What you need to be aware of when it comes to asbestos removal as a process

For over a long period in the building history of the world, asbestos have been widely been used in many and major construction projects. Asbestos, over other building components, have won the hearts of many contractors for several reasons namely high heat resistance, high electric resistance and resistance against rust. Probably, its popularity can be attributed to its high tensile strength, not to mention its long durability.

That is one side of this coin, asbestos is equally destructive as it is of great importance to builders. It even gets worse during the demolition of a building that has asbestos- based parts or some of its components. Asbestos consists of six major components, all of which are nothing to gamble with. They are health threatening especially because they are linkable to very complicated cancer- related complications. In fact, researchers have proved that, about 50% of all cancer related cases are directly or indirectly related to exposure to asbestos or its components. Asbestos is is the most common type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Its effect is made worse by cigarette smoking.

Specially used in making wallboards, ceiling tiles, vinyl floor backings and floor mastics, asbestos is mainly common in old buildings. What is important to note is that, asbestos becomes hazardous upon exposure to air. Now that this is unavoidable during demolition, prudent measures must be taken during site clearance to eradicate the undesired effects of asbestos.

During site clearance, it is very important to consider the following precautions, when dealing with asbestos containing building components.

· Rid the particular site to be cleared of other house or office equipment like furniture and other items to reduce the possibilities of asbestos contamination.

· If the demolition is taking place in an inhabited place, which is possible if it is a house or an office, isolate the area by putting up a containment perimeter wall and an air lock if possible, by using polythene sheets.

· Place signs around the clearance site to warn any unaware visitors of the process in progress and the possible risk of exposure if neared.

· For your health if you are the contractor in charge of a site clearance project, ensure that you and your workers put on the right and approved asbestos handling respirators and gear. This may include an overcoat, rubber boots, disposable gloves, ear protection and eye goggles. Ensure that the gear is worn before getting into the demolition site and that it is worn the entire period of time you are in the site.

· If possible, the asbestos materials to be removed from the clearance site should be saturated with water mixed with suitable substance to cut down on the amount of dust produced by the activities involved.

· Take care not to break the materials containing asbestos, if possible. This is important in that it reduces the work involved in handling many small asbestos- containing materials.

· Dispose the asbestos containing materials in approved asbestos disposal bags.

Upon conclusion of the asbestos clearance activities, ensure that you do not leave with the protective clothing, rather, leave the gear inside the clearance site since there would be possible contamination and spread of asbestos fibers to outsiders.