Asbestos Pipe Insulation Removal

Asbestos pipe insulation removal must be done with extreme care. Asbestos was used in residential, commercial and industrial construction from the 1930s through the middle of the 1970s. Damaged material that contains asbestos presents a serious health hazard because asbestos fibers are freed in the air. When inhaled, these fibers attack the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos is not banned in the United States, but has been limited and controlled since 1989. The material is still found in a variety of materials that were used to construct older buildings, including roofing shingles, floor tiles, heating ducts and pipe insulation.

Preparation

• Workers involved with asbestos pipe insulation removal are required to wear protective clothing where the work is being performed. They must wear disposable coveralls, eye protection, disposable rubber gloves and boot covers. They should also wear a protective hood and a purple-coded HEPA respirator. Contractors are required by law to provide a "change area," which includes a shower, for their workers.

  Isolate the asbestos removal area from adjacent spaces. Install double-layers of sheet plastic to seal off the space. Cover windows, doors, fixtures and vents with plastic and tape. Some contractors protect floors walls and ceilings with plastic for extra precaution. Remove all furnishings from the work space. At the least, protect the items with a double layer of plastic and tape. Also, post asbestos removal warning signs around the perimeter of the work area.

  Generally, there must be a minimum of four complete air exchanges per hour. Contractors are required to set up a high-efficiency particulate exhaust system that receives air from the exterior in accordance with EPA rules.

Removal

• The regulation regarding asbestos pipe insulation removal is under the oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If the pipe insulation contains asbestos, but has not been damaged, or is non-friable, it is permitted to be removed by non-licensed contractors and workers. However, insulation that is damaged and contains asbestos can only be removed by licensed asbestos contractors and workers. In either case, specific guidelines must be followed for the safe removal and disposal of the materials

  Remove asbestos pipe insulation in sections. Insulation that is in good condition (non-friable) can be removed by unlicensed workers. Keep the asbestos pipe insulation watered-down at all times. This prevents asbestos fibers from becoming airborne. Take out the pipe insulation intact and in whole sections. Execute the removal of asbestos pipe insulations with care; it is important to protect it from being shattered, crumbled or pulverized. Do not grind, saw or chip the insulation. Avoid using power tools.

  The asbestos-containing material must be deposited in 6 ml plastic bags and sealed with duct tape. Placed the first bag into a clean plastic bag and seal it. The second container must have a sign indicating "asbestos waste." Disposable protective clothing, clean up rags, mops and asbestos waste must be disposed of at the proper landfill.