Asbestos was a component of many building materials before 1980. Asbestos fibers cause illnesses such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity and asbestosis, a condition in which the lungs are scarred by asbestos fibers. In many states, asbestos may only be removed by trained professionals to reduce the risk of exposure for those not trained in the safe removal of asbestos materials. Removal of asbestos pipe insulation by homeowners may be done in some states. Contact your local Environmental Protection Agency office before planning the project. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Cover all surfaces, including walls, ceiling and floors with plastic sheeting in the area you plan to remove asbestos pipe insulation. Secure in place with builder's tape. Seal all seams with builder's tape to prevent asbestos fibers from leaving the containment area.
2. Cover all openings, including doorways and windows with plastic sheeting and seal the edges with builder's tape. Tape the doorway used for entering and exiting closed after entering or exiting the containment area.
3. Put on protective disposable coveralls and asbestos rated respirator before entering the work area. Seal the opening to the area with builder's tape after entering.
4. Work in sections maintaining a wet edge between sections. Wet the asbestos pipe insulation with a spray bottle that is full of water. Cut the side of the insulation with a utility knife. Wet the area opened with the utility knife with a spray bottle of water. Keeping the insulation wet reduces dispersal of asbestos fibers.
5. Place each section immediately in a plastic bag while it is wet. Do not allow asbestos pipe insulation to dry out before moving to a plastic bag.
6. Continue to soak and remove sections of asbestos pipe insulation until all of the asbestos pipe insulation is removed and secured in plastic bags. Seal all full plastic bags with builder's tape.
7. Allow the asbestos to settle for at least 24 hours after removing the last piece of asbestos pipe insulation before beginning clean-up.
8. Wash all of the plastic sheeting with water and a wet mop to remove as many of the asbestos fibers as possible before removing the plastic sheeting.
9. Mist the plastic sheeting with water from a spray bottle before removing. Remove and place in plastic bags. Seal each bag with builder's tape as they are filled.
10. Wash all surfaces with water after removing the plastic sheeting.
11. Contact your local municipality to find out the safe disposal methods used in your area.
Tags: asbestos pipe, builder tape, plastic sheeting, with builder, with builder tape, pipe insulation
