Key Takeaways
- Asbestos abatement is the process of identifying and safely isolating and removing asbestos-containing materials to prevent the release of harmful fibers; it should only be conducted by licensed experts.
- To prepare a property for asbestos abatement, a qualified professional should obtain necessary permits/notifications, work with relevant authorities, plan for waste disposal, seal off affected areas, and establish decontamination zones.
- Property owners should communicate with building occupants or neighbors and consider temporary relocation before the abatement begins.
- Every project is unique and will present distinct challenges that may affect preparation requirements and the abatement cost.
Understanding Asbestos Abatement Preparation
In most cases, asbestos-containing materials do not present health risks unless they are disturbed. Nevertheless, having experienced environmental remediators address the presence of asbestos can promote safety and ensure your property is ready for remodeling or other events that may lead to the release of asbestos fibers.
After scheduling your project, you and the qualified asbestos professional will work together to prepare your property for asbestos abatement. In most cases, the professional will do most of the legwork—they will secure the necessary permits/notifications, coordinate with relevant authorities, and seal off parts of your property that do not house asbestos-containing materials. Still, you may be responsible for tasks such as communicating with building occupants or neighbors and planning for temporary relocation.
The guide below outlines some of the best ways to prepare property for asbestos abatement, equipping you with helpful tips and tricks to make the asbestos removal process as smooth as possible.
What Is Asbestos Abatement?
Asbestos abatement is the process of identifying, encapsulating, and/or removing asbestos-containing materials, such as old popcorn ceilings, boiler insulation, or vinyl floor tiles. This procedure can minimize health risks by preventing the release of asbestos fibers due to agitation from things like water damage, extreme vibration, or construction work.
Who Should Perform Asbestos Abatement Projects?
Legally, asbestos abatement can only be performed by licensed and certified asbestos professionals, unless the abatement is being completed by the homeowner who lives at that address. The aforementioned professionals have been trained in handling hazardous materials and have access to protective equipment and advanced tools that make it easy to safely remove or encapsulate asbestos-containing materials.
Property owners can rely on experienced professionals to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Historically, attempting to perform asbestos removal or encapsulation without proper training has contributed to increased risks of exposure and consequential legal actions due to safety violations for improper removal.
If ACME Contractors performs demolition/removal activities without proper testing and/or knowing that it contains asbestos-containing material without a valid license, both the contractor AND the homeowner are liable. There have been a number of fines levied by the DEQ for these types of situations. Fines ranging from a few thousand dollars to more than $200,000.
How Long Does Asbestos Abatement Take?
Usually, abatement projects in residential buildings take a few days to a week. However, larger projects for commercial buildings with higher amounts of asbestos may require several weeks to complete. Nevertheless, both the duration and cost of asbestos removal and containment vary depending on factors such as:
- The size of the area
- The levels of asbestos fibers
- The complexity of the removal or containment process
- The layout of the area to be abated and the surroundings
Scheduling a thorough asbestos test/survey with a dependable, AHERA-trained asbestos inspector will provide a more accurate timeline and cost estimate.
Why Asbestos Removal or Encapsulation is Important
Although asbestos-containing materials may be relatively safe if left undisturbed, they can present health risks if agitated through property-damaging events or remodeling work. Some health effects that can result from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers are:
- Potential of contracting asbestosis
- Higher risk of lung cancer
- The possibility of developing mesothelioma
Thankfully, the health risks above can be easily avoided with prompt action and proper preparation for asbestos removal or containment.
How to Prepare Your Property for Asbestos Removal or Containment
The following steps illustrate how to prepare a property for asbestos abatement effectively.
Hire a Licensed Asbestos Abatement Professional
The first and most important step is engaging licensed asbestos professionals whom you trust. With specialists addressing the presence of asbestos, you can rest easy knowing that the containment and removal process will be conducted safely and in accordance with regulatory standards.
Before developing and executing a detailed abatement plan, these professionals will conduct a thorough inspection and implement safety measures to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. Then, after the job is complete, these specialists will properly dispose of asbestos waste, minimizing environmental impact.
Obtain Necessary Permits and Adhere to Regulations
Before commencing asbestos removal, the licensed professional should ensure that all required permits are obtained from local authorities. This step helps ensure compliance with regulations set by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which govern the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials to safeguard public health and the environment as a whole.
Communicate with Occupants and Neighbors
Property owners are typically responsible for informing building occupants and neighboring properties that may be affected by the upcoming asbestos abatement project. By prioritizing clear communication, you can manage expectations and ensure everyone knows about safety protocols and predicted timelines. Plus, providing information about the precautionary steps being taken can alleviate concerns about health risks and foster cooperation.
Plan for Temporary Relocation if Necessary
Depending on the scale of the asbestos abatement project, temporary relocation of occupants may be necessary to ensure their safety. Some people may want to stay with family while others choose to stay at hotels; regardless, property owners should discuss relocation plans with all affected parties and provide accommodations if required. This step is especially important in residential settings where vulnerable groups, such as children or elderly individuals, are present.
Seal Off Affected Areas of the Property
If completing the project yourself, as the homeowner, to prevent the spread of asbestos dust, the professional should seal off the areas where abatement will occur to protect the unaffected areas. The specialists may use plastic sheets and strong adhesives to create airtight barriers around the work zone.
Turn off HVAC Systems to Prevent Contamination
If completing the project yourself, as the homeowner, in addition to sealing off areas, it is important to deactivate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems during asbestos removal or containment to prevent asbestos fibers from circulating throughout the property. For added safety, the professional should seal air ducts and vents in the affected areas to reduce air flow.
Prepare Waste Disposal Plans for Asbestos Materials
If completing the project yourself, as the homeowner, the careful collection of the asbestos-containing materials is not the end of the project. Developing a comprehensive plan to safely dispose of floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and other suspect materials that coincides with regulatory guidelines is crucial. Usually, this means taking extracted, contained materials to approved disposal facilities and properly labeling them to prevent environmental contamination.
Establish Decontamination and Exclusion Zones
You and the specialists may work together to select designated decontamination areas that will be set up for workers to remove and clean protective gear or discard disposable equipment safely. Additionally, this step may include establishing exclusion zones to restrict access to the abatement site—this will guarantee unauthorized individuals do not enter areas where asbestos fibers may be released.
Coordinate with Relevant Authorities
During the entire asbestos abatement process, property owners and asbestos removal contractors should maintain open communication with relevant authorities, such as local health departments and environmental agencies. You can show diligence and commitment to safety standards and notification requirements by sharing as-needed updates with relevant parties.
Plan for Post-Abatement Cleaning
After removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials, property owners should expect the professionals to thoroughly clean the affected areas. They typically use specialized equipment, such as HEPA-filtered vacuums, to vacuum debris and remove residual asbestos fibers.
Review the Final Inspection and Clearance Reports
Upon completion of the entire abatement project, property owners should review the asbestos removal contractor’s final inspection and clearance reports. These reports should confirm that all asbestos-containing materials have been properly removed and that the property meets safety standards for reoccupation.
Keep Proper Documentation and Records
It is up to the property owner to maintain detailed, organized records of all aspects of the asbestos abatement project, from inspection reports and permits to waste disposal receipts and air quality test results. Having access to this documentation is essential for regulatory compliance and future reference.
How Much Does an Asbestos Abatement Cost?
Asbestos abatement costs vary from project to project. Some factors that influence asbestos abatement costs are:
- Size of the affected area
- Concentration of asbestos fibers
- Complexity of removal or containment
- Layout and surroundings of the property
- Quantity of asbestos materials
- Type of asbestos material being abated
Less complex asbestos abatements typically start at around $1,000, while more complex projects can begin at around $3,000. Every project is different and will present a unique set of challenges specific to that particular project. Alpha Environmental will conduct a site visit to determine the most effective methodology for completing the necessary abatement, ensuring it is done safely and with your hard-earned money in mind.
Trust Alpha Environmental for Expert Asbestos Abatement
Many steps are involved in successfully preparing your property for asbestos abatement. That is why it is important to choose an environmental professional with experience in asbestos removal and containment—they can help you take the steps needed to ensure the job is done in a way that avoids the release of fibers and minimizes the accompanying health risks.
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in buildings or a home you own, reach out to Alpha Environmental. With over two decades of experience, our team stands out as a trusted provider for anyone near Portland, Oregon. Our team of licensed professionals has the expertise and special equipment needed to remove asbestos-containing materials, such as ceiling tiles or joint compounds.
We always prioritize health and safety, ensuring that every step of the abatement process is conducted in compliance with asbestos regulations. From initial inspection to final clearance, Alpha Environmental is committed to delivering quality service and unmatched transparency that provides our clients with peace of mind.
Contact Alpha Environmental for expert-level help with asbestos-containing materials.
