Wisconsin (WI) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:
The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services recognizes asbestos as mineral fibers that are long, thin, strong, and flexible and were commonly used in building materials for its insulating, fire resistant properties (2). Even though asbestos was used most abundantly before the late 1970’s and most modern products are asbestos free, it can still be found in older home products, such as piping, spray-on insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, and siding (2). Unfortunately, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services also recognizes the health threat that asbestos-containing materials can cause. Specifically, Wisconsin warns against the hazards of vermiculite insulation, since one of the major vermiculite mines also contained natural asbestos deposits (2). This contamination makes vermiculite insulation, which is commonly found in attics and has pebble-sized pieces of vermiculite that are usually light brown or gold, potentially dangerous (2). When vermiculite insulation is disturbed, particularly in renovations or demolitions, it can cause microscopic asbestos fibers to become airborne, where they can be inhaled (2). Once inhaled, the asbestos fibers can develop into mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer over a period often longer than twenty years (2). Fortunately, the risk of developing these diseases is directly related to the intensity or length of exposure, so minimal exposure to asbestos is generally not a direct health risk (2). For this reason, the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services recommends leaving intact asbestos-containing materials undisturbed (2). However, when demolition or renovations are planned that will disturb the materials, it may be necessary to remove the asbestos-containing material prior to beginning the project (2). The removal and waste disposal of asbestos in Wisconsin are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services’ Division of Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Air Management Program and Solid Waste Program (5).
Asbestos Professionals
In Wisconsin, all individuals who are hired to perform asbestos related tasks must be certified in their area. To become certified, workers are required to attend courses and pass written examinations provided by an accredited institution (1). Wisconsin separates asbestos certification training programs into seven groups, including training for asbestos inspectors, asbestos management planners, asbestos supervisors, asbestos workers, project designers, asbestos roofing supervisors, and asbestos roofing workers (1). Each of these courses contains specific content to keep each type of worker safe in their particular conditions (1). At the end of these courses, workers must pass a written exam and submit application material to be licensed (1). Application material includes a recent photograph, a notarized copy of the original training certificate, and the required fee (1). Once licensed, certification is good for one year (1). Before their licenses expire, workers must attend refresher classes and resubmit for certification (1). All of this training keeps asbestos professionals up to date on the latest safety procedures and regulations. For this reason, it is required that asbestos handling in regulated buildings is handled by professionals, and it is recommended that even private homeowners hire professionals.
Asbestos Abatement Projects
In order for a building that is to be subjected to renovation to apply to the regulations set forth by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the quantity of asbestos containing material that is to be removed must be at least 260 linear feet of pipe insulation; or 160 square feet or 5580 total square feet of total area of asphalt roofing removed with a roofing saw; or 35 cubic feet of facility components (3). Private homes with fewer than four dwellings are not subject to these regulations unless the demolition or renovation is part of a large project, such as an urban renewal program (3). All demolition projects are subjected to the rules and regulations (3). In most cases, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Air Management Program must be notified at least ten days before demolition or renovation begins (3).
During asbestos removal, there are a number of regulations that must be followed to ensure that there is no excess damage done to asbestos-containing materials. One of the work practices that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources highlights is that all asbestos-containing material that is to be removed must be adequately wetted before it is handled to avoid visible emissions (4). In cases when wetting the material would cause damage to equipment, the operator may use a local exhaust ventilation and collection system if they can prove to the department that it is necessary (4). These ventilation systems must produce no visible emissions to the environment, and operators must receive approval before the abatement begins to use this alternative (4). In the case of wetted materials, the material must remain saturated when collected, contained, treated for disposal, and transported (4). It is also required that all asbestos-containing material is sealed in leak-tight containers, and for larger pieces, leak-tight wrapping may be used (4). Finally, all asbestos-containing material must be disposed of as soon as it is practical following Wisconsin rules and regulations (4).
Waste Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Materials
All asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of at a landfill that is specifically approved to accept asbestos (5). Asbestos waste must be disposed of in a trench excavated into refuse and covered with more than three feet of non-asbestos waste or soil before it is compacted (5). Each disposal location must be recorded by horizontal and vertical coordinates so that the same areas will not be chosen again for more asbestos waste disposal (5). In addition, asbestos cannot be dumped where there are plans for construction of landfill components, and asbestos-containing materials may not be burned under any circumstances (5).
Because asbestos abatement is often quite expensive, there are also the options of encapsulation and encasement, which involve not removing, but enclosing the hazardous material. However, these are not always options in the case of demolition or renovation since any encapsulant or encasement may be damaged, exposing asbestos fibers to the air. If you believe that your home or business may be contaminated by asbestos, protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of asbestos. You can contact one of a number of trained professionals right here in Wisconsin who will explain your options.
'Wisconsin (WI) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources' Sources:
1) “Chapter HFS 159 Certification and Training Accreditation.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 9 October 2007 <http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/hfs/hfs159.pdf>.
2) “Human Health Hazards: Asbestos in Vermiculite Insulation.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 9 October 2007 < http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/HlthHaz/fs/Vermiculite.htm>.
3) “WDNR: Asbestos Abatement Projects.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 9 October 2007 < http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos/asbes4.htm>.
4) “WDNR: Control of Asbestos Emissions.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 9 October 2007 < http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos/asbes7.htm>.
5) “WDNR: Factsheet on Asbestos Abatement Projects.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 9 October 2007 < http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/air/reg/asbestos/asbes5.htm#reg >.
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