION
When undertaking any kind of demolition project, it is essential to have a qualified professional inspector assess the building for potential hazards. This will identify any presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) before demolition begins. If ACMs are present, proper measures must be taken to protect workers and nearby residents from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers during the project.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL
The first step in safely removing asbestos during demolition is to identify the locations and types of ACMs. Then, the asbestos-containing material must be removed in accordance with all relevant safety regulations. This often requires specialized contractors and equipment to ensure that everyone involved in the project remains safe from hazardous exposure.
Once all ACMs have been removed, the demolition can proceed as normal. It is important for workers to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators when engaging in activities that may generate dust or disturb any remaining traces of asbestos fibers. Proper disposal of all ACM waste materials is also essential - it must never be disposed of with regular building waste or dumped into landfills without proper packaging and labeling.
By taking necessary precautions and following all safety regulations, demolition projects can be safely completed without exposing workers and residents to hazardous asbestos materials. It is important to hire experienced professionals who understand the risks associated with ACMs and know how to safely remove them from a building before demolition begins. Doing so will minimize the chances of health hazards arising due to improper asbestos removal.
