How to Remove Asbestos Tape
Asbestos tape looks very much like duct tape except that it is light grey or white in color. In the past, it was used to seal joist, wrap air ducts and insulate electrical wire. The tape contained 80 percent asbestos, according to Asbestos.com, and poses less of a health risk than other asbestos products. Since removal of the tape releases asbestos into the air, it's best to leave it in place. If removal is required, the proper safety precautions should be taken. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Disposable tyvek suit
- HEPA filter respirator
- Goggles
- Rubber boots
- Rubber gloves
- 6 mil. polyethylene plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Water
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Asbestos disposal bags
Instructions
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Obtain the proper safety gear such as a tyvek suit and a HEPA respirator to filter out any airborne particles. In addition, wear goggles to protect your eyes, as well as boots and rubber gloves.
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2
Remove as many items as possible from the room to prevent them from becoming contaminated.
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3
Attach 6 mil. thick polyethylene plastic sheeting over all walls, the ceiling and the floor using duct tape. Only leave open the section containing the asbestos tape. You should close the door to the room and place a piece of plastic sheeting over it as well. Be sure to seal the bottom and sides of the door well with duct tape.
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4
Mix 1 gallon of water with 2 to 3 tsp. of liquid dish soap and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
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5
Spray all areas of the asbestos tape thoroughly with the soap mixture until it is saturated.
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Use your gloved hand to begin peeling the asbestos tape off of the surface and continue peeling until all of the tape is removed.
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Place the asbestos tape immediately into an asbestos disposal bag and seal the top of the bag tightly with duct tape.
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8
Take down the duct tape and plastic sheeting in the room and place it into asbestos dispose bags as well. Place your disposable suit, goggles, gloves and boots into additional asbestos disposal bags. Locate a trash dump that accepts hazardous waste and ask them if they accept asbestos. Your county solid waste department can help you locate a facility.
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Tips & Warnings
A disposable tyvek suit and HEPA respirator can be purchased anywhere that sells construction supplies and at many home improvement stores.
Asbestos disposal bags are available at safety supply stores and some local county offices.
