Minnesota (MN) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:

The Minnesota Department of Health recognizes asbestos as "the name for the group of minerals that occur naturally in the ground that are bundled to make minerals and were commonly used to manufacture products" (1). The three groups that Minnesota recognizes as most common are chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite.  Although anthophylite, tremolite and actinolite are also types of asbestos, they were not commonly used in materials except in vermiculite attic insulation, which Minnesota warns should be handled with caution (1).  Since heat and chemicals do not affect asbestos fibers, they do not conduct electricity, and they are very strong and flexible, this mineral was commonly used in building products to create insulating and fire resistant products (1).  Unfortunately, when asbestos containing materials are disturbed, such as in demolition or renovation procedures, asbestos fibers can become airborne, where they can be inhaled into the lungs (1). The more asbestos fibers a person is exposed to, the greater his or her chances are of developing a serious, asbestos-related disease (1).  Minnesota warns that untrained individuals who perform work with asbestos may be putting themselves, others, and the environment at risk of asbestos exposure (1).  For this reason, highly trained professionals should be hired to perform asbestos-related activities even in unregulated private homes.

Asbestos Professionals

In Minnesota, asbestos professionals are separated into five categories including asbestos inspectors, asbestos management planners, asbestos project designers, asbestos site supervisors, and asbestos workers (2).  To be certified in any one of these categories, individuals must attend courses approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, pass written examinations, and submit the proper applications for licensure (3).  Since each of these workers are responsible for different duties, the content and length of these courses and the specifics of other requirements vary according to job title (3).  The certification requirements for an asbestos worker are the most basic.  To become an asbestos worker in Minnesota, individuals must successfully pass a course, unless they are certified in another state, in which case they may attend a refresher course (3).  In addition to training, these applicants must submit documentation that proves they either have more than 1000 hours in general commercial construction trades, have completed a vocational training program of at least 18 months in a construction-related field, or attended an apprenticeship program for general commercial construction trades for at least two years (3).  All documents submitted for application must be signed by a notary public (3).  In addition to the signed proof of experience, a completed and signed asbestos certification application, a clear photograph, copies of diplomas from the training course or courses taken elsewhere, and the $50 application fee. Even after all of this is completed, licenses expire after one year, so all workers must take annual refresher courses (3).  This training ensures that all workers are up-to-date with the latest safety requirement and that they have the knowledge and ability to keep themselves, others, and the environment safe.

Asbestos Abatement

Preparing the Site: Containment and Decontamination Areas

Before any asbestos abatement can begin, a project designer must create a project plan that is specific to the building abatement is being performed on. The plan must be adhered to unless changes in the plan are submitted in writing and properly recorded (4).  Before any construction begins, warning signs must be posted that read "DANGER.  ASBESTOS CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD.  AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.  RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA" (4). In all cases an airtight and leak proof containment area must be established before any handling of asbestos-containing materials can occur.  To properly construct the containment area, the floor must be covered with two layers of six-mil polyethylene sheeting that extends at least one foot up the walls (5).  Another layer of 4-mil polyethylene sheeting must cover all of the wall surfaces and all seams must be sealed with duct tape.  Whenever possible, it is required at a one foot by one foot clear window is established for viewing purposes from the outside (5). To further prepare, all openings between the containment area and other areas must be sealed off, all heating and ventilation units must be turned off, all moveable objects must be cleaned and moved to a new location, and all fix objects must be covered (5). In addition, HEPA-filtered negative pressure must be established (5).

Also before beginning, a decontamination room must be constructed that must be used by all individuals entering or exiting the area (6).  The decontamination unit must consist of a series of three rooms a clean room, a shower room, and a dirty room (6).  For projects that are done on facilities other than small residential buildings, these must include a clean room, an air-lock chamber, a shower, another air-lock chamber, and a dirty room (6).  These decontamination units are used to prevent asbestos fibers inside the containment area from moving to uncontained areas on clothing and skin.

Abatement Procedures

To ensure that there is no excess emission of asbestos dust, there are strict general practice procedures and air monitoring procedures that must take place during abatement.  For example, all asbestos containing materials that are to be removed must be thoroughly wetted before removal with water to which a surfactant has been added (7).  These materials must remain adequately wet during removal and placed in sealed containers while they are still wet (7).  This is done to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.  For the same purpose, objects covered with asbestos-containing material must be removed intact or in large section, must be wetted before being sealed in six-mil clear polyethylene sheeting, and it must be lowered to the floor or ground instead of dropped (7).

In addition to this, air monitoring must take place during abatement except in instances when the owner of a single-family residence conducts abatement independently (8).  All testing must be performed within ten feet of the containment area, and for each containment, two air samples must be conducted simultaneously at least once during a zero to five hour period while abatement is being done (8).  At no time may the levels of asbestos fibers exceed the clearance standards (8).

All of these training and work practice regulations keep asbestos workers safe fro the dangers of airborne asbestos fibers.  Their general work practices also serve to keep others, and the environment safe as well.  Although it is legal for owners of single-family dwellings to perform these kinds of tasks on their own homes, it is always recommended that professionals be hired, especially in the cases of demolitions and renovations.  It is important to remember that while intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing material is not an immediate health risk, these same materials may become hazardous when they are destroyed in demolition or renovation.  In some instances other than demolition or renovation, the procedures of encapsulation or encasement may be more cost effective ways to solve any asbestos problems.  Fortunately, there are many licensed asbestos professionals in Minnesota who can help plan for and solve all asbestos-related problems.

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