Asbestos, once widely used in building materials, poses a significant health risk if its fibers become airborne. If you suspect asbestos in your property, proper removal is essential to protect the health of everyone in the building. At EHC Industries, we specialize in the safe and compliant removal of asbestos, ensuring a clean and safe environment for all occupants. But what exactly does the asbestos removal process involve?
In this blog, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of asbestos removal and explain why it’s crucial to have a professional expert team handle the job due to the risks involved in working with asbestos.
Why Is Professional Asbestos Removal Essential?
The removal of asbestos is not a DIY project. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without proper training and equipment can release dangerous fibers into the air, putting your health and the health of others at risk. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma: A type of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Lung Cancer: Prolonged exposure to asbestos significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Because of the health risks, handling asbestos must be done by licensed professionals who understand the complexities of safely managing and disposing of this hazardous material. At EHC Industries, our expert team follows strict safety protocols throughout the entire asbestos removal process.
The Asbestos Removal Process
Asbestos removal involves several critical steps to ensure safety and compliance with all regulations. Here’s what you can expect during a professional asbestos abatement project:
1. Sealing Off the Area
Before any removal begins, the work area is completely sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers to other parts of the building. This involves using plastic sheeting to create a contained environment and setting up negative air pressure systems to ensure any fibers stay within the controlled area.
Sealing the area is a vital step in protecting not only the workers handling the asbestos but also the occupants of the building. Proper containment minimizes the risk of airborne asbestos contamination and keeps the rest of the building safe.
2. Using Wet Methods to Suppress Dust
Asbestos fibers become dangerous when they are disturbed and released into the air. To prevent this from happening, professional asbestos abatement teams use wet removal methods. Wetting down the asbestos-containing materials helps to suppress dust and prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
Water mixed with a wetting agent is sprayed onto the asbestos materials before removal. This reduces the chances of dangerous fibers becoming airborne and significantly lowers the health risks associated with the process.
3. Removing Asbestos-Containing Materials and Sealing Them in Containers
Once the area is sealed and wet methods are used, the actual removal of asbestos-containing materials begins. The team carefully and methodically removes all asbestos materials, ensuring they are handled gently to avoid fiber release. These materials can include insulation, floor tiles, ceiling panels, roofing materials, and more.
After removal, the materials are sealed in leak-tight, labeled containers designed for hazardous waste. Proper containment of asbestos waste is critical not only for the safety of the worksite but also for ensuring that the materials are safely transported and disposed of in designated hazardous waste facilities.
4. Thorough Cleaning and Air Monitoring
Once the asbestos-containing materials are removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned to ensure no asbestos fibers remain. This involves wiping down all surfaces, using specialized vacuums with HEPA filters, and performing a final cleaning with wet methods.
After the cleaning process, air monitoring is conducted to confirm that the area is safe. Air tests check for the presence of asbestos fibers, ensuring that none remain suspended in the air. At EHC Industries, we conduct multiple rounds of air quality testing to guarantee that the environment is completely asbestos-free before reopening the area.
Why You Need a Professional Team for Asbestos Removal
The process of asbestos removal requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and safety measures. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself or hiring an unqualified team can lead to dangerous exposure and contamination of your building. Here’s why you need a professional expert team like EHC Industries:
- Health Risks: The biggest danger in removing asbestos is the risk of inhaling fibers, which can have long-term, life-threatening health consequences. Professional teams are trained to safely handle asbestos and prevent exposure.
- Regulations and Compliance: Asbestos abatement is governed by strict regulations from federal, state, and local authorities. Professional removal ensures compliance with these laws, protecting you from legal penalties and ensuring safe disposal of hazardous waste.
- Proper Equipment: Licensed asbestos removal companies use specialized equipment like HEPA vacuums, personal protective gear, and air filtration systems. These tools are critical in containing asbestos fibers and preventing contamination.
- Safe Disposal: Asbestos waste must be transported to special disposal facilities that are licensed to handle hazardous materials. A professional team ensures that all asbestos waste is safely packaged, transported, and disposed of in accordance with the law.
- Peace of Mind: Professional removal means you can trust that your property is safe and asbestos-free. With thorough cleaning, air monitoring, and clearance testing, we ensure that your space is safe for reoccupation.
Trust EHC Industries for Safe Asbestos Removal in Chicago
When it comes to asbestos removal, safety is paramount. At EHC Industries, we are licensed and certified experts in asbestos abatement, following the highest safety standards to protect your property and the people within it. Our experienced team handles every step of the process with precision and care, ensuring complete removal and compliance with all regulations.
If you suspect asbestos in your building or are planning a renovation, don’t take any chances. Contact EHC Industries today to schedule an inspection and learn more about our asbestos removal services. We’re here to help keep your property safe and asbestos-free.
