How To Remove Asbestos CementAsbestos cement is basically a product which was widely used as a building material in the past. This type of asbestos generally contains 10-15% of asbestos fibers. The fibers are bound in calcium silicate or in port land cement and the uncoated sheets are colored in light grey. The material can also be compressed into flat sheets and can be used as roof and for making other products like drains, guttering, tanks and flower boxes. However, most forms of asbestos are handled by trained and licensed contractors. But these are not so in the case of asbestos cement as this material is only considered potentially hazardous. Any waste containing asbestos can only be disposed of at the areas which are licensed by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to receive special waste. Hiring a specialist company to do the asbestos cement disposal is another way to get rid of the waste. Most of the names and details of such companies are provided in the yellow pages.
The question which generally arises in the minds of people, who have their water tanks made with asbestos cement, is whether it is safe or not. The truth is that even if the asbestos fibers are released in the water, there is no evidence that exposure to asbestos in the drinking water has any kind of adverse effects on the health of the people. The outer surface of the tank is basically in a relatively inaccessible place. Therefore, it should be in a good condition. Various precautions should be taken while doing the asbestos cement disposal. These are: 1. Everyone should stay away from the area to be treated, unless their presence is specifically required. 2. Prior to commencement of the work, soak the material thoroughly. You can use a wetting agent like a washing up liquid in the water before saturation. 3. Remove the panels completely and undo the screws and bolts carefully. 4. Avoid using the power tools and encourage using the hand tools. 5. Do not break the asbestos material into small pieces. In other words, avoid dropping materials from a height. 6. Plastic should be covered with the sheet and stack the removed sheets out in the open itself. 7. Always have a vacuum cleaner for the asbestos pieces. Place and seal the asbestos pieces in the stout plastic. 8. Always perform in a well-ventilated area. 9. A hooded disposable over clothing should be worn by the person performing the asbestos cement removal. After the completion of the work, always wash exposed skin thoroughly. Therefore, all these precautions should be followed before opting for the asbestos cement disposal process. This way, you will be able to ensure that the removal process is a successful one. |