If you are responsible for commercial building maintenance, it is important to know the dangers of asbestos and how to safely remove it. Asbestos is a fire-resistant material that was widely used in commercial construction until the late 1970s. However, asbestos fibers can become airborne and inhaled, which can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer.
Asbestos removal is not a do-it-yourself project. It should only be performed by trained and certified professionals. There are two main methods of asbestos removal: wet removal and dry removal. Wet removal is the preferred method as it minimizes the risk of fibers becoming airborne.
5 Steps to Remove Asbestos Safely and Properly from your Commercial Building
To remove asbestos from your commercial building safely and properly, follow the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1. Determine if Asbestos is Present
The first step in removing asbestos is determining if it is present in the commercial building. This can be done by hiring a professional inspector to take samples of materials suspected of containing asbestos and send them to a laboratory for testing.
Step 2. Develop an Asbestos Removal Plan
Develop an asbestos removal plan to safely and effectively remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from your workplace. Your plan should be based on the results of an asbestos survey and should take into account the type, amount, and condition of the ACMs, as well as the work that will be done in the area. The removal plan should also consider the health hazards posed by asbestos and the potential for exposure during removal. Once the plan is developed, it should be reviewed and approved by a qualified individual, such as a certified industrial hygienist or occupational health and safety officer. The plan should be available to all workers who will be involved in the removal process and should be followed carefully to ensure the safe and effective removal of ACMs.
Step 3. Notify Employees and Tenants
Before work begins on removing asbestos from the commercial building, it is important to notify all employees and tenants of the work that will be taking place. They should be given information on how to avoid exposure to asbestos during the removal process and told what to do if they come into contact with any asbestos fibers.
Step 4. Remove Asbestos According to Plan
Once all necessary precautions have been taken, the actual process of removing asbestos from the commercial building can begin. This work should only be carried out by trained and certified professionals with experience in dealing with this material.
Step 5. Dispose of Asbestos Properly
After the asbestos has been removed from the commercial building, it is important to dispose of it properly. Asbestos waste should be taken to an approved landfill site where it will be buried and monitored to ensure that it does not pose a risk to the environment or public health.
By following these steps, you can ensure that asbestos is removed from your commercial building safely and properly. You can contact us today. This will protect the health of your employees and tenants and the environment.
