Just hearing the word asbestos can invoke panic to many home renovators. Not only because of the expense and hassle it causes in a renovation project, but because of the potentially dangerous impact it can have on our health.
If you intend to remove asbestos by yourself, it is vital that you have full protection at all times whether it be indoors or outdoors. The following checklist will ensure you are thoroughly prepared:-
1. Clear the area you will be working in of people and pets. Ensure neither can enter at any point.
2. Remove any objects possible from the area, including furniture.
3. Any objects or surfaces that cannot be removed should be lined with polyethylene film and fastened with strong adhesive tape.
4. Be sure to place some warning signs around your house to keep people out of harm’s way.
5. If you are working inside, fasten all windows and doors and seal around them with strong adhesive tape.
6. If possible, turn off the power.
7. Be sure you cover any electrical sockets and air conditioning or other ventilation systems.
8. To keep dust off your clothes and skin, wear disposable overalls (preferably with a hood), gloves and shoe coverings. This will ensure total protection.
9. Wear a respiratory mask at all times until you have finished working in the area and have cleaned it up thoroughly. Get expert advice on the correct type of respirator from a business that sells safety equipment.
10. Use a low-pressure sprayer to wet the asbestos surface as you’re working with it. This will lower dust levels. Never use a high pressure jet.
11. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with asbestos.
12. When dealing with waste, use asbestos-specific heavy duty polyethylene bags. Do not use ordinary garbage bags. Mark each back to show it contains asbestos.
13. Do not allow waste to build up in work areas. Clean the area regularly.
14. When cleaning the area, only use a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.
