How Government Agencies control Asbestos Removal in Roofing Materials
In the past, asbestos was a widely popular material used in the design of roofing products. Asbestos was used as a fire retardant, insulating material, and a versatile manufacturing component. Its popularity in roofs was mainly due to its fire resistant capabilities. As a result, asbestos was used in asphalt shingles, roofing paper, vents, and even roll roofing. Between 1920 and 1981, it is estimated that over 80% of buildings had asbestos-containing material.
Because asbestos has been shown to pose significant health hazards in the home, government agencies have had to step in to regulate how asbestos is handled. When the material is undisturbed, it poses minimal risks to people. However, it is when repairs and renovations occur that cause asbestos fibres to be released into the air and inhaled by people who are nearby.
Regulating the Demolition and Renovation of Buildings
Old roofs are a source of exposure to asbestos, because of the widespread use of the product in roof sealing, shingles, and vents in the mid-20th century. Therefore those replacing old roofs when renovating or demolishing buildings are at risk of asbestos exposure.
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency requires that demolitions and renovation of commercial buildings be thoroughly inspected by relevant officials before the process occurs. This is to ensure that asbestos containing materials (especially on roofing and window components) are adequately wetted and correctly disposed of in leak-tight containers and in a quick and efficient manner.
These procedures are particularly important during the renovation of old building roofs. When roofs are being installed in one section of a building and not another, the removal of the old roof can lead to the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Different sections of the roof need to be handled in isolated areas where the fibres can be controlled from spreading to unwanted locations.
Imposition of Specific Work Practices to Control Release of Asbestos
During window replacement and installation, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency has classified and ranked several practices as involving little risk to asbestos exposure and others as being high risk. Low-risk exposure activities include removing and transporting shingles, sealant and casements, cleaning windowpanes, painting roofing materials, and visual inspections of roofing conditions.
High-risk exposure activities include dry wiping of dust containing asbestos, shredding roofing materials in whole or in part, and removing window sealant using milling machines and cutters.
The roof installation process, especially in older homes, often begins with an age assessment of the property, an analysis of any previous installation processes, acquiring of samples to test for asbestos, and a restriction on the use of abrasive power tools that may cause small particles to be released into the air. For more information on asbestos roof replacement, contact your local roofing team today.
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