The All-inclusive Guideline for First-time Builders Working with Asbestos-Contaminated Soil
Posted on: 3 January 2017
What is asbestos? It is a fibrous form of silicate minerals resulting from rocks such as amosite, actinolite, chrysotile and tremolite among others. For several decades, asbestos has been used in different types of construction materials to provide strength and other qualities like fire resistance. The sad part, however, is that asbestos is very harmful to human health and It can be linked to several medical conditions including cancer. This is why you should be very careful when you are dealing with soil that has been contaminated by asbestos-based construction materials. The following guideline will help you when dealing with such situations for the first time:
How Does Contamination Occur?
Ideally, you would barely expect the asbestos to find its way to the soil because it is used within the structure of the building. However, this is not what happens during demolitions. Most of the materials break and crumble during demolitions, providing an opportunity for the asbestos to mix with the soil. Such contaminated soil is dangerous when you want to set up a new structure, as your unsuspecting workers could easily be exposed to it.
Who Should Remove Asbestos Contaminate from the Soil on Your Site?
Dealing with asbestos contaminated soil is not a walk in the park. It is not something you'll just instruct a few of your workers to dig out of the soil with excavators or shovels. There is a high risk of exposure and jeopardy for their wellbeing. Advisably, any activities involving the removal of asbestos from contaminated soil on your site require you to hire the services of Class A, well-trained and licensed professional. They understand the risks involved when dealing with asbestos and they will certainly help you deal with any unprecedented hazards.
What Safety Measures Should Take on Your Site?
If the removalists need a few days before they can do their work, you should take precautionary measures to ensure that everyone is safe from the contaminated soil. First, put up some warning signs to notify your workers and other people of the presence of asbestos in any section of the site. Blockade the area to prevent access until the asbestos removalists have worked in the area and made it safe for other construction activities.
What Benefits Do You Get From Working with a Professional?
Note that working with professionals comes with so many benefits. They eliminate potential accidents and any subsequent lawsuits that because of the presumed negligence on your part as a property owner. Secondly, there is guaranteed safe transport and disposal of the contaminated soil where it will not harm anybody.
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