What Is Asbestos? Did You Know?
Asbestos is a versatile product and is ideal for fireproofing and insulation. Unfortunately, it can also be deadly, too, and cause serious lung diseases. Contrary to earlier belief, exposure to even small quantities of asbestos, which occurs during routine work such as sanding or drilling asbestos materials over a period, can cause these illnesses.
The fibers pass into the lungs, stay for many years, and tend to the development of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. There is no way to remove the fibers once they reach the lungs, and there is no cure in medical science so far for the diseases it causes.
Asbestos Management
The duty to manage asbestos requires a plan on how you intend to handle the risks from asbestos within the premises. The plan should include how you intend to assess the potential dangers during asbestos removal. Your decision to handle the asbestos depends on the condition of the asbestos. Therefore, collect information as much as possible on the asbestos, its occurrence, condition, and amount.
Also, consider whether any work is likely to be carried out in the area in the future where it is most likely found. If it is in good condition and there is no possibility of damage, then the best option is to avoid asbestos removal. However, if it is in poor condition, or likely to be damaged or disturbed, you may need to consult a specialist contractor to decide the further action plan.
If you decide to leave it in place, record where it is present and monitor its condition from time to time, this information must be recorded in a register for the premises. It must be made available to anyone likely to be involved in carrying out work in the area.
Methods Of Asbestos Removal And Disposal
There is a difference in the process of asbestos removal between private business and your home. The traces of asbestos in private businesses need replacement through a licensed company. A registered contractor must contact the Environment Agency to register the removal of the asbestos. Besides, in residential cases, you can dismantle it yourself, but by adhering to the safety tips for asbestos removal to protect your health, as well as your neighbors’ health:
- Before you handle asbestos, you should wear disposable paper overalls and an approved asbestos dust mask.
- Dismantle asbestos structures under calm weather conditions to avoid the spread of the asbestos dust.
- Dampen the asbestos structure with water, as this reduces the likelihood of airborne fiber release when the work is in progress.
- Anyhow, avoid breaking the mineral into small pieces.
- Mop up any sign of dust and fibers with a dampened rag.
- Double wrap the asbestos sheets in plastic sheeting, which is securely sealed and labeled.
- Wrap clothing, masks, dust sheets, and other such disposable items similarly.
- Label all sacks clearly as ‘Asbestos Waste.’
Please be aware that after asbestos removal, never dispose of in a general waste bin. This rubbish gets partial treatment from the manual handlers. Therefore, traces of any loose asbestos in your container might pose a threat and health hazards to those dealing with rubbish. Dispose of asbestos waste as soon as possible at a site, which is approved by the local council.
You can contact a licensed waste removal company to collect and remove asbestos waste for you. They will provide you with different bins and containers for asbestos waste. What we realize is that asbestos, which we use so commonly, can be extremely hazardous to our health. Therefore, we need to be extremely careful while handling asbestos.
