When conducting an Asbestos demolition job, there is a set of safety protocols that you must follow to make sure that the job is fulfilled as safely as possible and to ensure the health of the workers is kept as a priority; asbestos is a highly hazardous material that should not be taken lightly, so when conducting a demolition job with asbestos, you must hire people that are familiar with the substance, to ensure that the safety of the workers is kept as a priority they will be wearing the appropriate PPE to safeguard themselves from getting Asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis or lung cancer.
Throughout this article, we will be going through some of the most significant protocols to be followed when working on an Asbestos demolition project.
Asbestos Survey And Removal Plan
Upon entering the property that contains the asbestos, you will need to first conduct an Asbestos survey by a certified asbestos inspector, who will identify all asbestos-containing materials in the property and whether the property will require soft strip demolition.
Next, you will need to conduct an Asbestos removal plan. For this, you will develop a detailed plan outlining procedures, safety measures, and timelines for the project. You must ensure that all removal plans comply with local regulations. Making sure you hire the right company for your needs ensures the job is done correctly. Fortunately, there are plenty of companies specializing in soft strip demolition in London that will ensure the job is completed safely and efficiently.
The Inclusion Of Proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Protocols
Ensuring that your whole team wears the correct PPE is essential when working with Asbestos-containing materials. All workers must wear disposable overalls, gloves, shoe covers, safety goggles, and full-face respirators. Before the start of the project, a fit-testing must be conducted to ensure the seal is working correctly on everyone’s respirators.
Containment
This is essential when working with harmful materials like asbestos fibers if released into the air. You will need to create a sealed containment area around the demolition site using plastic sheeting to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. You will also need to establish negative air pressure within the containment area to ensure that air flows into the area and not out of it.
Wetting And Suppression
Wetting asbestos-containing materials before conducting the removal is integral. Doing this will minimize the release of airborne fibers. Making sure that you use a low-pressure sprayer to keep the materials damp is vital, as this is the best form for asbestos removal.
Removal and Disposal Of The Substance
You must remove all asbestos-containing materials carefully, minimizing any breakage or damage, as this could result in asbestos being released back into the air. Next, you will need to dispose of your asbestos-containing material safely. To do this, you will need to double bag up the asbestos waste in thick plastic bags and then make sure you dispose of the asbestos waste at an approved hazardous waste disposal facility.
Decontamination
The asbestos has been properly removed and disposed of; you will need to decontaminate the area you and your team have been working on. This will include removing the PPE from the workers’ bodies and ensuring that it has been disposed of correctly, also, the workers will be given fresh clothes once the PPE has been disposed of.
Site Clearance
Once the site has been appropriately decontaminated, you must conduct a complete visual inspection and air monitoring to confirm that the place is safe and free from asbestos contamination before removing containment barriers.
To conclude, the importance of proper safety protocols in asbestos demolition projects cannot be overstated. Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses severe health risks to workers and the surrounding environment. This article has highlighted vital safety measures, such as proper containment, personal protective equipment, and adequate removal and disposal, which are imperative for the successful and secure execution of asbestos demolition projects.
