You have picked the perfect site for your project, a beautiful older structure at the ideal location for your needs. It’s structurally sound and has vintage elements you want to incorporate into the design.
Before you install a single new fixture as you renovate your historic building, you need qualified professionals with decades of experience to handle asbestos removal.
Read our guide to what to expect before, during, and after this process to learn more. Keep in mind that every project is unique, but these are just the general items that every project has in common for asbestos removal.
Initial Inspection and Recommendations Ahead of Asbestos Removal
Once you have your building and hire a professional asbestos removal company, our team goes right to work by conducting inspections to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). We will evaluate past records, including architectural drawings and property records, to locate potential areas where ACMs exist. This step provides insights into the building’s construction era and the likelihood of asbestos use in
specific components like insulation, roofing, or flooring. We will prioritize areas based on known high-risk zones for asbestos presence.
Visual Assessment
Next, professional inspectors conduct a thorough visual assessment of the building. We examine walls, ceilings, ducts, and any material with visible signs of wear or damage. Any frayed insulation, cracked tiles, or deteriorated roofing materials prompt closer scrutiny. Inspectors document observations meticulously, marking suspected ACMs and creating a detailed map for further action.
Collecting Samples
Sampling follows the visual inspection to confirm the presence of asbestos. Technicians collect small portions of the suspected materials under controlled conditions to prevent fiber release into the atmosphere. We use specialized tools, wear protective gear, and seal off areas to ensure safety during the process. Samples go into airtight containers labeled with precise identification details for laboratory analysis.
Laboratories analyze the samples using advanced techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These methods detect asbestos fibers and measure their concentration within the sample. Results indicate whether the material poses a threat, guiding the next steps in the remediation process. Teams communicate findings promptly to important stakeholders on the project.
Reporting
Upon completing the analysis, we compile a comprehensive report. The report includes the inspection results, a map of confirmed ACM locations, and recommendations for containment or removal. This initial planning phase sets the stage for remediation strategies, safeguarding the building’s occupants while complying with safety regulations.
Project Planning Before We Engage in Asbestos Removal
A thorough review of the initial reports lets us plan the asbestos removal process. This review allows the project manager to prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and establish a clear timeline. We coordinate with stakeholders to define project goals and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.
Project Scope Based on Available Analysis and Information
We then outline the scope of the asbestos removal process, focusing on safety and efficiency. Our team identifies areas needing containment, selects removal methods, and determines equipment requirements.
Environmental Demolition Group considers factors such as material condition, access challenges, and the likelihood of fiber release. This step minimizes risks while ensuring compliance with asbestos removal safety standards.
Coordination plays a critical role in the planning phase. We will schedule activities to minimize disruptions to the building’s operations or the surrounding community while making sure we schedule the correct teams and have the right equipment and supplies on-site.
Strict Protection Protocols
We also plan for measures to protect workers, surrounding areas, and the environment during removal. This includes drafting protocols for containment setup, air monitoring, and decontamination procedures. Emergency response plans address unexpected scenarios such as accidental fiber release or worker exposure.
Permits
Another part of this process is to secure necessary permits and approvals for the project. We submit detailed documentation outlining removal methods, waste disposal plans, and air quality management strategies to regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the project. Once approved, the project transitions to the implementation phase.
Removing Furniture and Decor
The phase may involve two separate processes. First, non-ACMs are removed, followed by items containing asbestos.
Your historic building may have leftover furniture, decor, and fixtures you want to preserve. We will document the type, condition, and placement of these items before removing them. These will be noted in the comprehensive report we completed in the initial planning phase.
For example, some ceilings from buildings in the 1910s or 1920s might have decorative tin ceiling tiles that do not have adhesives on them. Yet, behind the tiles, there could be layers of asbestos insulation or old wiring. Our team can carefully remove these high-value decorative items for preservation and installation during the renovation process. We might set up temporary storage for the items deemed valuable enough to save.
Next, we will remove items that are not attached to structures. You might be surprised at some items that may contain asbestos. Heavy drapes or blinds could contain asbestos because the material is a fire retardant.
Vintage hairdryers and thick ceiling tiles with adhesives could have asbestos, too. Items that are not part of the building’s structure are easier to remove first before we get to more complicated areas of the building.
Containment Procedures During Asbestos Removal
Containment procedures for asbestos removal must follow federal and OSHA regulations. It starts with sealing off the work area to prevent fiber release into unaffected spaces.
Our team erects physical barriers, such as plastic sheeting with a minimum thickness of 6 mils, to create airtight enclosures. They secure the sheeting with adhesive tape and fasteners, ensuring no gaps or weak points compromise the containment area.
Negative Air Pressure Equipment
Workers install negative air pressure systems to maintain a controlled environment within the containment zone. These systems use HEPA-filtered air scrubbers to continuously remove airborne particles while preventing asbestos fibers from escaping. Technicians monitor air pressure levels throughout the process to ensure the system operates effectively and consistently.
Access Control to the Site
Access control plays a vital role in maintaining containment integrity. We will establish designated entry and exit points equipped with decontamination chambers. These chambers include separate areas for removing contaminated clothing, showering, and putting on clean protective gear. Only authorized personnel with appropriate training and equipment may enter the containment zone at any time.
Asbestos Removal Process
Asbestos removal must be done carefully so that workers on the site remain safe while preventing the mineral fibers from entering the atmosphere outside of the containment zone.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
This process begins with workers donning personal protective equipment (PPE) before they set foot into the containment zone. This gear includes HEPA-filtered respirators, disposable coveralls and gloves, and boots designed to prevent exposure to asbestos fibers. Teams conduct final checks on containment measures and air filtration systems before asbestos removal to confirm a secure and controlled environment.
Wet Removal Methods
Our team employs wet removal methods to reduce the risk of airborne fiber release. They spray asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) with water mixed with a surfactant to dampen them thoroughly. This process binds the fibers and prevents them from
dispersing into the air during handling. Teams work systematically, focusing on small sections at a time to maintain control over the removal process.
Specialized Tools
Specialized tools, such as handheld vacuums, glove bags, scrapers, and chisels, assist in carefully detaching ACMs without causing unnecessary disturbance. Workers use low-speed saws to keep airborne particles at a minimum while extracting materials from walls, ceilings, or piping. Claw-like scrapers can simultaneously puncture walls and then make a lengthy incision.
Asbestos Containment
Any loosened asbestos materials go directly into pre-labeled, heavy-duty bags or containers approved for hazardous waste. Teams double-bag the materials and seal them to prevent leakage.
As removal progresses, we vacuum the area with HEPA-filtered equipment to capture any residual fibers. Even microscopic particles receive proper containment. The negative air pressure within the work zone continuously filters contaminated air and prevents wayward fibers from escaping into the surrounding atmosphere.
Before exiting the containment area, our team thoroughly cleans their PPE and tools in designated decontamination zones. They double-check that all ACMs have been removed from the site and inspect for stray debris.
Inspection and Testing During Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is more than just taking precautions with the surrounding environment and with on-site workers. Regular testing and inspection make sure safety protocols have been followed correctly.
Visual Inspections of the Site
Our professionals conduct ongoing visual inspections to monitor containment barriers, air filtration systems, and the work environment. They confirm that barriers
remain intact and that the equipment operates effectively, preventing asbestos fibers from escaping the removal zone.
Before workers exit the containment zone, we perform thorough visual inspections of the cleared areas. Our team looks for remaining debris, damaged materials, or missed ACMs. A clean and debris-free workspace serves as a critical indicator of successful removal, allowing the process to proceed to final clearance testing.
On-Site Air Monitoring and Sampling
Air monitoring begins early in the removal process and continues until completion. Our technicians position air sampling devices both inside and outside the containment area to measure fiber concentrations.
They follow established protocols to collect samples, ensuring reliable data. This testing identifies potential issues and verifies the safety of surrounding areas to ensure no one is exposed to asbestos fibers outside of the containment zone.
Inspecting the Disposal Process
Our team examines removed materials to confirm proper handling and packaging. They check that asbestos-containing materials go into sealed, labeled containers meeting regulatory requirements. Any deviation triggers immediate corrective actions on our part to minimize the risk of exposure.
Clearance Testing
Once removal ends, clearance testing ensures the site meets air quality standards. We collect air samples from the containment area after cleaning and decontamination.
Laboratories analyze these samples to confirm that airborne fiber levels fall below regulatory thresholds. Passing these tests signals the successful completion of the removal process, allowing the developer to continue with the renovation process.
Proper Disposal Process After Asbestos Removal
Our team puts all ACMs in properly sealed containers. But that is not the end of the disposal process.
Transport to a Licensed Site
Transport to an approved disposal facility follows strict guidelines. Licensed waste haulers trained in hazardous material handling manage the transfer process. They load sealed packages onto vehicles equipped to prevent accidental fiber release. Drivers follow pre-approved routes to minimize risks to the public and the environment.
Disposing of ACMs at the Site
Upon arrival at the disposal facility, workers verify the materials’ documentation, including waste manifests detailing their origin and handling. This chain-of-custody record ensures accountability and compliance with environmental regulations. Facility staff inspect the packages to confirm they remain intact before acceptance.
The disposal process involves burying ACMs in specially designated hazardous waste landfills. These landfills feature engineered barriers, such as liners and leachate collection systems, to prevent contamination of soil or groundwater. Workers carefully place the sealed ACM packages in the landfill and cover them immediately with layers of soil or other material to prevent fiber release into the atmosphere.
Certification
After disposal, the facility provides certification to confirm the proper handling and burial of the ACMs. This documentation closes the loop in the disposal process, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing peace of mind to building owners and contractors. Your company will receive this report as part of the overall asbestos removal certification letter you will receive.
Contact the Qualified Asbestos Removal Professionals at Environmental Demolition Group
Asbestos removal is just one step when it comes to cleaning up a commercial site that has hazardous materials. Our team can help you with the process of removing asbestos, other hazardous materials, and waste in general ahead of your renovation project.
Contact Environmental Demolition Group to request a consultation.
