Rhode Island (RI) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Health defines asbestos as "a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that can be separated into microscopic fibers, which are resistant to heat, abrasion, chemicals, and are non-conductive for electricity" (1).  Because of these properties, asbestos was widely used in a wide range of building materials, particularly those materials made in the 1970s.  Some of the more common asbestos-containing materials in homes that Rhode Island recognizes are steam pipe and boiler insulation, vermiculite attic insulation, resilient floor tiles and coverings, exterior siding and roofing shingles, textured paints, caulking compounds, mastics and adhesives, fireproof wallboard, sound proofing, gypsum board and wall and ceiling plasters(2). 

Unfortunately, since the 1970s it has been determined that airborne asbestos fibers from disturbed asbestos-containing material can be inhaled and be deposited in the tissues of the lungs.  Prolonged or intense exposure to these fibers has been known to cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and pleural plaques, some of which are potentially fatal diseases(3). 

Fortunately Rhode Island assures its residents that asbestos-containing building materials that are intact are not an immediate health concern, as it is not emitting fibers into the air (2).  However remodeling or demolishing a building with these materials present can cause unsafe amounts of asbestos fibers to enter the air.  While most private homes built for one or two families are exempt from Rhode Island regulations when they are doing work on their own home, it does not mean that renovation or demolition does not pose a threat to those living in the home or performing the work. 

Because of this, Rhode Island recommends that even private homes are inspected before demolition or renovations, and that asbestos abatement is always performed by licensed professionals (2). All licensed professionals are subject to the regulations of the Rhode Island Asbestos Control Program, which is designed to protect both the public and workers from asbestos exposure. (4)

Protective Equipment

Staying safe in an environment that poses the risk of asbestos exposure requires a significant amount of specialized equipment.  This is only one of the reasons why even private homeowners should hire professionals to handle asbestos and why all asbestos work in public, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings must be completed by professionals.  First, each worker that is hired to complete an asbestos abatement, encapsulation, or enclosure project must be given the opportunity to try on respirators in a variety of different styles and sizes and choose a respirator that fits comfortably, and each employee undergoes individual fit testing procedures to ensure that their respirators fit properly.  Most unlicensed individuals do not have the benefit of this kind of selection or individualized fit testing.  Each asbestos worker is also given the opportunity to be examined by a physician to ensure that it is safe for him to complete the type of work that they are responsible for with the resistance of a respirator and receives other medical monitoring.  In addition to this, there is a variety of specific protective clothing that workers must wear, tools, and decontamination, ventilation, and containment systems to ensure maximum safety. (5)

 

The Abatement Process

If more than 10 feet of piping coated with asbestos-containing material or 25 square feet of asbestos-containing materials is used to cover or coat any other surface, the asbestos contractors are bound to the asbestos abatement, encapsulation, or encasement regulations.  These regulations are set by the federal, state, and local government to ensure that there is no unnecessary asbestos exposure to the workers, the public, or the environment. 

Site Preparation

Before an asbestos abatement can begin, the work area must be adequately prepared.  First, a containment area must be established by constructing barriers of polyethylene sheeting and all openings that connect the containment area from other areas must be sealed off.  Before proceeding, all surfaces, including fixed and moveable objects, must be wet cleaned and then vacuumed with a HEPA filtered vacuum.  Once cleaned, moveable objects must be taken to an uncontaminated area for storage, and fixed objects must be securely wrapped in durable plastic.  At that point, the floors of the containment area are to be covered with two layers of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting that extends at least a foot up the walls, and the walls must be covered in two layers of 4 mil polyethylene sheeting that overlaps the wall sheeting.  Once this is prepared, a worker decontamination unit must be set up so that employees can adequately rid themselves of any asbestos fibers that may be resting on their skin, clothing, or hair and could be spread to the public or the environment.  The decontamination unit must consist of a separate shower room, clean room, and equipment room.  All workers must thoroughly shower before exiting the containment area.  Before workers may enter, negative pressure ventilation systems with HEPA filters must be established.  Signs of warning must be placed at all approaches to the building and at all entrances to the containment site. 

Abatement

During the abatement process, there are a variety of things that contractors must do to ensure that there is a minimal amount of damage done to the asbestos-containing materials and a minimal amount of dust created.  First, all asbestos-containing material that is to be removed must be thoroughly wetted and remain thoroughly wetted until it is bagged.  This practice minimized dry particles from rising into the air.  It is also required that asbestos-containing material be removed in large pieces to avoid excess damage to the asbestos.  While this is taking place, air sampling must be conducted to ensure that there is not too many airborne asbestos fibers present.  At no time are asbestos-containing materials allowed to accumulate on the ground uncontained.  Instead they must be placed in impenetrable containers appropriate for their size and properties.  In cases or large or sharp pieces, metal drums may be used to ensure that the pieces do not rip through the container. 

After this, the air must be tested, the site must be torn down, and the waste must be properly disposed of.  All Rhode Island asbestos contracts will be trained in proper waste removal, as asbestos waste is strictly regulated.  Since asbestos professionals are trained and experienced in how to keep themselves, the environment and others safe, it is always recommended that even private homeowners hire professionals when handling asbestos. Fortunately, there are many licensed professionals in Rhode Island who can accurately assess the situation and plan to solve the asbestos problem with the input of the home or business owner. 

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