Decontamination of asbestos is as important as it is to remove the fibers. As you already know, the fibers can spread fast and cause health hazards in the surroundings once they go airborne. Inhaling asbestos can lead to various conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and others. That’s why there are strict federal and state laws around who should, and how to, remove and dispose of the contaminated materials.
Regulations Governing Asbestos Removal and Decontamination
Since asbestos mishandling can be deadly, legal regulations allow only insured and licensed professionals to do the job. So, if you detect (or even doubt) the presence of asbestos around your place, you should avoid removing (or even touching) the contaminated material (or area).
Federal and state laws that regulate the removal process include:
- Appropriate Planning and Preparation: As already stated, only insured and licensed professionals are allowed to handle the job. They are required to analyze the area and evaluate the project’s severity and size. After analysis, proper permits from the government are required to begin the removal process. After the abatement, professionals need to use plastic sheets and negative pressure units for sealing the area along with warning signs outside the building to warn others.
- Safety Protocols: The safety protocols are there to ensure no one gets infected because of asbestos spread. For this, HVAC systems should be disabled. To remove fibers from immovable subjects, HEPA vacuum or wet wipes should be used.
- Decontamination Units: Workers should use enclosed units, installed around (and inside) the concerned area for removing all the infected items and equipment used.
However, if no state laws are regulating the removal of asbestos in Newcastle, any mishandling by non-trained professionals could lead to a major outbreak.
