Asbestos Removal In Pipe Insulation

Pipe insulation using asbestos is common in those older homes which have some asbestos insulation in their sidings or walls. In the past, asbestos was used extensively in construction activities partly because it was economical but also for the reason that it was effective. Asbestos pipe insulation is used to wrap around the whole pipe so as to maintain warmth during winter and for cooling during summer.

Asbestos fibers have been proven to cause a number of health complications such as lung cancer and skin irritation. These are the emerging health concerns that are prompting the drive to have asbestos removed from structures and from homes.

The Interim Chemical Review Committee (ICRC) of the United Nations Environment Programme in 2001 recommended that the 5 remaining forms of asbestos: chrysotile, amosite, tremolite actinolite and anthophyllite be added to the Agency's interim Prior Informed Consent (PIC) List. This is an existing international list of potentially hazardous chemicals which may not to get exported unless the country importing them explicitly agrees follow the laid down safety protocols set up by the UNEP.

Work Site Preparation

When the asbestos removal has begun, it is possible to easily free the harmful fibers into the air where they could get inhaled. It is essential that the work area be prepared so that when you are removing the asbestos pipe insulation you also protect your health, that of neighbours and the environment. It is recommended that the person doing the removal puts on appropriate disposable clothing so that the legs and arms are covered. The eyes and the head should be well covered using a good respirator that has an asbestos approved filter. Because you need to have the entire room or site well covered and completely sealed, place recommended plastic sheeting all over the floors plus all along the close walls using good quality tape. As much as is possible, also have the windows and the doors sealed too.

Insulation Removal Procedure

Once you are sure that the work site is well covered and secure, you may begin to have the asbestos piping removed. Ensure you have sufficient water to completely saturate the asbestos pipe insulations before you commence work and every now and then as you work on them. It would be good if you worked in sections moving from one seam of the insulation to the next, rather than work on the whole site simultaneously.

Asbestos that is wet is less prone to produce harmful fibers. As you remove each section you may want to have it placed directly into the disposal bags while still wet. This reduces the amount fibres that get airborne. Once the removal is done, have the bag properly sealed with tape.

Final Cleaning Up

Once all the pipe insulation has been safely removed, remove all your protective clothing before you re-enter the main building and have it wetted down or discarded. Once all the asbestos materials have been removed, have the site cleaned using wet mops or rags but do not vacuum clean as this may stir up any lingering fibres.

In a June 2008 Joint Technical Information Note by the UNEP and WHO country offices in Beijing following the May 12, 2008 Sichuan, China earthquake, the need to keep piles of all asbestos-containing substances covered was emphasized. It recommended covering such with sheets of plastic or with tarpaulins until they can get safely disposed or stored.


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