The 3 Types of Asbestos Removal
There are three different types of asbestos removal techniques to manage the different levels of asbestos contamination. Each one may require different levels of expertise but they are all very important to ensure that a property is safe for its residents.
Hence, the team at First Response would like you to know about the three types of asbestos removal.
Type 1 Asbestos Removal
Considered a low-risk operation, this type of asbestos removal is performed when the contamination is confined to a relatively small area and the chance of spreading is low.
Type 1 asbestos remediation is usually carried out when the contaminated location is between 1 to 10 square feet in area. Also, the materials being removed are small and composed mostly of non-friable materials. This usually involves objects like roofing felts, gaskets, vinyl tiles, drywall filling, etc.
This type of asbestos removal is considered low risk because anyone can perform it. It is also legally permissible by Ontario’s regulations regarding asbestos abatement and disposal. Despite that fact, the removal process should still be carried out carefully. The asbestos being removed still poses a threat and adequate PPE should be worn at all times. After the removal is complete, disposal of the substance should also follow the designated regulations to prevent further contamination.
Type 2 Asbestos Removal
An asbestos remediation process can be classified as type 2, or medium risk, when the size of the contamination and the possibility of spread increase beyond the limits of type 1 removal.
Type 2 asbestos removal is performed on locations larger than 11 square feet but less than (or equal to) 100 square feet. Furthermore, the substance being removed is also known to be moderately friable or is a small amount of a friable ACM (Asbestos Containing Material). Materials like popcorn ceilings and insulation containing asbestos are ACMs that fall under type 2 asbestos abatement.
This type of asbestos removal requires trained professionals to perform properly. The risk posed by asbestos in larger quantities is much higher than type 1. Also, the friable nature of the ACM in question also increases the chances of spreading and contaminating even more areas in the building.
Type 3 Asbestos Removal
The final kind of asbestos abatement is carried out on locations with an area of over 100 square feet that includes friable and non-friable asbestos materials. This increases the rating to a high-risk operation.
This type of asbestos removal requires experts to follow rigid and precise measures to facilitate safety and efficiency. The area is cleared of non-essential personnel, the ventilation systems are disabled, electric power to the building is shut down and full protective gear is worn at all times.
After the procedure is complete and the substance is transported for an asbestos test and disposal, the area needs to be cleaned up to ensure that no asbestos fibres are left behind. Wet removal methods with HEPA vacuums are the best course of action for a post-asbestos removal cleanup.
First Response – Certified Asbestos Cleaning Authority in Ontario
The types of asbestos removal present complicated and health-threatening conditions. Even the lowest risk possible is not without danger. Properly eliminating asbestos is necessary, as such, only those qualified and experienced enough should perform asbestos removal.
Please contact us if you suspect the presence of asbestos on your property. First Response is fully certified and has a lot of experience in decontaminating properties with asbestos present. Our abatement processes allow for quick responses, efficient removal and no exposure. Choose us to make your home or business safe again.