Asbestos removal is not a job to take lightly. If you plan on removing asbestos, then you need to follow the right safety precautions. Here are some of the clothing and equipment necessary for asbestos removal.
1. Coveralls, Head Coverings, and Foot Coverings
When you plan on doing asbestos removal, you need the right clothing. All of the clothing for the job is disposable. You should always remove and dispose of the coverings you use during the project. Before you start a removal project, research the local regulations regarding asbestos removal clothing.
Typically, the clothing for the job is made from a unique synthetic fabric. With fibers dense enough to keep the asbestos out, the clothing keeps you safe. The regular clothes that you wear under your clothes don’t come into contact with asbestos. If they did, the asbestos would follow you and continue to spread.
It’s essential that you wear all of the clothing required for asbestos removal. If you fail to wear your head coverings or foot coverings, the asbestos can stick to your clothing or shoes. Be sure to follow all regulations and wear the necessary coverings.
By using disposable clothing, you can leave the asbestos fibers where you find them. Then, you can go home safe to your family.
2. A Respirator
While you come into contact with asbestos, you should use a respirator. However, not all respirators are equal. You need to use an approved respirator. While one respirator might work for dust, others work for gas. If you fail to use the appropriate respirator, then asbestos particles could enter your lungs. Disposable paper masks do not work well for asbestos.
Once you have a respirator, you need to ensure that it fits properly. If the respirator doesn’t cover your face properly, then it will allow asbestos into your lungs. You need to use a respirator that fits you well and will not fall off during the asbestos removal.
3. HEPA Vacuums
When cleaning asbestos, you should use HEPA vacuums. Only a HEPA filter is fine enough to keep asbestos particles in the vacuum. Other filters allow the tiny asbestos particles to pass through it.
It’s worth noting that you should use a special vacuum. A regular household vacuum cannot handle the challenges of asbestos removal. You should use a commercial-grade vacuum with a HEPA filter.
4. Steam Cleaner
If you need to clean carpets, then you can benefit from having a steam cleaner. While a vacuum with a HEPA filter is critical, it’s also crucial that you steam clean your floors. You can both steam clean your floors and vacuum them for an effective asbestos removal job.
4. Miscellaneous Tools
Asbestos removal is not a one-size-fits-all job. Each removal job requires different tools. Although you can never know what to expect, there are a few basic tools that come in handy. Here are a few miscellaneous tools that you might need:
- High-Pressure water sprayer
- Compressed air sprayer
- Brooms and small brushes
- Various power tools, such as saws, drills, angle grinders, and sanders
5. Air Scrubber
Depending on the situation, you might need an air scrubber. Air scrubbers remove asbestos and other contaminants from the air. They help to create a safe environment for workers and prevent contaminants from spreading to new places.
An air scrubber is not necessary for every asbestos removal job. However, it can be beneficial. It makes for a safer work site with fewer contaminants.
6. Training
The best piece of equipment that you can have for asbestos removal is not something that you can touch. Instead, it’s something in your mind – training. Here at ZOTA Pro, we provide in-depth asbestos removal training.
With our training, you can learn how to keep you and your workers safe. You’ll also learn which equipment is the best for your job sites. Contact us for more information on our training.
