Asbestos was banned in the country in 2003. The government banned its use because of the detrimental health and environmental effects the material had left after a century of use. The government put in place tight measures to control the importation, manufacture and use of any asbestos-containing products. As a result, it is currently rare to find new construction materials that contain the substance.

However, all buildings that came up before 1990 are likely to have asbestos-containing compounds. Most of the time, these houses are safe, unless the parts which contain asbestos start breaking down, releasing the harmful compound into the environment. When inhaled over a long time, asbestos causes asbestosis, pleural effusions, plaques and COPD. Here are three guidelines to follow when removing asbestos from your premises.

1. Prepare the Site for Removal

You are required to inform anyone occupying or using a building as soon as you discover it has asbestos. Then, you should contact an abatement company to help with the removal process. Authorities and asbestos abatement experts discourage DIY projects because they could lead to further contamination.

How do you prepare the site? Establish the work area and disable all HVAC systems. Next, seal all openings with plastic film and cover every other surface that is not part of the removal with plastic sheets.

2. Create Warning Signs

The abatement company will help with this part of the process as it is part of their standard procedure. Create ample signs that tell everyone using the building about your intention to remove asbestos from it. Also, water the entire area where the asbestos is to be removed. If possible, vacuum the area using a HEPA-approved vacuum cleaner to make sure that none of the released asbestos becomes airborne.

3. Plan for the Disposal

Asbestos disposal is a very sensitive part of the abatement process. You cannot just wrap up the dirt and expect to dump it with the rest of the regular waste. You should seal asbestos in leak-proof containers and label them appropriately. The waste is then taken to specific landfills that have the needed approval for asbestos disposal. Also, note that any vehicle which transports asbestos has to have the right permit and also to be properly licensed.

Asbestos is classified as a very hazardous compound. You should only hire professionals to handle its removal and disposal. The removal experts understand the process and the laws, which will simplify the process for you. Reach out to a professional who provides asbestos removal services to learn more. 

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