If you own a commercial building, especially one built before the 1980s, you need to be prepared to deal with asbestos. Sometimes it shows up during renovations…other times, it is disturbed by accident. Either way, it can stop work, pose serious health risks, and create legal trouble.

Below, this asbestos removal company in Highland Park, Illinois is going to explain what you should expect before, during, and after an asbestos emergency.

Know the risk before it becomes a problem.

Asbestos was once used in many different materials, including floor tiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, and pipe wrap. These are still found in older buildings.

You can’t tell if something has asbestos just by looking at it. Therefore, whenever you plan work or suspect damage, it is best to contact a trained asbestos removal company in Highland Park, Illinois.

If asbestos is confirmed, a formal management plan will be required. It tracks the location of asbestos, its condition, and what should be inspected on a regular basis. The EPA recommends inspections by accredited professionals and the maintenance of ongoing documentation. If anything is damaged, it must be flagged and reported right away.

According to OSHA, building owners must notify others within 24 hours if asbestos is found. A solid plan helps you stay compliant and lowers your risk of emergencies.

What should you do when asbestos is suddenly disturbed?

If something damages asbestos (like breaking pipe insulation), stop work immediately and clear the area. The EPA warns that inhaling asbestos fibers poses the primary danger. Wetting the material and sealing it off helps keep those fibers from spreading.

OSHA states that workers must be alerted, and the space must be evacuated. The area should then be secured to avoid further exposure.

Call in a licensed asbestos abatement team. They will arrive with proper equipment to contain the area, keep it wet, and prevent dust. They will avoid actions like sanding or grinding that might spread the fibers.

Once the material is contained, they will start air monitoring. This testing measures the amount of asbestos in the air and confirms that the area is under control before cleanup can continue.

These are the three main ways to respond to asbestos.

When professionals inspect the damage, they will pick the best option, which may include encapsulation, enclosure, or removal.

Encapsulation involves sealing the material to make sure fibers don’t escape. It works when the material is still in good shape.

Enclosure refers to covering a material to prevent it from being touched or damaged. This only works if the material can stay undisturbed.

Removal is the safest choice when the material is crumbling or heavily damaged.

Any of these steps must be handled by certified professionals who follow strict OSHA rules. This includes protective gear, air pressure systems, and safe waste disposal. These teams also handle permits and final air testing before the space can be used again.

Stay alert after cleanup.

The job is not finished when the asbestos is gone. Property owners must keep detailed records, including lab results, cleanup steps, and disposal information.

Before removing any barriers, the team does a full inspection and tests the air. Only when these tests show safe levels can the area reopen. These final checks must meet federal safety standards, usually no more than 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter of air.

This final report confirms that the work was done correctly. It serves as your protection against future liability and proves that you have complied with all applicable laws and regulations.

After the emergency, update your asbestos plan. Use what you have learned to improve your routine checks, response plans, and safety training. An experienced asbestos removal company in Highland Park, Illinois will help you not just close out the job, but they can also help you prepare better for next time.

Looking for an Asbestos Removal Company in Highland Park, Illinois?

Are you searching for a dependable asbestos removal company in Highland Park, Illinois that can respond quickly and handle the job safely? If so, look no further than Axis Response Group. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to schedule a consultation or request a free on-site assessment.