How Do You Clean Up After Removing Asbestos?
Many people ask, how do you clean up after removing asbestos? You might think that question is absurd, given that licensed asbestos removalists are required for this task in New Zealand, and they’ll know all about safe removal and cleaning.
However, according to WorkSafe, you can remove up to 10m2 or less of non-friable asbestos yourself over the course of an entire removal project. Friable asbestos and asbestos-containing materials over 10m2 must be left in the capable hands of licensed asbestos removalists.
With this in mind, you may have decided to undertake an asbestos removal project in your own home, knowing that you can call upon a WorkSafe New Zealand licensed asbestos removalist if you need to.
When the time comes to get started, follow this helpful advice below for cleaning the area and removing the asbestos once you’ve finished.
Step 1: Wipe Surfaces
A wide range of materials can contain asbestos, such as cladding, flooring, and even your walls. Once you’ve removed the ACM, use damp cloths to wipe down any remaining exposed surfaces to collect dust.
Don’t use cloths you’d hope to use again, as these must be used once and disposed of with other asbestos waste.
Step 2: Bag Up Waste
Place all off-cuts and scraps inside heavy-duty polyethylene bags. Purchase bags specifically designed for asbestos waste, with a minimum thickness of 200 µm. Ordinary garbage bags are not suitable for asbestos waste.
Once you’ve bagged up the waste, only filling bags half full, tie them with a gooseneck and apply adhesive tape. You can then mark them with a label that says ‘CONTAINS ASBESTOS WASTE’.
Step 3: Use Tightly Sealed Containers
If you’ve been working with any thick asbestos slurry, don’t put this directly into your polyethylene bags. Instead, place it into tightly-sealed containers before putting them inside the bags.
Step 4: Dispose of Asbestos at Approved Landfill Sites
Many people don’t realise that you can’t dispose of asbestos waste in the same way or places as you would your standard household rubbish. That means you can’t drop it off at your local transfer station or throw it in your wheelie bin with other waste.
Instead, you must take it to a rubbish dump with a consent to handle asbestos waste safely. Phone ahead and let them know you’ll be arriving so that they can take all appropriate measures for your arrival.
Step 5: Vacuum the Area
Once you’ve removed the waste from the work area and cleaned up as much dust as possible with a damp cloth, it’s now time to bring in the vacuum cleaner. This should not be a vacuum cleaner you use for any other task but, rather, one that’s dedicated to asbestos removal.
Make sure the vacuum cleaner is fitted with a HEPA filter and bag. Dispose of the vacuum bag with the rest of your asbestos waste.
Step 6: Remove Your PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable coveralls, a respirator, and boot covers, are crucial safety measures for ensuring you can remove asbestos from your home safely. Remove all your outer layers like overalls and boot covers, and dispose of them with your asbestos waste.
Step 7: Ventilate the Area
If you removed asbestos-containing materials inside your home, now’s your opportunity to ventilate the space. Open all windows and doors in that area once you’re sure it’s free of dust.
Step 8: Take a Shower
Once you’ve removed your outer layers and disposed of them, take a shower as soon as possible. This can be an added layer of protection against any particles that may have lingered in the area. Change into fresh clothing once you’re out of the shower.
I Don’t Know How to Remove Asbestos, What Do I Do?
Just because WorkSafe says homeowners can remove asbestos-containing materials under 10m2, that doesn’t mean you have to. Asbestos is a hazardous material, and not everyone has the knowledge, confidence, or even the desire to handle it themselves.
In that case, you may be wondering what you should do when you don’t want to remove or dispose of it yourself. It can be as easy as phoning an asbestos removal company. Whether or not the asbestos is friable, they can test to confirm its presence, remove it, and dispose of it safely. You can then have complete confidence that your home is safe for you and your family.
Take Action Today
Whether you’re planning on getting renovations underway, or you’re unsure whether materials in your home genuinely do contain asbestos, contact asbestos experts in NZ for help. Not only can they help with the testing and removal, but they can also manage all stages of clean-up. You then don’t need to worry about following those very crucial steps above and putting yourself and your family in harm’s way.