Precautions To Be Taken Before Asbestos DisposalAsbestos disposal is the process that is used for getting rid of toxic material that contains asbestos in a safe manner. Asbestos was first found naturally as a fibrous mineral. In last few years, it was used for the purposes of insulation and as a building material. Asbestos was mainly utilized extensively, between 1890 and 1970, for pipe covering, fireproofing, refractory materials, cement, floor tiles, joint compounds, and gaskets. Later on, it was found that the people who were exposed to the fibers of asbestos began to suffer from life threatening diseases such as cancers like mesothelioma. Therefore, it became essential for the governments to start a process for its removal and disposal. The Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division thus came into being. This organization regulated the asbestos disposal as a solid waste.
Here are some pertinent points of information on the same: 1. The Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division directs people involved in asbestos disposal, to seal the waste containing asbestos in wrappings or containers that are leak proof. This package must be labeled with a notice that states Danger, contains asbestos fibers. Avoid creating dust. Cancer and lung disease hazard. The asbestos that has been labeled and packaged for disposal should also include the information as specified by 1926.58(k)(2) or 29 CFR 1910.1001(j)(2). 2. It is essential to dispose the appliances that contain asbestos. Rather than attempting to separate the asbestos from the appliance like an oven, it would be a better option to just throw it away as an asbestos waste. Separation might be hazardous. The separation may cause dispersement of dust particles of asbestos into the air, and also, the procedure of separation is more expensive. 3. The exposed insulation might be sealed instead of trying to remove the asbestos completely. The risk of development of air borne particles can be minimized through sealing. It is believed by experts that the chances of fibers of asbestos being inhaled, is more when asbestos is airborne and fragmented. Thus, the process of asbestos disposal should be handled only by a specialist or a certified contractor. Asbestos disposal can be made safe by following certain recommendations: 1. Always wet and place the material containing friable asbestos in leak tight, labeled containers, before they are shipped. 2. The material containing asbestos must be handled by professional personnel who are certified in dealing with asbestos. 3. Do not carry on the procedure of asbestos disposal during high wind periods. 4. Unauthorized personnel must be prohibited strictly from entering the area where the process of asbestos disposal is in progress. Because the process of asbestos disposal is extremely crucial to ones health and surroundings, it is imperative for your safety that the disposal is carried forward by people who have been trained and certified for this purpose. |