Removing Asbestos - A Checklist
Home renovators must constantly worry about coming across the dreaded product asbestos when doing their work.
The hassle the nasty product can cause is a real concern, not to mention the potential dangers it can cause to the health of the renovator but also the family living in the building.
Remove asbestos yourself if you are game but first make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment and correct protection to prevent any dangers in and out of the place infected with asbestos.
This list of points we have put together should make sure you are prepared to remove asbestos:- 1.
Keep the area clear from all people and pets and make sure no traffic can get into the area.
2.
Keep the area free of anything that will get in the way such as lounges, tables, chairs etc.
3.
Keep everything remaining in the room covered with polyethylene film and held down with a quality tape that won't give way through the removal.
4.
Warning signs should be used to alert people of the situation to prevent them from entering the area.
5.
Cover all gaps around windows and doors with adhesive tape to prevent wind blowing the asbestos fibres around more than needed.
6.
Turn off the power to the building if possible.
7.
Cover any places that dust might settle, such as general power outlets, air con units, items that the dropsheet can't reach.
8.
To keep dust off your clothes and skin, wear disposable overalls (preferably with a hood), gloves and shoe coverings.
This will ensure total protection.
9.
Buy a respiratory mask from your local hardware store or safety outlet and ask for advice on what is required for handling dangerous airborne substances like asbestos.
10.
Keep the asbestos surface wet with a low pressure sprayer.
When wet the dangerous asbestos fibres can't become airborne so the risk of getting dust everywhere is reduced.
Never use high pressure as this will just disturb the fibres more.
11.
Avoid eating, drinking and especially smoking while working with asbestos.
You want to be fully cleaned down before you start inhaling anything! 12.
Only use high quality heavy duty polyethylene bags when preparing asbestos for disposal.
Make sure that each bag is well marked that it contains asbestos.
13.
Keep your work area very clean while removing.
This will prevent accidents and lower the amount of dust in the air.
14.
When cleaning the area, only use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
The hassle the nasty product can cause is a real concern, not to mention the potential dangers it can cause to the health of the renovator but also the family living in the building.
Remove asbestos yourself if you are game but first make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment and correct protection to prevent any dangers in and out of the place infected with asbestos.
This list of points we have put together should make sure you are prepared to remove asbestos:- 1.
Keep the area clear from all people and pets and make sure no traffic can get into the area.
2.
Keep the area free of anything that will get in the way such as lounges, tables, chairs etc.
3.
Keep everything remaining in the room covered with polyethylene film and held down with a quality tape that won't give way through the removal.
4.
Warning signs should be used to alert people of the situation to prevent them from entering the area.
5.
Cover all gaps around windows and doors with adhesive tape to prevent wind blowing the asbestos fibres around more than needed.
6.
Turn off the power to the building if possible.
7.
Cover any places that dust might settle, such as general power outlets, air con units, items that the dropsheet can't reach.
8.
To keep dust off your clothes and skin, wear disposable overalls (preferably with a hood), gloves and shoe coverings.
This will ensure total protection.
9.
Buy a respiratory mask from your local hardware store or safety outlet and ask for advice on what is required for handling dangerous airborne substances like asbestos.
10.
Keep the asbestos surface wet with a low pressure sprayer.
When wet the dangerous asbestos fibres can't become airborne so the risk of getting dust everywhere is reduced.
Never use high pressure as this will just disturb the fibres more.
11.
Avoid eating, drinking and especially smoking while working with asbestos.
You want to be fully cleaned down before you start inhaling anything! 12.
Only use high quality heavy duty polyethylene bags when preparing asbestos for disposal.
Make sure that each bag is well marked that it contains asbestos.
13.
Keep your work area very clean while removing.
This will prevent accidents and lower the amount of dust in the air.
14.
When cleaning the area, only use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
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