Asbestos Removal Procedures

By any definition, asbestos removal is dangerous and fraught with risk. Indeed, there are many government regulations, industry guidelines, and workplace protocols right across the country. And by no means should asbestos removal be undertaken by the inexperienced – this is work best left in the hands of the professionals. They have the tools, the equipment, the know-how, and the expertise. Above all, they are familiar with the various standards for asbestos removal.

There a number of operational procedures assigned for asbestos removal. These are targeted at contractors, but quite informative for residential homeowners and/or commercial businesses.

• Appropriate and safe preparation of the workplace area
• Proper and effective dust control (standing and airborne)
• Standardized personal protective equipment and clothing
• Suitable cleanup procedure of the worksite/waste removal

Because of the dangers of asbestos removal, operational procedures are intended to ensure compliance with rules, regulations and requirements. But clearly, asbestos removal contractors must be accountable and responsible for the work they perform and the results achieved. As well, it’s the individual work site and scope of work that will dictate specific approaches and tactics. In this regard, provincial and federal regulations oversee the various asbestos removal scenarios.

Appropriate and safe preparation of the workplace area

• Using a recognized “wetting agent” to control any spread of fibers and/or dust.
• Protective coverings (such as drop sheets) to be discarded, and not to be reused
• Customized portable enclosures not to be reused again after asbestos removal
• Equipment using compressed air not to be used for cleaning or removing dust

Proper and effective dust control (standing and airborne)

• Asbestos removal policies require “wetting” to prevent fibers from spreading
• Enclosures and/or drop sheets (polyethylene) to prevent dust from spreading
• Airborne fibers to be diminished with a ventilating system using HEPA filters
• Negative air pressure to be maintained in order to prevent the spread of fibers

Standardized personal protective equipment and clothing

• Personal protective clothing to be appropriately used; cleaned; and discarded
• Respirators to be approved by one of the Occupational Safety/Health agencies
• Regulation coveralls, footwear, and suitable head covering (like a hood) to use
• Asbestos removal workers to decontaminate clothing before leaving worksite

Suitable cleanup procedure of the worksite/waste removal

• Fibers, dust and waste to be cleaned/removed at regular, ongoing intervals
• Asbestos removal containers must be impervious to asbestos and identified
• Vacuum equipment and tools to be fitted with a well-maintained HEPA filter
• Compressed air equipment must not be used in an asbestos removal worksite

For professional asbestos removal, clients can count on Matrix Remediation for jobsite expertise. Results are guaranteed; consultation services are without any obligation; and pricing is market competitive. Matrix technicians are highly trained, highly experienced, and industry certified to manage asbestos removal. Equipment is state-of-the-art, and cleanup teams ensure complete, comprehensive and safe removal, with a 20-year warranty. Matrix Remediation also provides an official Asbestos Air Quality Test (which is executed by an independent third party). Whether it’s residential, commercial, or institutional, the Matrix team can manage the project from end to end and ensure satisfactory results.