Starting a project to renovate a home or office can be an exciting time to watch the progression of change and improvement, but there is a necessary step to take prior to tearing down the existing structure. The area should be inspected and tested for the presence of asbestos to ensure the area is safe for demolition. A Certified Asbestos Inspector has the training and resources necessary to identify potential hazardous substances and have testing done.
Starting a project to renovate a home or office can be an exciting time to watch the progression of change and improvement, but there is a necessary step to take prior to tearing down the existing structure. The area should be inspected and tested for the presence of asbestos to ensure the area is safe for demolition. A Certified Asbestos Inspector has the training and resources necessary to identify potential hazardous substances and have testing done.
Asbestos was used as an insulator due to its cheap cost and high performing insulation properties. Building structures would use asbestos mixed with an adhesive that had been sprayed onto surfaces to insulate between concrete floors. Asbestos was popular due to the wide variety of forms in which it could be applied. Some firemen even had asbestos woven into their protective clothing while fighting fires to insulate from the extreme temperatures faced in a burning structure. The wide variety of forms and uses adds to the difficultly in identifying asbestos and requires the expertise of a Certified Asbestos Inspector to test for asbestos.
Any areas containing asbestos must make special preparations prior to the removal of the substance to ensure a hazardous environment is not created for the workers. Asbestos can be highly toxic in certain forms and a remediation team that is familiar with the steps to remove the asbestos should be called in by the Asbestos Inspector. The Inspector will oversee the progress of the removal and document each step. A final report will be compiled and given at the completion of the removal. The area would then be safe for the demolition crew to resume progress on renovating the area.
The health implications are too high to risk not testing for asbestos in an older structure prior to doing any demolition work. Asbestos must be handled in a very specific manner to keep workers safe from the long term health risks. The hazardous substance is no longer utilized and any handling should be left to professionals with specialized training. Click here to contact a Certified Asbestos Inspector to test your structure for asbestos. This step can ensure you are not putting yourself at risks by having multiple surfaces tested. The wide variety of asbestos forms requires testing to be certain. Your health is worth the precautions, especially if the building being worked on is an older building. Take the first step today and ensure your continued safety down the road.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
