Delaware (DE) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:
The Delaware Division of Facilities Management describes asbestos as “a naturally occurring mineral found in certain rock formations” that includes the categories of chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite (1). Once considered a “miracle fiber,” asbestos was a commonly used additive in many construction products and materials for other industries for its unique properties (1). Since the fibers of asbestos were fire resistant, durable, flexible, and could be woven together to create cloth, the State of Delaware estimates that over 3,000 products contained asbestos (1). Some of the more common of these products include pipe insulation, sprayed-on fireproofing, boiler insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, brake pads, clutches, plasters, mastics, adhesives, gaskets, asbestos gloves, sidining singles, roofing materials, and fire curtains (1).
Despite these beneficial qualities of asbestos, evidence began to be collected in the 1960s that linked intense of prolonged exposure to asbestos and certain diseases related to the lungs and stomach (1). Since the time when asbestos was widely used, it has been discovered that when asbestos containing materials are disturbed, such as in the manufacturing of asbestos-containing products, and in the construction, renovation, and demolition of homes that use these materials, the tiny, odorless fibers enter the air and can remain airborne for hours or days (1). Once they are in the air, these fibers can easily be inhaled or ingested by individuals nearby (1). Over a time period of sometimes twenty to forty years, large amounts of asbestos exposure can lead to serious asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma (1). Because asbestos exposure is so dangerous, it is considered a hazardous air pollutant and is regulated by federal agencies and the State of Delaware (1). The State of Delaware is responsible for creating strict regulations regarding procedures for how to manage asbestos-containing material and training programs for asbestos workers, and it is also responsible for managing all asbestos activities in state facilities (1).
Training for Asbestos Professionals
The State of Delaware divides asbestos professionals into three categories, including asbestos workers, asbestos abatement supervisors/contractors, project monitors (2). Because the duties and responsibilities of these different workers vary, the content and intensity of the training courses vary to be as relevant as possible to the workers’ experiences (2). To become an asbestos worker, workers must attend a four-day, 32-hour course that includes hands-on training (2). During the training, all applicants must demonstrate an ability to properly handle asbestos-containing material while they are in full containment under negative air pressure and using “type C grade D respiratory protection” (2). At the completion of the training, all applicants must achieve a passing score of at least 70 percent on a 50 question written examination to be considered for certification (2). To become a Class B asbestos worker, applicants must complete an additional 12 hour course and pass a 35 question test (2). After certification, all workers must attend annual refresher courses to keep them up to date on the latest rules, regulation, and safety technology (2).
Contractors, supervisors, and project managers have even more rigorous training (2). Class A contractors/supervisors must complete a 40-hour course (2). To go on and become a Class B contractor/ supervisor, workers must attend another 14-hour course and pass a 35 question written examination (2). Contractors/supervisors also must take annual refresher courses (2). Project managers, on the other hand, must complete a five-day technician course on Delaware laws, regulations, and procedures, which they must take annually since these can change so frequently (2). However, before a project manager can even be qualified to take this course, they must meet a variety of prerequisites including experience, education and training, certificates of other asbestos courses attended, copies of all in-house training certificates, and a resume of field experiences (2). While these courses are certainly quite intense and lengthy, they are necessary to ensure that all of those involved in asbestos abatement activities are knowledgeable and experienced in limiting exposure to themselves, other workers, the public, and the environment.
Abatement Regulations
The Delaware Department of Administrative Services finds that it is in the public’s best interest to “insure the health, safety and welfare of the public” by requiring that asbestos abatement is performed in a way that will minimize the risk of asbestos exposure. This is accomplished by requiring that only trained professionals handle asbestos abatement in regulated facilities, and by setting up procedures that are designed to reduce the number of asbestos fibers that become airborne (2).
Before beginning abatement projects, all moveable objects should be removed from the area, and all fixed objects must be covered in plastic sheeting that is securely taped (3). All large areas, such as floors, walls, and windows must be cleaned and then covered in plastic sheeting, and all entrances and exits to the area must be sealed off with a double layer of plastic sheeting (3). It is also important that all forced air ventilation is shut off and exhaust and intake ducts are sealed off to avoid contamination to other areas (3). After this, a decontamination unit must be constructed that includes a clean room and allows workers to safely exit the unit without spreading asbestos fibers that may have been on their skin, hair, or clothing (3). Prior to the beginning of any asbestos abatement work, portable negative air-handling equipment that has high efficiency particulate air filters must be set up (3). These filters must have the capacity to supply a minimum of four air changes every hour for the entire room (3). It may be necessary for more than one system to be set up to achieve these results Warning signs must also be erected to warn individuals of the dangers of entering the containment unit (3).
During abatement, it is required that asbestos is thoroughly wetted with amended water before it is handled, and it must remain wet until it is properly contained in leak proof, air-tight containers (3). This serves to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne during the removal process (3). After removal, the area must be thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and tested to ensure that the level of airborne asbestos fibers is lower than 0.01 fiber per cubic centimeter (3). For clearance testing, aggressive techniques for air sampling and monitoring must take place that involves a forced air being blown onto all surfaces and fans being set up to create an accurate representation of asbestos fibers present (3). This must be done so aggressively because asbestos fibers can linger on surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings, where they could present a future health threat, but not be easily tested.
Once air clearance has been achieved, it is the responsibility of the contractor/supervisor to arrange for the proper disposal of the asbestos waste. Since it is considered a hazardous air pollutant, regulations regarding the transportation and disposal of asbestos-containing wastes are highly regulated. Fortunately, there are many asbestos professionals in Delaware who are knowledgeable and experienced in all of these areas.
'Delaware (DE) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources' Sources:
1) “Asbestos Abatement Services.” Delaware Division of Facilities Management. 31 October 2007 <http://dfm.delaware.gov/envsrv/asbestos/>.
2) “Regulations Governing the State of Delaware Contractor/Supervisor/Worker Asbestos Training and Certification Program.” Delaware Division of Facilities Management. 31 October 2007 <http://dfm.delaware.gov/docs/regulations.pdf>.
3) “Regulation No. 21: Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.” Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. 31 October 2007 <http://dfm.delaware.gov/docs/regulations.pdf>.
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