How to Safely Remove Asbestos Pipe Insulation

Abst： However, asbestos fibers theses days have been proven to cause a number of health complications such as lung cancer and skin irritation. These are the emerging health concerns that are prompting the drive to have asbestos removed from structures and from homes. So, in this article, we will teach yo ow to remove such pipe insulation.

Pipe insulation using asbestos is common in those older homes which have some asbestos insulation in their sidings or walls. In the past, asbestos was used extensively in construction activities, not only because it was economical but also for the reason that it was effective. Asbestos pipe insulation is used to wrap around the whole pipe so as to maintain warmth during winter and for cooling during summer.

However, asbestos fibers theses days have been proven to cause a number of health complications such as lung cancer and skin irritation. These are the emerging health concerns that are prompting the drive to have asbestos removed from structures and from homes. So, in this article, we will teach yo ow to remove such pipe insulation.

When the asbestos removal has begun, it is possible to easily free the harmful fibers into the air where they could get inhaled. It is essential that the work area be prepared so that when you are removing the asbestos pipe insulation you also protect your health, that of neighbours and the environment. It is recommended that the person doing the removal puts on appropriate disposable clothing so that the legs and arms are covered. The eyes and the head should also be well covered using a good respirator that has an asbestos approved filter. Because you need to have the entire room or site well covered and completely sealed, place recommended plastic sheeting all over the floors plus all along the close walls using good quality tape. As much as is possible, also have the windows and the doors sealed too.

Once you are sure that the work site is well covered and secured, you may begin to have the asbestos pipe insulation removed. Ensure you have sufficient water to completely saturate the asbestos pipe insulation before you commence work and every now and then as you work on them. Besides, it would be a good idea if you work in sections moving from one seam of the insulation to the next, rather than work on the whole site simultaneously.

Asbestos that is wet is less prone to produce harmful fibers. As you remove each section you may want to have it placed directly into the disposal bags while still wet. This reduces the amount fibres that get airborne. Once the removal is done, have the bag properly sealed with tape.

Then, once all the pipe insulation has been safely removed, remove all your protective clothing before you re-enter the main building and have it wet down or discarded. Once all the asbestos materials have been removed, have the site cleaned using wet mops or rags but do not vacuum clean as this may stir up any lingering fibres.