Protective Gear That Should Be Worn When Handling Asbestos

Posted in Asbestos Removal, on July 02, 2021

Most buildings in Mississauga were built before this material was banned in construction and often require asbestos removal. Discovering asbestos in any residential or commercial building is always bad news. Once inhaled, small fragments of this hazardous material wreak havoc in the lungs, causing very severe afflictions in the long term. If you find any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) at your property, you should consider them dangerous and avoid them until you can get professional asbestos testing in Mississauga to determine if they pose a hazard. Common areas with asbestos 

Asbestos was commonly used for various materials, so its presence can be detected in different areas of the home.

Most common ACMs include:

• roofing materials
• vinyl floor tiles
• pipe insulation
• popcorn ceilings
• cement flooring
• carpet underlay
• loose-fill insulation
• wall sheeting
• insulation below wood heaters and fireplaces

Any damage to these materials could be a potential source of contamination. Asbestos testing in Mississauga is the best way to determine if your home is safe. If asbestos is detected, especially at dangerous levels, it’s best to urgently request asbestos removal in Mississauga and call Canada’s Restoration Services, a professional service. If you need to be in the contaminated space before the testing and removal, you must protect yourself with safety equipment. 

Mask or a Respirator 

To prevent the inhalation of asbestos microfibrils, it is crucial to wear proper respiratory protective equipment. Ordinary masks do not offer adequate protection against them. To be safe in an area contaminated with asbestos, it is necessary to wear at least a P2 disposable mask, or optimally a half-face respirator. It is also essential for these to fit well and not be affected by facial hair, glasses, or similar.

Disposable overalls 

Regular clothes create a risk of contamination spread, as asbestos microfibrils can easily catch onto them. Hazmat suits may seem a bit extreme, but they offer the best protection from microfibrils especially during asbestos testing in Mississauga and abatement. Various alternatives can do the job just as well, but make sure they’re tested and approved for asbestos removal.

Asbestos protective overalls are intended for one-time use. Before taking them off gently, spray them with a light mist of water to make the fibrils stick to the material. The used overalls should be disposed of in a thick plastic bag. The bag should be tightly sealed to prevent any fibrils from coming out.

Foot Wear & Gloves

Boot covers and gloves also play an important role in reducing the risk of microfibril spread and protect the person wearing them. Before taking them off and disposing of them along with the overalls, always check if there are any holes in the material. If your shoes have been in contact with the fibrils, it is best to throw them away.

Although the idea of being completely covered in plastic is undoubtedly unattractive, it is necessary to take that precaution to avoid inhaling and spreading asbestos microfibrils. Dealing with asbestos is a serious job that requires trained personnel and years of experience.

Call the specialists at CRS in Mississauga to get asbestos testing and removal service for your home.