Following any asbestos-related activity, including asbestos removal in Melbourne, it is crucial to ensure proper cleaning and decontamination of the area. Here are the steps to clean your house after asbestos exposure:
1. Collection and Decontamination of Dust and Debris:
Asbestos-contaminated dust and debris must be collected and decontaminated thoroughly. Pay particular attention to surfaces such as walls, ledges, fittings, and furnishings.
An industrial vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter can be used to collect asbestos-contaminated dust and debris. However, it is essential to instruct staff on its safe usage, including how to empty and dispose of asbestos debris.
Alternatively, dusting with moist cloths is another effective method for cleaning surfaces contaminated with asbestos.
Any clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) that has come into contact with asbestos must be discarded to prevent further contamination.
2. Equipment Decontamination:
Tools and equipment used during asbestos-related work must be thoroughly disinfected before they are removed from the asbestos work area. This is essential to prevent the spread of asbestos contamination.
Use an industrial vacuum with a HEPA filter or damp rags to clean tools and equipment. Solvent-based cleaning chemicals may also be used, but they must be applied with proper control.
Items such as vacuums that cannot be decontaminated in the work area should be tagged as asbestos-contaminated and double-bagged with a warning label. The bags must be decontaminated before being removed from the area.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when cleaning or reusing tools and equipment.
Depending on the level of contamination and the condition of the tools and equipment, it may be advisable to discard contaminated items and replace them with clean ones.
3. Worker Decontamination:
Workers who have been in contact with asbestos must undergo thorough decontamination before leaving the asbestos work area to prevent further contamination.
Asbestos-contaminated PPE, such as coveralls, must be double-bagged, sealed, and labeled for disposal or laundry.
Workers should vacuum or wipe down their protective clothing and footwear to eliminate visible dust before leaving the asbestos work area.
When removing PPE, workers should do so inside out while wearing a respirator. Coveralls should be stored in an asbestos garbage receptacle. Respiratory protection should be worn until all contaminated clothing is removed and personal cleaning is completed.
Workers should wash their face, hands, and fingernails after removing their respirators to ensure thorough decontamination.
4. Asbestos Waste Disposal:
Employers must promptly control and dispose of asbestos waste, which includes:
- Dust in the asbestos work area.
- Contaminated clothes or PPE.
- Cloths used for cleaning the area.
- Contaminated items or equipment that cannot be decontaminated and are no longer needed.
- Asbestos waste must be contained to prevent the release of airborne asbestos fibers.
- Label asbestos garbage bags with a warning sign such as “Danger: Asbestos Waste.”
- Use 200-micron-thick plastic trash bags for asbestos waste.
- Before decontamination, label and seal the asbestos garbage bags.
- Dust the workspace before removing the drop sheet.
- Fold rags without compressing them.
- Wrap wet wipes or rags used for cleaning in the drop sheet.
- Seal the plastic sheets with duct tape and place them in an asbestos garbage bag.
- When removing PPE, keep the face mask on and discard it.
- Roll coveralls inside out and place them in an asbestos bag or plastic drop sheet.
Wipe asbestos trash bags with a moist wipe or towel, label them as “DANGER: ASBESTOS WASTE,” and seal them with duct tape. After disposal tasks are completed, workers should wash their hands, nails, and face to ensure thorough decontamination.
Asbestos Health Effects and Precautions:
It is essential to understand the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Breathing excessive quantities of asbestos fibers can increase the risk of various health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Asbestos should be handled with extreme caution to prevent its release into the air, which can lead to inhalation and subsequent health issues.
When and Where Asbestos May Be a Problem:
Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in construction and insulation until the 1970s. It can be found in various building materials, including steam pipes, boilers, furnace ducts, floor tiles, adhesives, cement sheets, gaskets, soundproofing materials, and more. Asbestos is a concern when these materials become damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed during renovation or maintenance work.
What Should Be Done About Asbestos:
If you suspect the presence of asbestos, it is best to leave it undisturbed. Regularly inspect asbestos-containing materials for signs of damage, such as rips, abrasions, or water damage, without touching them. Avoid disturbing asbestos-containing materials, and if you believe asbestos may be damaged or disturbed, consult with professionals for proper handling, removal, or disposal.
If you plan to undertake renovations or work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, it is crucial to have the area inspected for asbestos and to hire professionals with expertise in asbestos removal and abatement. Asbestos should only be removed or handled by trained and certified professionals to prevent the release of harmful fibers into the environment.
Materials Containing Asbestos:
It is often challenging to identify asbestos-containing materials visually, as asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye. Materials containing asbestos are not always labeled, so when in doubt, it is best to treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it tested by professionals. Sampling and analysis should be conducted by experts, as improper sampling can be more hazardous than not sampling at all.
In conclusion, asbestos exposure poses serious health risks, and proper precautions must be taken when dealing with asbestos-containing materials. Following the outlined cleaning and decontamination procedures is essential to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure and to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
