Safe Removal Of Class A Friable Asbestos
Our practices and procedures for the removal and disposal of friable asbestos.
- Friable asbestos should only be handled by licensed and trained asbestos removal professionals, who have the knowledge and equipment to do the job safely.
- Before any removal work begins, a risk assessment should be conducted to determine the best approach to the job and identify any potential hazards.
- The work area should be isolated and secured, and warning signs should be posted to alert others to the presence of asbestos.
- All workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable coveralls, respirators, and gloves, to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.
- The asbestos-containing materials should be wetted down to minimize the release of fibres, and the work area should be kept under negative air pressure to prevent the spread of fibres.
- The friable asbestos should be carefully removed using tools and methods that minimize the generation of dust and debris, such as using hand tools instead of power tools.
- The removed asbestos should be double-bagged and sealed in leak-tight bags and labeled as hazardous waste.
- The work area should be thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated after the removal is complete, including the use of wet cleaning methods and HEPA vacuuming.
- Proper disposal of asbestos-containing waste should be arranged in accordance with local regulations.
- Air monitoring should be conducted throughout the removal process to ensure that asbestos fibres are not being released into the air.
- A clearance inspection should be conducted by an independent assessor after the removal is complete to ensure that the area is safe and free of asbestos fibres.
Where is friable asbestos found?
Friable asbestos can be found in a variety of materials and locations. Some common examples include:
- Pipe insulation: Many older buildings and homes used asbestos-containing insulation to wrap around pipes. This insulation can become friable over time as it ages or is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.
- Ductwork: Similar to pipe insulation, asbestos-containing insulation was also used to wrap around ductwork in older buildings and homes.
- Sprayed-on insulation: Some buildings used sprayed-on asbestos-containing insulation, which can become friable if it is disturbed or begins to deteriorate.
- Ceiling and floor tiles: Some ceiling and floor tiles contain asbestos fibres, which can become friable if the tiles are damaged or disturbed.
- Plaster and drywall: Asbestos fibres were sometimes added to plaster and drywall for fireproofing and insulation purposes. These materials can become friable if they are damaged or undergo renovations.
- Textured coatings: Some buildings and homes have textured coatings on walls and ceilings that contain asbestos fibres. These coatings can become friable if they are disturbed or begin to deteriorate.
It is important to note that friable asbestos can be found in many other materials and locations, and its presence may not always be obvious. It is recommended that a trained professional assess and test any materials suspected of containing asbestos to determine the proper course of action.
Put your trust in Savana Services…
We are a fully licenced and insured global asbestos removal company that runs contracts in Africa, the United Kingdom, France and China. We provide management solutions for all types of asbestos removal including friable asbestos.