How to Remove Friable Asbestos
Asbestos that is easy to crush between the fingers is friable. It is particularly important to remove friable asbestos properly because the particles, when crushed, can become airborne. Once asbestos becomes airborne, it is easy to inhale or ingest, leading to the possibility of developing mesothelioma or asbestosis. Using the proper safety measures to remove friable asbestos reduces the risks of illnesses associated with asbestos exposure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Disposable coveralls
- Bootc overs
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Eye protection
- Plastic sheeting
- Water hose or watering can
- Garbage bags
- Broom
Instructions
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Assemble the necessary protective gear. A pair of disposable coveralls is an inexpensive and smart investment. Likewise, boot covers and gloves that you can throw away after the job is completed make safe cleanup much simpler. Finally, use a respirator and eye protection any time you are near friable asbestos.
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Create a staging area outside the area where the asbestos is located. Use plastic sheeting to create an air lock outside the area. This prevents asbestos particles from escaping into the rest of the structure. Cover the floor with plastic as well.
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Wet all of the asbestos-containing materials with a water hose or watering can. Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes airborne, because this allows someone to inhale or ingest the particles unknowingly. Wetting the area thoroughly prevents the microscopic particles from becoming airborne.
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Remove the asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was once common in ceiling and floor tiles, around pipes as insulation, and in shingles and siding. The method you use to remove them will depend on what you are removing. Generally, use the least aggressive method possible to remove the friable asbestos, to reduce the likelihood of stirring up the particles.
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Secure all of the friable asbestos in a sealed waste bag. You cannot put this bag out for normal pickup because asbestos is a hazardous waste. Many waste removal companies will, however, remove the asbestos for you, but will have to handle and dispose of it differently, and there may be an additional charge. Contact your waste removal company to determine the correct procedure.
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Wet the area thoroughly again before your final cleanup. Once you have all the asbestos-containing materials from the area, dampen the area again before cleanup. It is important to sweep the dampened area thoroughly and allow it to air-dry before returning to complete the remodeling project.
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Step out onto the plastic sheeting and peel off all the disposable protective gear. Wipe your shoes, face, neck and any other exposed body parts off with damp paper towels. Leave the paper towels and disposable protective wear on the plastic, roll the plastic up and throw everything away.
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