Abatement Procedures

Asbestos abatement procedures vary depending on what kind of asbestos removal is required. To complete this, various procedures have been developed over time to maximise efficiency whilst simultaneously keeping risks at a minimum.

Some of the procedures to be followed during the conduct of the asbestos abatement activities are:

	Wet methods are the traditional way for abatement procedures. However, there is also a dry method that can be used as an alternative, but this has to be approved by the 'Environmental Protection Agency' otherwise known as the EPA. This kind of work would begin once approval has been received. A detailed plan/report must be submitted to explain and justify why such dry methods must be used in contrast to the traditional wet methods. Included in the report must be the plan of operation that will control the release of asbestos fibres and how there release will be monitored.
	Removal encapsulants can be used to reduce fibre release.
	Asbestos containing materials should be put into appropriate bags or containers and sealed tightly to ensure maximum protection against there release. Non hygroscopic materials should be dropped. ACM should not be dropped from a height of more than 10 feet. Dust free inclined chutes are used above a height of 10 feet. Prohibition of the vertical and near vertical chutes should be there. The utmost inclination from the horizontal should be 60 degrees.
	Some asbestos materials will be to large to bag such as large asbestos sheets. To deal with this, they should always be kept wet and moist to reduce possible fibre release. In addition to this, they should be wrapped in a layer of polyethylene sheeting and securely fastened with a strong tape.
	Upon completion of all stripping procedures, the surface from which the asbestos was removed should be cleaned in order to remove and visible residues to ensure 100% removal of asbestos.
	After finishing cleaning of all visible residues, a thin layer of pigmented and encapsulating agent should be applied. This sealant will further enhance the protection of any past asbestos containing materials.

Some other procedures involved in the abatement of asbestos or other abatement alternatives are:


	1. In place management: This is a low cost method of asbestos management, however, the outcome is temporary and will have to be revisited at a later date. 2. Completion of partial removal: This on the other hand is a permanent solution, however, the initial costs can be quite high. 3. Encapsulation or wrapping or repairing: This method of management is very low cost in comparison to other methods but again this a temporary measure. 4. Enclosure: This method here is usually for asbestos containing material that is in poor condition. It is a permanent remedy, however, the initial costs of removal can be substantially high.

If you want to try any of these methods, further reading will be essential as we are simply providing a basic outlook into asbestos abatement procedures. Asbestos removal is a challenging process and should be carried out by trained professionals.

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