Asbestos Checklist

An asbestos checklist can become an indispensable tool when dealing with any situation concerning various aspects of maintaining, inspection, renovation or demolition. Asbestos adds several attribute to the products, including making materials stronger and more resistant to corrosion and destruction. The building products industry has created over 3,500 products that contain the mineral.

Significance

• Manufacturers have used asbestos in building materials installed in structures from the 1900s through most of the 1970s. Products include siding, roofing plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation and heating. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the responsibility to regulate the use of asbestos in materials and its maintenance or removal. According to the EPA, not all Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) presents a hazard. The health risk occurs when materials become "friable." Friable or crumbled building materials present a potential health hazard. The product's dust or fibers becomes airborne and may become lodged in the lungs.

Homeowners

• Minimize the possibility of damaging any materials. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged, minimize any activities in the space. Many states allow homeowners to remove and make asbestos repairs. However, the EPA recommends hiring professionals to conduct testing and remove damaged asbestos-containing materials. Avoid sweeping, vacuuming or dusting dust or debris that contains asbestos.

Professional Inspection

• Property owners who hire an asbestos inspector should make sure the individual has the proper licensing by checking with the local air quality agency. The standard process involves a visual assessment and a collection of samples. The inspector must submit the samples to a professional lab for analysis. The inspector submits a written report outlining his findings. If corrective work is necessary, the inspector performs subsequent examinations until the area passes as clean.

Professional Removal

• Most states assign oversight of asbestos to local air quality agencies at the county level. Property owners can check with the agencies to ensure the workers and contractors have the necessary training and credential to do the job. The workers must clear the space of furniture and pets and seal off the area. Make sure anything that cannot be removed is covered with polyethylene fastened with adhesive tape. Mark the perimeter of the area with warning signs. When working inside, close all doors and windows and seal them with tape.

  Ventilation systems, heating and air conditioning systems also need protection. Cover outlets, floors walls and fixtures. Shut down all power systems to the area. Workers must wear the proper gear and wet the material down while working with it. Waste must go into the proper containers, sealed and labeled. The workers must dispose of the asbestos waste at an approved site for disposal. Workers must clean the area. Call in an asbestos inspector to the test the space for the presence of asbestos.