What Are My Next Steps After Asbestos Testing is Performed?

Asbestos testing is a requirement before carrying out any renovation or demolition work on all commercial/industrial buildings and any multi-residential building of more than three units. . This testing enables you to determine if your site contains any traces of asbestos, and if it requires removal. Asbestos may or may not pose a health risk, depending on where and how it has been applied. In some cases, the asbestos is properly applied and in good condition, thus minimizing the risk of dislodging and releasing the fibers into the air. Such instances do not necessarily call for abatement as opposed to management. However, if any signs of asbestos damage or flaking are detected, you need to immediately contact a professional asbestos abatement contractor.

Why you should hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor

  • Expertise: Asbestos removal is a hazardous, physically demanding, and time consuming process. For this reason, it is advisable to only let experienced, professional contractors who are specially trained on the best methods of abatement and  use the proper techniques and equipment to control the migration of asbestos fibers during the removal to do the job.
  • Specialized Equipment: Asbestos is a dangerous material that needs to be handled with care. Hiring a specialist will ensure that your health and safety, as well as that of your family and other members living in the surroundings is safeguarded. These experts have specialized tools and equipment including negative air pressure machines, non-breathable coveralls, air purifying respirators, special HEPA filter equipped vacuums,  and pressure monitors etc.
  • Regulatory Compliance: A licensed contractor will ensure that you adhere to regulations and any laid down procedure when removing asbestos from your facility.

The Process of Asbestos Removal

Step 1: Prepare an asbestos removal plan

The asbestos removal control plan is a document detailing the measures that certified asbestos abatement contractor will use, including the techniques, tools and equipment. The plan takes into account the situation as determined by the asbestos testing, as well as the unique requirement for each job such as the condition, type, and location of asbestos to be removed. This ensures that the entire process of asbestos removal is planned and conducted with the safety of workers and other people in mind.

Step 2: Notify the regulator

Notifying the regulator of your intention to conduct asbestos abatement is a requirement. The notification should be done a few days prior to the removal exercise.

Step 3: Delineate the Site

Delineation involves various activities that are aimed at limiting access and alerting people of the impending danger. You can achieve this by installing barricades and displaying appropriate warning signs. Access to the site should be limited to authorized persons only – i.e. workers. Other professionals who are allowed by regulations to access asbestos removal sites, or are associated with the removal work, may also be granted access. They include emergency service workers and inspectors.

Step 4: Prepare the Site

Site preparation involves sealing off parts of the building or site where asbestos abatement will be conducted. This prevents the contamination from spreading to other parts when the removal works begin. The common techniques that are used for sealing buildings include the use of duct tape and Polyethylene film. Negative air pressure machines fitted with HEPA filtration systems are used to suck in fresh air and prevent asbestos fibers from leaving the contained area.

Step 5: Asbestos Abatement

With everything in place, the certified asbestos abatement contractor can get down to work. He/she will carefully remove the material that was found to contain asbestos fibers during asbestos testing, seal it off. A special vacuum cleaner (class H) is then used to clean up the site.

Step 6: Decontamination & Waste Containment/Disposal

After the work is complete, the workers have to take appropriate steps to decontaminate the site, and the equipment used. All the asbestos waste is then placed in properly labeled containers and disposed of as per regulations.

At FERRO Canada, we pride ourselves on being one of Toronto’s most professional and environmentally friendly asbestos removal companies. If you are looking for asbestos removal for your building, contact us today.