Asbestos abatement

Abatement is needed in order to protect construction workers and members of the general public from the many negative health impacts of asbestos.

Many residential and commercial buildings contain asbestos, used in spray-applied flame retardant, thermal system insulation, and in a variety of other materials.

[2] Asbestos can be flocked above false ceilings, inside technical ducts, and in many other small spaces where firefighters would have difficulty gaining access.

Asbestos poses hazards to maintenance personnel who have to drill holes in walls for installation of cables or pipes.

It is extremely important to remember that prior to any asbestos removal procedures taking place; the client has a duty of care and must verify that the specialist removal contractor can provide proof of the following:[citation needed] Optionally, the specialist contractor should be able to provide accreditation from ARCA or other such trade organization.

[citation needed] A licensed inspector will typically conduct a survey of the building to identify all asbestos containing materials before any removal begins.

Methods of sealing off an area often include the use of polyethylene film, duct tape and negative air pressure machines which are fitted with HEPA filters.

For example, the former seat of parliament of East Germany, the Palast der Republik, was stripped of most of its asbestos between 1998 and 2001, before it was finally demolished starting in 2006.

These small sections were then double wrapped in plastic, the minimum requirement when transporting asbestos material, and driven to a landfill.

This method not only contained the asbestos material within the gunite and metal layers of the walls, but also kept workers at a safe distance since the saw was controlled remotely.