Home - Asbestos Removal
If your property was built prior to 1986, there is a likely chance you should strongly inquire into an asbestos removal inspection because you could have asbestos fibers embedded into the construction material used to build your house. Asbestos – known as the hidden killer – can cause severe health risks and may lead to death.
Asbestos was primarily used in construction between the 1950s to the 1990s. It was a popular material due to its great insulation, strength, fire protection, and resistance to chemical erosion. Long term exposure to Asbestos leads to Cancer and other deadly diseases. Today it is illegal for the construction industry to use Asbestos in building materials.
If you have a concern about Asbestos being part of your home, you should contact us for a free assessment of your property. We can help you locate any potential Asbestos materials and advise on the best course of action to remediate the problem. Our licensed technicians are here to help you get back to a safe and healthy living.
The Proper Asbestos Removal Process
Handling Asbestos products or being in a room where Asbestos fibres can be found in the air is a serious health hazard. Specialty equipment must be worn when handling Asbestos particles that can be airborne, especially if the material is worn or damaged.
Before performing any type of renovation or demolition work, if you suspect you may have Asbestos in your home, it’s important to have samples tested at a laboratory. A licensed properly equipped professional will verify the presence of Asbestos.
Once verified, abatement barriers are erected around the site and the location is fully sealed from any air particles leaving the affected area. Through careful and proper training, removal of the material is done to have the least amount of disturbance to the material. The more damage is caused the more likely it is to cause a spread of airborne Asbestos particles. Depending on the extent of the risk and exposure, materials can be either completely removed or encapsulated. Encapsulation is the process of coating the material with a sealant that prevents fibers from escaping and becoming airborne. If the damage to the material is too severe or the risk is simply too high, full removal and disposal of the material are required.
In Toronto regulation, ONT-REG-278-05 for handling Asbestos must be followed. Make sure you hire a properly licensed technician or you may be putting your health unknowingly at risk.
Asbestos Removal Handling Checklist
- Turn off HVAC system and seal all vents in the room to prevent circulation of airborne fibers
- Seal off and mark work area ensuring nobody enters it without proper safety equipment
- HEPA filter vacuums and wet cleanup methods are used to clean the workspace
- All materials removed from the room must be enclosed and properly marked in leak-tight containers
- All technicians entering the site must wear full-face mask respirator and coveralls when handling any type of Asbestos
- When leaving the site, all clothes must be bagged and contained. A full change of clothes and shower is required before wearing regular street clothes