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Safety Tips to Know Before Undergoing the Asbestos Removal Process

Written by Eada Hudes

It is crucial to take certain safety and precautionary measures while removing and handling asbestos. As per recent research studies, asbestos has been associated with serious health hazards such as cancers, mesothelioma, and conditions like asbestosis. However, asbestos has been used in the construction of all kinds of buildings, right from schools and residential houses.

When asbestos becomes worn out due to prolonged usage, it becomes airborne and is subject to various health risks. Thanks to the advanced science and technology, we can overcome all these nasty possibilities with sufficient care and attention. Now, we have qualified asbestos professionals who can detect the asbestos toxicity at your home or workplace and take necessary action to curb it out.

However, as a homeowner or a business professional, you need to understand certain safety tips for asbestos removal and to handle as well. So, we have simplified the technical concepts and presented the information in the form of short, crispy tips.

Understand the Concept of Damage and Toxicity

If you are living in a long-standing house for years, it does not mean that the asbestos is completely hazardous. Undamaged asbestos and which in intact does not cause any health risks. Hence, do not jump to the assumption that your house contains toxic asbestos material.

Go for periodic asbestos inspection

The way our bodies age, our homes also undergo ageing, and we cannot ignore this fact. So, you need to hire an asbestos inspector for complete check-up your home. We recommend you to conduct these evaluations before starting a renovation project in your home. Let us explain why this is needed.

During the renovation, there might be a need to examine particular areas such as crumbling of home areas or wall cracks. Such projects can lead to damage to your asbestos and ultimately results in health risks for the workers and your family members. Hence, appoint a certified asbestos inspector for the same.

Know what the job profile of an asbestos inspector is

You ought to know what an asbestos inspector does while examining your house so that you can ask doubts or seek clarity. An inspector (provided he is the best one) will examine your house visually, extract samples of some surfaces for further checking, and will furnish you with complete details of asbestos present in your house or office.

This written report contains the intensity of the asbestos present, suggestions to rectify the materials, and other details. After the asbestos work is done, the inspector ought to conduct another thorough examination to ensure the work is done as per the set standards and guidelines.

Respect the laws by studying them

Asbestos removal is not similar to de-cluttering your home or office space. It requires adherence to stringent federal as well as state laws. Moreover, the asbestos removal process is evaluated by the environmental health department of the concerned state. Hence, you cannot avoid any entity and have to follow the exact process given.

Make sure the asbestos removal agency is a certified one

The asbestos professionals that you are hiring need to be properly trained for the said process as per state and federal regulations. You can also check on specific portals whether they have violated any safety measures in the past. The professionals also need to attend the refresher training courses so that they are updated with the recent amendments and changes in the asbestos removal procedure. So, we will recommend you to invest considerable time and energy in finding the right asbestos removal in melbourne western suburbs.

Understand the asbestos removal process

Yes, it is about your home or office, and you have to comply with a number of laws. So, you ought to know the asbestos removal process in complete detail without fail. You cannot be ignorant about any aspects or steps in the process. So, consider it as a responsibility to research the ideal process of asbestos removal.

In a nutshell, you can do a bit of research and study before the asbestos removal process to ensure the safety of your family or colleagues, and the workers involved in the process. Proper protection will ensure safe health of people and the environment as well.

General Safety Issues, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

ASBESTOS AWARENESS TRAINING (GUEST POST)

In the last few days, the Daily Mail in Great Britain has reported on the heart-breaking story of a Cardiff housewife who contracted a type of cancer called mesothelioma from washing both her husband’s and son’s work overalls when they were working at a local power station.  Their overalls were covered in asbestos fibres and a verdict of death by industrial disease was returned at an inquest into her death.  The couple received a small sum in compensation that was donated to charity.  Whilst this case highlights the horrific unforeseen consequences of the use of asbestos in building in the 20th century, and the way the damage lurks unseen for possibly decades, we are much more aware of the dangers today.  However, as an employer or person working with asbestos, it takes more than just awareness that it is a dangerous material to operate with truly safe procedures.  

Awareness of the Problem 

In the UK, they have the highest incidents of mesothelioma in the world and the use of asbestos was only officially banned in 1999; any buildings built or renovated before 2000 have the potential for asbestos contamination.  In America, asbestos use was similarly not banned until the late 90s; the grave repercussions of its potential handing means any company accountable for people working with it needs to be fully aware of their responsibilities.  Adequate training for management and employees should always be a priority.  

Categories of Asbestos handling 

In the UK, they have two types of asbestos handling, classified as non-licensable and licensable (in which a government permit is required).  In the USA, there are four classes of scheduled asbestos handling work relating to how much the material might be disturbed.  It is obviously a complex matter and if you are a building manager/owner or employee you need to know what is expected of you. 

Training and Help

 Training is not just about being aware of the dangers posed by asbestos, but also making sure the exact problems posed by your specific work and environment might pose.  Good training should give you knowledge about every step, and provide you with expert advice.  Whilst it is an important process, it does not have to cost you or your business too much time or money.  There are many experienced companies offering asbestos awareness training online you can consult.  Initially any good firm can assist you with a risk assessment, but any training should also cover (but not restricted to): 

  • Safe work practises and methods and explanation of safety gear
  • Selecting appropriate protective clothing
  • Waste handling and waste disposal
  • Emergency procedures
  • Legal requirements, permits etc.
  • Refresher training where needed 

As an employer, you need to ensure that all relevant employees undergo the necessary training and that all managers and supervisor understand their duties.  Make sure your training provider is competent and reputable and that your staff subsequently follows appropriate and safe work methods. It is a hazard we have all heard of due to tragic deaths like the housewife in Cardiff, however, the correct asbestos awareness training can help you as an employer avoid many more hazards.

Author bio: Inguinn Bjøru sent this very informative article.  Asbestos Awareness Training online  is more easily accessible than regular training courses and can be accessed from anywhere at any time.