A Brief Summary
Negative pressure enclosures are required for high-risk asbestos removal projects and aside from some variables including size and worker occupation, the fundamental components of an enclosure are essentially alike in design. Enclosures or containments may be constructed using wood, metal framing or scaffolding and have a robust polyethylene or shrink-wrap covering attached to form an airtight seal around the framing or scaffold to prevent the escape of asbestos fibres during abatement. See WSBC Video
Case Study - Multi Level Industrial Facility
The engineered containment featured on this industrial project required 35-negative pressure air units (NPUs) on each level of the facility capable of maintaining the required negative pressure while providing an air exchange estimated at 50,000 cubic feet of air per minute.
Due to the large work force required on this project a sizeable, 4-stage worker decontamination system was constructed. The decontamination stages included multiple showers to accommodate the team of workers. Each stage had airlocks at the access and egress points allowing air to enter in a controlled fashion through the enclosure to promote airflow toward the furthest end of the enclosure and finally be exhausted via the NPUs through HEPA filters to the exterior of the facility.
Why Are Enclosures Required?
High risk asbestos removal projects require enclosures or barriers to isolate an asbestos removal area from adjacent areas in a building. In an occupied building, physical barriers are often required and constructed of drywall or plywood sealed with polyethylene to make the barrier airtight.
Enclosures at a minimum must:
- Be constructed of heavy-duty, fire-rated shrink-wrap plastic or other sturdy and durable barrier.
- Be engineered to have a required amount of airflow - size dependant.
- Have all electrical, HVAC and other items locked out and isolated.
- Be placed under negative air pressure.
- Have a worker decontamination system attached and a decontamination system for waste material and equipment.
Enviro-Vac™ Mobile Worker Decontamination Systems Save Clients Time & Money
Constructing project specific worker decontamination system are labour intensive requiring skilled teams trained in the prerequisites of assembly. Often a mobile decontamination system is a more reasonable alternative. Enviro-Vac have designed a series of proprietary, climate controlled, custom built, transportable decontamination units and decontamination trailers that provide optimal conditions exceeding the minimum design criteria for asbestos and other hazardous materials required by regulatory bodies.
