Tips on Safe DIY Asbestos Waste Removal

When dust containing asbestos fibres is inhaled, it can pose human health risks, such as lung cancer and asbestosis. Aside from that, asbestos waste can remain in the environment for a lengthy duration because it doesn't disintegrate quickly. For that reason, it is extremely important that you make sure asbestos is handled and transported safely before being disposed of at a local authority refuse facility that accepts asbestos waste.

If you are ridding of bonded asbestos from your household as a do-it-yourselfer, here's what you can do to ensure that there is minimal release of asbestos fibres into the air.

Choose a suitable removal method.

Asbestos removal is a job that calls for a lot of patience. While you may be tempted to use power tools so that you can complete the job quickly, it is important to keep in mind that bonded asbestos sheeting will release fibres into the air, even if the sheeting has been hosed down with water. As much as possible, use handheld tools, such as a hammer and a chisel, to gently break the sheeting.

On exceptional occasions when you are forced to use power tools to dig out the sheeting, make sure you constantly wet down the sheeting to suppress release of asbestos fibres.

Put on personal protective equipment.

Always make sure you are properly covered up before you start removing asbestos material from your home. This means you will need to wear respiratory masks, safety glasses, safety gloves, and a helmet, as well as protective clothing like full-length aprons with a hood.

Once you're done removing asbestos from your home, you will need to securely bag and place personal protective equipment and tools contaminated with asbestos into lockable skips and then take the equipment to an approved local authority facility for cleaning.

Wet down with water.

Water is a useful aide when you're removing bonded asbestos sheeting from your household. Gently hose down the sheeting with water to help keep dust levels down. It isn't advisable to waterblast or scrub bonded asbestos material with a stiff brush, because that will cause the asbestos to become more friable.

Package asbestos waste.

Any asbestos-containing waste, or waste that is adulterated with asbestos, e.g., disposable coveralls, should be securely bagged and then put in a skip with lockable lids for transportation to an approved asbestos waste disposal site.

If you can follow the above-elaborated tips, you stand a better chance of performing your asbestos removal project safely—almost just like an expert. If you'd prefer to have a professional handle the task, though, contact a facility like Total Asbestos Services.


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