Asbestos fibers are so small that you or your occupants can accidentally inhale them if they are disturbed and become airborne. Exposure to asbestos like this can cause serious health problems over time, like lung disease and cancer. As such, you should never treat asbestos work in your property like a regular construction or renovation project.

To prevent the risks of poor handling, IDPH requires special licensing for any contractor who works with asbestos. Below, this asbestos removal company in Deerfield, Illinois is going to explain how IDPH licensing requirements keep you and your building occupants safe during asbestos removal.

Why does Illinois require IDPH licensing for asbestos contractors?

All asbestos abatement contractors in Illinois must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). But why?

Asbestos becomes dangerous the moment someone disturbs it. Contractors who remove asbestos-containing materials in your property without proper controls can release microscopic fibers into the air.

When people inhale these fibers, the fibers can lodge in the lungs and cause long-term health problems that may not show symptoms for years. Because of these risks, the state restricts asbestos-related work to trained professionals who follow proper safety procedures.

Thanks to this requirement, only a vetted asbestos removal company in Deerfield, Illinois can perform high-risk asbestos removal work in your building. Without licensing, you would have no reliable way to confirm that a contractor truly knows what they are doing.

How do IDPH training and experience requirements reduce exposure risks?

Contractors must complete specialized asbestos training to earn and maintain an IDPH license. This training teaches them what steps are necessary to minimize asbestos risks at every stage of a project.

Because of this training, everyone on the job, from supervisors to technicians, knows how easily asbestos fibers can spread and how to prevent that from happening. Licensed professionals can also spot materials that are most likely to release fibers, like friable asbestos that can crumble and become airborne with minimal disturbance.

Of course, their training teaches them to set up containment areas and control airflow using negative-pressure systems. These measures are required to keep the asbestos fibers contained within the work area.

How does IDPH oversight keep asbestos contractors accountable?

IDPH licensing also creates accountability that benefits you as a building owner. When a contractor is licensed by IDPH, they agree to follow very strict rules.

Licensed asbestos removal contractors in Deerfield, Illinois are subject to inspections and compliance reviews. They must keep records of their work and consistently follow approved procedures. This ongoing oversight is to make sure that licensed contractors follow safety standards on every job.

If a contractor ignores the rules, IDPH can issue fines and temporarily suspend (or even revoke) their license. Losing a license can put a company at risk of going under, so this creates a strong incentive for them to follow the rules.

Overall, this level of oversight exists so contractors take asbestos safety seriously. It encourages contractors to be responsible and prevents unsafe practices that could put you and your occupants’ health at risk.

Looking for an asbestos removal company in Deerfield, Illinois?

Do you think your commercial property contains asbestos? And are you ready to go with the top-rated asbestos removal company in Deerfield, Illinois? If so, look no further than Axis Response Group. Our experienced technicians are IDPH-licensed and have the training needed to perform asbestos abatement in full compliance with safety regulations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a free on-site assessment.