Safety Tips To Consider When Working With Asbestos
Posted on: 27 February 2017
Asbestos can be very dangerous to human health and should be correctly handled. To remove asbestos, you must have the right tools and follow procedures carefully before, during and after the process.
Before You Begin Removing Asbestos
Let all people around know that you want to remove asbestos. Alert anyone at the neighborhood, your family members and anyone else who could be affected by the process. Let them evacuate from the place until after the process.
During Preparation
Wear personal protection equipment and cover up. Put on the correct standard approved kit, dust mask and respirator inclusive. Manufacturers' information is very important when choosing the equipment to use. Double-strapped masks are recommended because they hold it firmly in place during removal of asbestos to prevent exposure to the fiber which is usually emitted by asbestos to the environment.
Prepare the area of working. Use thick plastic bags by laying them under the place of work to prevent contamination of the ground. Close the windows and doors to prevent dust from entering the house. Also, completely seal all other places like under doors so that dust does not penetrate.
During Removal of Asbestos
Avoid eating, smoking or drinking in the area of work because you may inhale dust which contains asbestos materials that are very harmful to the body. Also avoid scrubbing or blasting the cement sheets. It's very illegal even when the materials had deteriorated in any way. Therefore it is advised to call a licensed contractor to remove the asbestos
Do not drill or cut into asbestos products. Remove the whole sheet of asbestos and replace it. Also, do not drop asbestos sheets but instead lower them carefully to the ground to prevent it from breaking.
After Removal of Asbestos
Stack and then double wrap the cement residuals carefully on the plastic sheets and label them as asbestos waste. Then remove the sheets immediately to avoid any confusion which could make them break and make them exposed to the environment.
Clean up the place and ensure that no dust residuals are left on clothes, shoes or any of the equipment used during the process. However, do not sweep the dust when its dry. You can dampen it with a little water to preventing it from stirring up.
Transfer all the wastes collected in a well-covered vehicle free from leaking. Then, dispose the wastes at a legal site which receives the wastes lawfully because it is illegal to dump asbestos products anywhere or even in domestic bins.
If you do not feel safe or comfortable doing this yourself, contact a professional asbestos removal company in your area.
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