In today’s society, construction is something that we see nearly every day when we step outside. Often times, buildings that are old need to be demolished so that newer architecture can take their place.

However, there is always one major risk when older buildings are demolished: the risk of asbestos exposure. Since this risk is so serious, there are a number of regulations that have been put in place to protect people when older buildings are demolished.

In this post, we’re going to explain some of the regulations in place that protect people from asbestos exposure in Lake Forest and across the nation:

The Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act was put into effect to protect bystanders and workers from asbestos exposure during building renovations and demolitions. As part of the act, there are three key factors that need to be considered during demolition. These include the following:

• Air cleaning methods must be used by industrial and manufacturing companies, and they must not emit asbestos fibers
• Demolition companies must follow a set procedure when removing asbestos-containing materials
• The owners of the building and operators must inform the appropriate state agency before renovating or demolishing of a building that might contain asbestos-containing materials

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

The National Emission Standards of Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulates both the demolition and renovation of buildings.

Regulations for air toxicity need to be followed during the renovation and demolition of all facilities. These regulations require a complete inspection of the building, and they also require the operator or owner to notify the proper agencies if the building exceeds a threshold amount of asbestos-containing material.

There are also rules in place that dictate the procedures that should be followed when removing asbestos, such as pre-wetting all asbestos-containing materials, using leak-tight container to seal the asbestos, and appropriately disposing of all asbestos-containing materials.

One exception to the asbestos removal requirements is that, if the total amount to be removed or disturbed is less than 35 cubic feet, 160 square feet, or 260 linear feet of the total material, then the asbestos-containing material does not need to be removed before demolition occurs.

Asbestos Control Method

The NESHAP regulations include detailed work practices that are intended to control the spread of asbestos fibers. To ensure that these are followed, NESHAP mandates that there be an onsite trained representative present to ensure compliance. This trained individual is required to be recertified every two years in material identification, asbestos hazards, worker protection, recordkeeping and reporting, local exhaust ventilation, and waste disposal methods.

Transportation and Disposal

Asbestos, being a highly harmful substance when airborne, needs to be sealed in a leak-tight container when wet. Then, it needs to be accurately labeled and promptly disposal of in a landfill that can accept asbestos-containing waste. There are specific landfills that are qualified to accept waste that contains asbestos to prevent their release into the atmosphere. Additionally, vehicles that transport the asbestos waste from the construction site to the landfill also need to be properly labeled for record-keeping.

Get Professional Help to Test and Remove Asbestos from Your Lake Forest Property

Do you need to have asbestos removed from your commercial property or home? Are you seeking a professional abatement services to have it properly taken care of? If so, the professionals at Axis Response Group are the people to call.

Our team of asbestos testing and removal specialists has inspected countless properties throughout the Lake Forest area and beyond. If you are looking for quick and safe asbestos removal, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to discuss your needs!