Steps To Take To Remove Asbestos

Asbestos is essentially a form of toxic waste. As such, it is best left to trained and licensed experts. The steps outlined here are for your information only – should you choose to undertake the job yourself, you assume all risks and liability.

Step #1: Equipment Needed

Before any work is performed, you’ll need to have the right protective clothing. This includes a proper respirator, vented eye protection, disposable coveralls with booties, disposable rubber gloves and soft rubber boots.

It is also recommended that at least three people be working on the project; two for performing the actual removal and a third to stand by outside the containment area in order to provide water, tools and other supplies as they are needed (this avoids the need for those working inside to change their protective clothing each time they leave and re-enter the containment area).

Tools required include a tank sprayer and liquid detergent for wetting the asbestos materials, dust pans, wallboard taping, putty knives, a step ladder, polyethylene plastic sheeting, asbestos waste disposal bags (these should be labeled), duct tape, clean, disposable rags and encapsulant paints or asbestos sealers.

Step #2: Prep the Work Area

Put up warning signs for any unexpected visitors, remove all furniture (simply covering it isn’t enough), turn off all climate control, cover all vents, and cut off all electrical power to the room or area of the house. Finally, remove all light fixtures and smoke alarms, sealing the exposed wires with electrical tape.

Next, you’ll need to build your containment area. This procedure is covered in greater detail under "Building a Containment Area" elsewhere on this website; it basically consists of using the polyethylene plastic sheeting to cover the walls, ceiling (unless that is the area from which asbestos is being removed), windows and doors. You’ll also want to build an "air lock" where workers will remove and leave their protective clothing when leaving the containment area.

Step #3: Removing the Asbestos

It is important that the asbestos material be thoroughly wet before attempting removal. If you are unable to wet the material, do not undertake this job – hire a trained, licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

It is also necessary to keep the plastic sheeting wet in order to prevent any asbestos fibers from drying up and becoming airborne.

Once the material is wet, scrape the asbestos material from the surface using the putty knives, catching it with the dust pan. This must then be placed in the asbestos waste bags.

Next, wipe off any leftover residue with a clean rag, turning it and replacing it frequently. Once used, these rags must also be disposed of in the proper bag along with the asbestos material. Afterwards, use clean rags to thoroughly wipe down any other exposed surfaces.  

Afterwards, all rags, plastic sheeting and protective clothing and HEPA filters from respirators should be sealed in bags along with the asbestos waste; any tools, respirators and goggles need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Step #4: Getting Rid of It

Asbestos waste may legally be disposed of only at approved landfills; call your state’s Department of Environmental Quality to find out where these are located and what fees are charged.

'Steps To Take To Remove Asbestos' Sources:

  • Utah State Department of Air Quality. "Asbestos Removal Procedures for Home Owners." (State of Utah, 2007).