There are no weather-related reasons to delay removing asbestos. Asbestos can definitely be removed in the winter. In fact, asbestos can and should be removed all year round. In the winter, there may some steps taken to take into consideration the cold and wind.
Asbestos Removal
Rules governing asbestos removal are outlined in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations under federal law. There are always special tools, protocols, and experience required to remove asbestos safely, and now, there are also certifications required for those who handle asbestos.
The presence of asbestos needs to first be identified, assessed, and a plan put in place for its safe removal. There are different types of asbestos, and how it is removed depends in part on what type of asbestos is identified, and the volume of asbestos involved. Careful documentation is also required for everything including the initial investigation regarding asbestos and all steps taken to address the problem.
How Is Asbestos Removed in the Winter?
If the asbestos is going to be removed in the winter, the work area or building may need to be shrink-wrapped. The purpose of shrink-wrapping is to retain heat and also to aid in creating a negative pressure environment, so that asbestos is not released to the outside air during its removal. This is assuming that free asbestos will be liberated as part of the removal process.
When a negative-pressure environment is created, air tests are conducted to ensure that the area being decontaminated is airtight. Once the asbestos is removed, the safe disposal of the asbestos is something else that is tightly regulated required all kinds of certifications and documentation.
The same protocols for handling asbestos apply whether the removal takes place during the winter or summer or any other time of year. Asbestos is extremely toxic and dangerous, and the safety of everyone involved in its removal can and should have the highest priority.
Hazardous materials abatement is our business, and we are available to help you if you need an experienced decontamination company. We can be reached toll-free in Surrey, BC at (888) 296-2499.
Enviro-Vac is one of the oldest privately owned environmental contractors in Canada. They offer a full suite of services in hazardous materials abatement and decontamination including shrink- wrap containments and are available to work both small and large- scale projects across Canada. The head office is based in Surrey, BC.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about hazardous materials abatement, decontamination or shrink-wrap solutions, please call us on our toll-free number, (888) 296-2499.
