Commercial building renovations or demolition plans can suddenly come to a halt if there is a possibility of asbestos inside. In many cases, project managers and building owners feel pressure to move forward to stay on schedule.

However, acting too quickly around asbestos is not a good idea. Disturbing asbestos-containing material (ACMs) without proper controls can release harmful microscopic fibers into the air.

Below, this asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois is going to explain the three common mistakes you need to avoid during asbestos removal.

Mistake 1. Assuming that a material is safe simply because it looks fine.

Asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone. Many asbestos-containing products look identical to non-asbestos materials and that makes visual identification unreliable.

Older commercial buildings are most likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos was one of the most popular construction materials for decades, so it can still be found in materials like floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, spray-applied fireproofing, roofing materials and mechanical insulation.

These materials can look perfectly intact and harmless at first. The problem arises when any construction or repair work disturbs them. Drilling, cutting, sanding or removing building materials can break apart ACMs and release fibers into the air.

That is why inspection always comes first.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a thorough inspection for facilities subject to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Asbestos before any construction work starts. The purpose of this inspection is to confirm the presence of ACMs and to assess their condition. EPA regulations also require that only accredited inspectors perform inspections and bulk sampling in commercial buildings.

A professional asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois should help you understand the inspection process so you can make a confident decision.

Mistake 2. Treating asbestos removal like normal demolition.

Asbestos work is regulated under OSHA’s asbestos construction standard. OSHA identifies aggressive methods as techniques that break, crumble or disintegrate intact ACM. These methods must be controlled to prevent airborne contamination.

Safe asbestos removal depends on containment and proper work practices. Both EPA and OSHA emphasize the importance of maintaining controlled conditions throughout the removal process. This generally includes:

• Restricting access to the work area to prevent unauthorized entry
• Establishing containment barriers or negative pressure enclosures
• Using wet methods to minimize dust and fiber release
• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Cleaning work areas using HEPA-filtered vacuums and equipment

These procedures can keep asbestos fibers from spreading beyond the work zone.

A professional asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois should be able to explain how they will isolate the area and manage waste throughout the project.

Mistake 3. Hiring a contractor without checking credentials.

Asbestos work in Illinois commercial and public buildings is regulated through licensing and training requirements overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). According to IDPH guidelines, asbestos contractors must hold the appropriate licenses and maintain proper insurance coverage.

Licensed contractors have trained technicians who are all too familiar with safe abatement procedures, containment practices, air monitoring requirements and proper waste disposal. They are also well-versed in local and federal regulations that apply to asbestos projects.

Looking for an asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois?

Do you think your commercial building may contain asbestos? If so, and if you’re searching for a professional asbestos removal contractor in Palatine, Illinois, look no further than Axis Response Group. Our IDPH-licensed technicians can inspect suspect materials to confirm whether asbestos is present and perform abatement work when necessary. Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.