Asbestos Abatement: Do It Yourself Or Hire A Professional?

Information may not be reliable

In residential construction, Asbestos Abatement Oakland CA is basically a group of processes designed primarily to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the environment from asbestos-containing material. Asbestos is still a proven cancer causing agent, even after over 40 years of research. In fact, according to the EPA, "asbestos continues to be present in the air and surrounding areas in the U.S. and many other countries." This is why it is necessary for residential as well as commercial construction to have a good abatement system in place.

In residential construction, the process of asbestos abatement generally takes one of two forms. The first method involves the use of negative air pressure. Negative air pressure reduces the amount of airborne particles, including asbestos, that are released during demolition activities. Without the negative air pressure, particles would continue to rise into the atmosphere.

The second type of asbestos abatement involves the use of safe excavation methods. Safe excavation methods involve the use of a "skid" arm excavator that moves at a slower rate and will not disturb the existing structures built underneath it. Once the debris is removed from the area, the remaining debris is then excavated using an abatement sweeper or by a demolition team. However, structures built underneath these demolition sites may need to be demolished before any removal can take place, depending on what was there to begin with. In some cases, asbestos-containing materials may need to be removed before demolition, but this is usually done when only small amounts of asbestos debris are found.

In the industrial world, the process of asbestos abatement often involves two different approaches. One approach uses wet asbestos abatement; dry asbestos abatement involves the use of dry asbestos abatement systems. Wet asbestos abatement systems are used when workers in high-risk industries are working inside large buildings that contain asbestos materials. Dry asbestos abatement systems use mobile trucks that are fitted with vacuum units to suck up the asbestos sheeting. This process is most commonly used in demolition areas. There are special trucks available that can be fitted with vacuum units and can be used for this purpose.

Before any abatement work can commence, an asbestos inspector needs to visit the work area to determine what type of asbestos materials are present. If you plan on hiring an asbestos inspection company to do this job for you, be sure to find out what their qualifications are so you choose someone who has experience and expertise in the type of asbestos removal and disposal you plan to have done. A good company will be thorough in its investigation and take all the appropriate steps to make sure the job is done properly and safely.

A qualified asbestos abatement company should complete a physical assessment of your work area, including visual inspections of ceilings and walls, flooring, insulation, electrical systems, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, fittings, gas and oil supplies, exhaust fans, fireplaces, appliances, roofing systems, gutters, downspouts and other possible sources of asbestos-containing materials. They should also take samples of these materials for laboratory analysis. The report from the lab should provide you with a summary of the findings, along with a recommended course of action. In some cases, asbestos abatement companies may suggest removing or suppress the affected materials by using chemicals that destroy the particles and fibers of the Asbestos.

During the removal process, it is important to have a qualified asbestos abatement company perform the actual removal process. A good licensed asbestos abatement company will use either a chemical or a mechanical method to break up the Asbestos. The company will then dispose of the broken remnants in an environmentally safe manner.

In addition to following all of the applicable OSHA and EPA requirements and laws, you must also comply with local and state laws. There are laws regarding asbestos abatement in most cities and states. Be sure to check these laws before and during the demolition process. If you are unsure about demolition regulations in your city or state, contact the City Manager or the SSS Administration to obtain information and clarification. Both the city and state governments are very knowledgeable about their respective requirements and laws.