Getting Started
Do it yourself Asbestos removal is a time-consuming job, but it is important to follow all the safety procedures that the Pros follow to ensure your safety and well being. Asbestos is a hazardous material that causes significant health concerns and death. There is no safe level of Asbestos exposure. Once Asbestos enters your airway, it will settle inside your lungs and there is no known cure for the damage that Asbestos causes your body. Keep yourself safe when you do Asbestos removal yourself.
The following steps have been gathered and organized based on Asbestos Best Practices and Recommendations made from around the world. It is recommended that you review each step and decide if this is the work you want to take on yourself or if you would rather leave it to the Pros. For a list of references and materials used to create these steps, please click the Reference links at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Test for Asbestos
Before you start the process of Abatement yourself, you need to first test to see if the material you want removed is Asbestos. There is no need to go through all the Asbestos safety procedures if you do not have Asbestos to remove. If your test comes back negative, you can rest easy knowing that you are safe from that Hazardous material. If you do find out that you have Asbestos, then proceed to the following steps to determine how you want to tackle your Asbestos removal project.
Asbestos was commonly used in home construction material and can be found in many places around the home. Although most Asbestos containing materials stopped being used in 1990, some recent material could still contain Asbestos. Asbestos containing material cannot be determined by sight alone. An Asbestos testing Laboratory has specialized equipment to test for Asbestos as well as determining the level of Asbestos in the product that is being tested. Having the material tested is the only way to ensure that you have Asbestos to remove.
Step 2: Create a Plan
Asbestos removal is a large project to tackle on your own. It will be time consuming and a lot of work. The safety protocols that you need to follow are tedious and repetitive, increasing the project time beyond just removing the material alone. Before you begin, you will need to have a solid plan in place to coordinate the time you will need to complete the work safely and effectively. You will need to ensure that all your supplies and equipment are organized and ready to go. If you have children and pets in the home, you may need to arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the project. You will need to create different work zones while you are removing Asbestos, and it can be hard to keep the curious children and pets safely away.
Step 3: Review Asbestos Safety Tips
Asbestos exposure is serious, harmful, and deadly. Although Asbestos related health problems can take years to show up, if you are exposed now, the damage to your body caused by Asbestos is not curable. There is no safe level of Asbestos exposure. To ensure that you are kept safe, all safety precautions need to be understood and established to protect your health and safety during the removal process.
Step 4: Check your Local Permit Office
Each Province and Municipality will have different rules for any step in the Asbestos removal process. Some work will require permits and there can be some work where you may not need one. There are also disposal fees and special permissions needed to safely dispose of Asbestos waste. Ensure that you are following the rules about Asbestos removal and disposal, based on where you live.
Step 5: Gather Supplies and Equipment
You will want to ensure that you have all the supplies and equipment prepared for when you are ready to start your project. You do not want to start the process of Asbestos removal, only to find that you are missing something. Any tool or supply you use during your DIY Asbestos Removal, must be easily cleaned by being wiped with disposal wet wipes or towels. If you are unable to wipe the entire tool clean it is contaminated and cannot be reused. The only time it can be reused is in another Asbestos removal project if the proper handling and safety precautions were taken. Tools and supplies that are made of cloth should be one time use and discarded as Asbestos waste. The tools and supplies that you use, also need to create the least amount of dust possible when doing the removal process. You will want to choose a hand tool over a power tool in every situation. Since you are using hand tools, and you need to be careful when creating Asbestos dust, this will add time to the total project time.
Step 6: Prepare PPE
This section is crucial, this is your last line of defense to keep you safe while you are removing Asbestos Materials. PPE is your personal protective equipment. Asbestos is the most dangerous when it is being moved or handled and the more dust it creates, it will increase the danger levels when removing Asbestos. This is your final check to ensure that you have the correct PPE needed and that they are a correct fit and size for the person removing the Asbestos material. Single Use Coveralls and Face Respirators are an example of some of the PPE supplies that you will need. Any item that is single use, means single use. Once you take it off, it must stay off and it becomes Asbestos waste. The amount of PPE supplies you will need is determined based on the length of your project. Including how many days you need to complete the work, as well as breaks when you leave and return to the Asbestos removal zone.
Step 7: Prepare your Work Area
You will need to prepare and set up different work zones. You will need an Asbestos Removal Zone, PPE Safe Zone, Asbestos Drop Zone, Asbestos Decontamination Zone, and Asbestos Disposal Zone. All zones will need to be set up and remain in place until all work is completed. The Asbestos Disposal Zone will remain until your Asbestos has been picked up and removed from the worksite. You will need different zones to ensure that as you work you do not contaminate areas of your home during the removal process. The workspace needed to remove Asbestos is large and it will be spread throughout your home, but the different zones are there for your safety.
Step 8: Put on PPE
There are specific steps that need to be followed to put on your PPE to ensure that you are properly protected. It is best to follow each step exactly to ensure that you are kept safe during your Asbestos removal. Once your PPE is on, keep it on during the removal process. Do not remove while working in the Asbestos Removal Zone. This includes drinking water or chewing gum while working.
Step 9: Remove Asbestos
You will want to remove Asbestos in the safest way possible. The safest way to limit the amount of asbestos dust and fibers that you release into the air while removing the product. You will want to wet the product as you work, unless you are working with materials that can not get wet, such as near electrical sources. You will need to use hand tools only. Using tools that creates dust while working should not be used. You will also want to follow procedures on how to remove the specific product you are removing. Including following safety procedures while removing that specific product.
Step 10: Decontamination
This step is a crucial step to follow. This step ensures that Asbestos fibers that were released during the removal process are not left behind causing harm once your PPE has been removed. The decontamination process is time consuming; you are having to wipe and clean everything up by hand. Items will need to be wiped several times. If you are taking a break from the Asbestos removal step, you will need to decontaminate yourself and your PPE before you can take it off.
Step 11: Remove PPE
Safely removing PPE is just as important as putting it on. These steps need to be followed to ensure your safety and well being. You will need to follow these steps in its entirety to protect yourself from Asbestos fibers that were released during the removal process. Asbestos dust settles and it could have settled onto your PPE. If you do not safely remove PPE, then you are disturbing Asbestos dust again, which will easily be inhaled or settled in your home. Do not remove PPE unless you have gone through the PPE decontamination procedures each time.
Step 12: Dispose Asbestos
Once your Asbestos Waste bags have been properly sealed and decontaminated, you will need to properly dispose of your Asbestos waste. Rules for Asbestos disposal vary for your municipality. We can also connect you with the Pros to take your Asbestos waste to the appropriate landfill for you, please check with us for service zones.
Step 13: Air Quality Test
You can test the air quality of your asbestos removal site before you enter without wearing PPE. This air quality test can ensure that there are no lingering Asbestos fibers in the air. It can also warn you of lingering Asbestos in the air so you can decide if more air scrubbing or clean up needs to occur. It will also ensure that when the removal of Asbestos is completed, you do not leave the workspace contaminated causing further harm after the work is completed.
References and Additional Resources
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-asbestos-abatement-manual
https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/removal-and-disposal/how-to-safely-remove-asbestos/personal-protective-equipment-ppe
https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/removal-and-disposal/how-to-safely-remove-asbestos/planning
https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/resources/films/working-safely-asbestos-home-renovator
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/asbestos-exposure-management-programs.html#h1.4
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/prevention/asbestos.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/asbestos-home-infographic-2018.html
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/model_code_of_practice_how_to_safely_remove_asbestos.pdf
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/books-guides/safe-work-practices-for-handling-asbestos?lang=en
Copyright Disclaimer
This resource is protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws and treaties, including copyright and trademark laws, and is owned by Ezbestos.ca a subsidiary of My Sales Rep Inc. We encourage you to use this resource for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes to help promote health and safety, if you do not modify any of the content and do not remove any copyright or other notices from it. In addition, if you are a contractor and wish to use this and any other Ezbestos.ca resources, you cannot, either directly or indirectly charge a fee for Ezbestos.ca resources. To request copyright permission, please send an email to [email protected]. You can find our full copyright terms at Ezbestos.ca
Use of Ezbestos.ca intellectual property does not constitute an endorsement, express or implied, of any person, service provider, service, or product.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency, and completeness of the information, Ezbestos.ca does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current.
Use of Ezbestos.ca publications and materials are at your own risk. Ezbestos.ca does not warrant the quality, accuracy, or completeness of any information contained in the publications and materials, which are provided "as is" without warranty or condition of any kind.
Ezbestos.ca is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
EZbestos is a Trademark of My Sales Rep Inc.
Asbestos Handling Containers is a Trademark of My Sales Rep Inc.
© 2024, Ezbestos.ca
Do it yourself Asbestos removal is a time-consuming job, but it is important to follow all the safety procedures that the Pros follow to ensure your safety and well being. Asbestos is a hazardous material that causes significant health concerns and death. There is no safe level of Asbestos exposure. Once Asbestos enters your airway, it will settle inside your lungs and there is no known cure for the damage that Asbestos causes your body. Keep yourself safe when you do Asbestos removal yourself.
The following steps have been gathered and organized based on Asbestos Best Practices and Recommendations made from around the world. It is recommended that you review each step and decide if this is the work you want to take on yourself or if you would rather leave it to the Pros. For a list of references and materials used to create these steps, please click the Reference links at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Test for Asbestos
Before you start the process of Abatement yourself, you need to first test to see if the material you want removed is Asbestos. There is no need to go through all the Asbestos safety procedures if you do not have Asbestos to remove. If your test comes back negative, you can rest easy knowing that you are safe from that Hazardous material. If you do find out that you have Asbestos, then proceed to the following steps to determine how you want to tackle your Asbestos removal project.
Asbestos was commonly used in home construction material and can be found in many places around the home. Although most Asbestos containing materials stopped being used in 1990, some recent material could still contain Asbestos. Asbestos containing material cannot be determined by sight alone. An Asbestos testing Laboratory has specialized equipment to test for Asbestos as well as determining the level of Asbestos in the product that is being tested. Having the material tested is the only way to ensure that you have Asbestos to remove.
Step 2: Create a Plan
Asbestos removal is a large project to tackle on your own. It will be time consuming and a lot of work. The safety protocols that you need to follow are tedious and repetitive, increasing the project time beyond just removing the material alone. Before you begin, you will need to have a solid plan in place to coordinate the time you will need to complete the work safely and effectively. You will need to ensure that all your supplies and equipment are organized and ready to go. If you have children and pets in the home, you may need to arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the project. You will need to create different work zones while you are removing Asbestos, and it can be hard to keep the curious children and pets safely away.
Step 3: Review Asbestos Safety Tips
Asbestos exposure is serious, harmful, and deadly. Although Asbestos related health problems can take years to show up, if you are exposed now, the damage to your body caused by Asbestos is not curable. There is no safe level of Asbestos exposure. To ensure that you are kept safe, all safety precautions need to be understood and established to protect your health and safety during the removal process.
Step 4: Check your Local Permit Office
Each Province and Municipality will have different rules for any step in the Asbestos removal process. Some work will require permits and there can be some work where you may not need one. There are also disposal fees and special permissions needed to safely dispose of Asbestos waste. Ensure that you are following the rules about Asbestos removal and disposal, based on where you live.
Step 5: Gather Supplies and Equipment
You will want to ensure that you have all the supplies and equipment prepared for when you are ready to start your project. You do not want to start the process of Asbestos removal, only to find that you are missing something. Any tool or supply you use during your DIY Asbestos Removal, must be easily cleaned by being wiped with disposal wet wipes or towels. If you are unable to wipe the entire tool clean it is contaminated and cannot be reused. The only time it can be reused is in another Asbestos removal project if the proper handling and safety precautions were taken. Tools and supplies that are made of cloth should be one time use and discarded as Asbestos waste. The tools and supplies that you use, also need to create the least amount of dust possible when doing the removal process. You will want to choose a hand tool over a power tool in every situation. Since you are using hand tools, and you need to be careful when creating Asbestos dust, this will add time to the total project time.
Step 6: Prepare PPE
This section is crucial, this is your last line of defense to keep you safe while you are removing Asbestos Materials. PPE is your personal protective equipment. Asbestos is the most dangerous when it is being moved or handled and the more dust it creates, it will increase the danger levels when removing Asbestos. This is your final check to ensure that you have the correct PPE needed and that they are a correct fit and size for the person removing the Asbestos material. Single Use Coveralls and Face Respirators are an example of some of the PPE supplies that you will need. Any item that is single use, means single use. Once you take it off, it must stay off and it becomes Asbestos waste. The amount of PPE supplies you will need is determined based on the length of your project. Including how many days you need to complete the work, as well as breaks when you leave and return to the Asbestos removal zone.
Step 7: Prepare your Work Area
You will need to prepare and set up different work zones. You will need an Asbestos Removal Zone, PPE Safe Zone, Asbestos Drop Zone, Asbestos Decontamination Zone, and Asbestos Disposal Zone. All zones will need to be set up and remain in place until all work is completed. The Asbestos Disposal Zone will remain until your Asbestos has been picked up and removed from the worksite. You will need different zones to ensure that as you work you do not contaminate areas of your home during the removal process. The workspace needed to remove Asbestos is large and it will be spread throughout your home, but the different zones are there for your safety.
Step 8: Put on PPE
There are specific steps that need to be followed to put on your PPE to ensure that you are properly protected. It is best to follow each step exactly to ensure that you are kept safe during your Asbestos removal. Once your PPE is on, keep it on during the removal process. Do not remove while working in the Asbestos Removal Zone. This includes drinking water or chewing gum while working.
Step 9: Remove Asbestos
You will want to remove Asbestos in the safest way possible. The safest way to limit the amount of asbestos dust and fibers that you release into the air while removing the product. You will want to wet the product as you work, unless you are working with materials that can not get wet, such as near electrical sources. You will need to use hand tools only. Using tools that creates dust while working should not be used. You will also want to follow procedures on how to remove the specific product you are removing. Including following safety procedures while removing that specific product.
Step 10: Decontamination
This step is a crucial step to follow. This step ensures that Asbestos fibers that were released during the removal process are not left behind causing harm once your PPE has been removed. The decontamination process is time consuming; you are having to wipe and clean everything up by hand. Items will need to be wiped several times. If you are taking a break from the Asbestos removal step, you will need to decontaminate yourself and your PPE before you can take it off.
Step 11: Remove PPE
Safely removing PPE is just as important as putting it on. These steps need to be followed to ensure your safety and well being. You will need to follow these steps in its entirety to protect yourself from Asbestos fibers that were released during the removal process. Asbestos dust settles and it could have settled onto your PPE. If you do not safely remove PPE, then you are disturbing Asbestos dust again, which will easily be inhaled or settled in your home. Do not remove PPE unless you have gone through the PPE decontamination procedures each time.
Step 12: Dispose Asbestos
Once your Asbestos Waste bags have been properly sealed and decontaminated, you will need to properly dispose of your Asbestos waste. Rules for Asbestos disposal vary for your municipality. We can also connect you with the Pros to take your Asbestos waste to the appropriate landfill for you, please check with us for service zones.
Step 13: Air Quality Test
You can test the air quality of your asbestos removal site before you enter without wearing PPE. This air quality test can ensure that there are no lingering Asbestos fibers in the air. It can also warn you of lingering Asbestos in the air so you can decide if more air scrubbing or clean up needs to occur. It will also ensure that when the removal of Asbestos is completed, you do not leave the workspace contaminated causing further harm after the work is completed.
References and Additional Resources
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-asbestos-abatement-manual
https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/removal-and-disposal/how-to-safely-remove-asbestos/personal-protective-equipment-ppe
https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/removal-and-disposal/how-to-safely-remove-asbestos/planning
https://www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/resources/films/working-safely-asbestos-home-renovator
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/asbestos-exposure-management-programs.html#h1.4
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/prevention/asbestos.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/asbestos-home-infographic-2018.html
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/model_code_of_practice_how_to_safely_remove_asbestos.pdf
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/health-safety/books-guides/safe-work-practices-for-handling-asbestos?lang=en
Copyright Disclaimer
This resource is protected by Canadian and international intellectual property laws and treaties, including copyright and trademark laws, and is owned by Ezbestos.ca a subsidiary of My Sales Rep Inc. We encourage you to use this resource for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes to help promote health and safety, if you do not modify any of the content and do not remove any copyright or other notices from it. In addition, if you are a contractor and wish to use this and any other Ezbestos.ca resources, you cannot, either directly or indirectly charge a fee for Ezbestos.ca resources. To request copyright permission, please send an email to [email protected]. You can find our full copyright terms at Ezbestos.ca
Use of Ezbestos.ca intellectual property does not constitute an endorsement, express or implied, of any person, service provider, service, or product.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency, and completeness of the information, Ezbestos.ca does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current.
Use of Ezbestos.ca publications and materials are at your own risk. Ezbestos.ca does not warrant the quality, accuracy, or completeness of any information contained in the publications and materials, which are provided "as is" without warranty or condition of any kind.
Ezbestos.ca is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
EZbestos is a Trademark of My Sales Rep Inc.
Asbestos Handling Containers is a Trademark of My Sales Rep Inc.
© 2024, Ezbestos.ca