Packaging Removed Asbestos Materials:
Asbestos abatement is a project best left to professionals; asbestos itself is highly toxic, and can easily contaminate a wide area if not handled properly, especially when in its friable, or crumbling state.
As it is removed, asbestos-containing material (ACM) waste must be properly contained and packaged so that it does not contaminate other areas, thus posing a danger to others. State and federal regulations are specific for commercial asbestos abatement operations. While these regulations do not always apply to private homeowners (at the federal level, at least), anyone attempting to remove asbestos on their own is well advised to follow such guidelines.
Water, Plastic and Duct Tape
For most asbestos abatement projects in the home, plastic and duct tape are the primary materials needed for containment. Before packaging asbestos waste however, make certain that it is good and wet. The fibers readily absorb water; this will make them too heavy to float into the air and cause a health hazard.
Regulations generally require that any asbestos packing be labeled as such. Approved asbestos disposal bags measure 30” tall by 50” wide, and use a zipper-type fastener. Once these have been filled and “zipped” shut, it is strongly recommended that the top of the bag be folded over and sealed again with duct tape.
Disposal procedures for asbestos waste are also applicable to contaminated equipment and protective clothing as well. All asbestos abatement projects require that all surfaces be covered with sheets of polyethylene plastic and duct tape; once the job is finished, these should be disposed of as well. However, there probably won’t be room in these bags; plastic 55-gallon drums are a better choice.
Such supplies can be purchased at stores listed in the telephone book under “Safety/Asbestos Supplies.”
Federal regulations require that all containers that hold asbestos-containing material (ACM) waste be clearly labeled. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Hazardous Waste Division specifies the wording of these labels. In letters no smaller than one-half inch tall, reading:
CAUTION
Contains Asbestos
Avoid Opening Or Breaking Container
Breathing Asbestos Is Hazardous
To Your Health
or
DANGER
Contains Asbestos Fibers
Avoid Creating Dust
Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard
Other states usually have similar labeling requirements, regardless of whether the work is undertaken privately or professionally. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or Public Health in your state can advise you as to the specific requirements in your community. Purchased containers will probably have such labeling printed on them already.
Where To Take It
Friable (crumbling) asbestos is usually not allowed at most landfills. Here again, you will need to call the appropriate agency in your state in order to find out which landfills will allow the disposal of friable asbestos. In addition, you may be required to report on the amount of asbestos being disposed of, which the operator of the landfill must confirm and report any discrepancies.
'Packaging Removed Asbestos Materials' Sources:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Envornment. “Asbestos Compliance Assistance Group” (Official Website). http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ ap/asbestos/index.html. Retrieved 15 August 2007.
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