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In this article, although it is assumed that you will need to ask a specialist to hire a building material containing asbestos (asbestos), which is a problem when demolishing a home, we will provide in detail what steps and points to be careful about.Asbestos is a substance with a very high risk of health damage and is strictly regulated.Therefore, it is extremely dangerous to "proceed with work based solely on your own judgment" and may also be "illegal."Be sure to properly carry out "preliminary investigations" and "appointing a chief (if the work is undertaken as labor, it is necessary under related laws).

This article aims to explain as carefully as possible so that even amateurs can read it, you can get a complete picture of "dismantling and treating asbestos-containing building materials."

However, in reality, it is essential to perform procedures and work by a qualified expert, as defined by the Asbestos Disorder Prevention Regulations (hereinafter referred to as "Asbestos Rules").Please continue reading as an "understanding of the outline" and be sure to consult and request a qualified person or administrative representative when doing specific work.

So, here you go.

Prerequisite: Preliminary surveys by specialists and training for employees are required to handle asbestos.

When handling building materials containing asbestos, first and foremost, a "preliminary investigation" by a specialist is required.Asbestos is not easily distinguishable with the naked eye, and it is common to examine the year of manufacture of building materials, product names, and uses, and sample (material collection) to analyze them as necessary.

In addition, workers involved in demolition are required to take courses such as "asbestos work manager" and "special education for workers who work asbestos and other work."

In other words, even if you partially demolish your home by DIY, if there is a possibility that asbestos may be present, you should never "destroy it on your own" basis.

According to laws, dismantling the product without properly checking for asbestos presence or absence could result in an "illegal act."Furthermore, health damage caused by asbestos (such as mesothelioma) has a long incubation period and involves a large irreversible risk.Expertise and correct procedures are extremely important.

What is asbestos?The risks and regulations

Asbestos is a general term for naturally-produced mineral fibers, and is highly heat-resistant, durable, and heat-insulating, so it has been widely used in "a variety of building materials" and industrial products in the past.However, asbestos fibers are "very fine" and are easily scattered into the air and enter the lungs.The results showed that years of inhalation could lead to fibrosis in the lungs, causing serious diseases (such as pneumoconiosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma).

In Japan, asbestos regulations have been tightened to prevent these health hazards, and in the current state that "manufacturing and use of products containing asbestos is prohibited."In addition, workers are required to comply with strict qualification requirements and work procedures, such as "asbestos work manager" and "taking special education courses."

Regarding asbestos survey,Articles belowPlease take a look as it is introduced.

What is the "level classification" of asbestos-containing building materials and "level 3" that is common in home demolition?

Asbestos-containing building materials can be divided into "Level 1" to "Level 3" depending on the magnitude of the risk of asbestos scattering during work.

1. "Level 1": Asbestos, such as spray materials, are very prone to scattering into the atmosphere.
2. "Level 2": Sound absorbing boards, etc., have a slightly high risk of scattering.
3. "Level 3": Molded plates such as slate plates with relatively low risk of scattering.

A common occurrence when demolition of a home is a molded board that falls under "Level 3".

It may have been used for exterior walls, roofing materials, interior boards, etc., and is characterized by its appearance that it is difficult to determine whether it contains asbestos.

The general flow of asbestos demolition work

Below we will explain the rough procedure, focusing on the demolition of "Level 3" asbestos-containing molded plates.This is just an overview, so in practice, please be sure to follow the laws and regulations and ask for instructions from a professional or qualified person.

I: "Preparation"

1. Make a work plan
2. Create a work procedure manual
3. Prepare the materials
4. Post preliminary survey results, work scope, etc.

The most important thing is to post preliminary survey results.It is necessary for workers and stakeholders to know which parts contain asbestos.

II: Preparation work

(1) Signboard display and ban on entry

Of course, level 1 is also not only the risk of scattering even at level 3.Surround the work area widely with ropes and barricades and install a sign that clearly states that it is a workshop that handles asbestos.

The information that should be posted is as follows:

1. Date of completion of the preliminary survey
2. Survey method and survey results overview
3. Effects of asbestos on the human body
4. Precautions for handling asbestos
5. Types of protective equipment required

By making this information visible at a glance, it can "prevent third parties from entering" and also "raising safety awareness" for workers themselves.

III: "Preparing as a worker"

Workers involved in asbestos dismantling work must receive "safety education" and "special education" and wear appropriate protective equipment.

(1) Selection of respiratory protection equipment

We will use a dustproof mask that is compatible with "Level 3".If a large amount of dust is likely to occur, it is recommended to use full-length or half-shaped respiratory protection equipment and "protective glasses."Depending on the situation at the work site, dust may be more scattered than expected.

(2) Wearing and managing work clothes

If the work is for multiple days, prepare a special work clothes and store them in the work area "sealed."When brushing off asbestos dust that has adhered, make sure you don't just use "dry brushing."Do this in a "non-splattering" way, such as sucking away with a damp towel or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.Once the work is complete, the work clothes are not taken home, but rather "washed" on site or managed in an airtight container.

(3) Notes during work

Dust control is more important than other demolition operations when removing asbestos.When removing the mask during a break, check for any dusty areas and wipe it off cleanly with a wet towel.

IV: Removal of asbestos-containing building materials

Level 3 asbestos-containing molded plates are ideally "avoid crushing and cutting as much as possible" and are removed by hand in their original shape.Please note the following points:

1. Preparation for "carrying in its original form" If you can transport waste materials while still large, prepare a "vehicle" or "flexible container" that fits the size.It is important not to increase the risk of scattering by cutting or other means.
2. If you are forced to destroy it If you are crushing it with a crowbar or circular saw, always work by sprinkling it or wetting it.By soaking it thoroughly in water, dust can be prevented from scattering.Of course, in that case, please wear "Level 3 or higher protection equipment" and glasses, and workers should ensure a "high-level protection level."
3. Cutting "large molded plates" If the slate plates are too large to carry, use sufficient watering or mist before cutting to maintain the "wet" state.If you cut it while it is dry, it can cause a large amount of dust containing asbestos to scatter, so be sure to avoid it.

V: "Work Records and Preservation"

Article 35 of the Asbestos Regulations stipulates that workers involved in asbestos removal work must "keep their work records" for 40 years from the day they no longer engage in asbestos work.The main record items are as follows:

1. Worker's name
2. Overview of work engaged and duration
3. If dust is significantly contaminated, the outline and first aid measures taken

This is a measure to address the long-term risk of health damage.Businesses and chiefs who perform asbestos-related work should fully understand the importance of records and strive to keep them.

Specific points to note when removing and transporting asbestos-containing building materials

Even if you are at level 3, there is a possibility that a lot of dust may flutter depending on the working environment.In particular, when destroying and removing roofing or wall materials, be sure to strictly adhere to the following points:

1. Thoroughly "wetting": The material to be dismantled is soaked in water in advance to prevent dust from flying.However, some building materials have low water absorption.In that case, please use the appropriate method to "repeat watering" while working.
2. Use of "shatterproof sheets" and "repellent sheets" Cover the area around the dismantled area with a vinyl sheet or special sheet to prevent asbestos dust from spreading outside.Even when working outdoors, you need to be careful not to let dust flow to the neighborhood.
3. "Maintaining the original shape" is best. Again, by maintaining the original shape as much as possible and removing it, we can minimize the occurrence of dust during disassembly.
4. "Second-free shattering during transportation" Removed asbestos-containing building materials are sealed in special bags or flexible containers (durable bags) and loaded onto the vehicle.It is important to "package carefully" to prevent damage and scattering during transportation.

Tools and protective equipment needed for work

• "Respiratory protection" (Dust-proof mask: Dust-proof performance equivalent to level 3, such as DS2 and DL2)
• "Protective glasses" and goggles (especially important if cutting work is required)
• "Disposable protective clothing" and special work clothes (minimizes the adhesion of asbestos dust)
• "Rubber boots" and safety shoes (take care not to get dust on work shoes)
• "Sealed container" or "Flexible container" (for collecting waste materials)
• "Wetting sprayers," "hoses," "airless sprayers," etc.
• "HEPA filter vacuum cleaner" (recovers dust scattered in the workshop)

These are minimum requirements, but additional equipment may be required depending on the work content and size of the site.

How to dispose of asbestos waste material and where to dispose of it

Waste materials containing asbestos are"Specially controlled industrial waste"Applies to:It is often not accepted at general waste disposal sites, and must be transported and disposed of to "asbestos-compatible disposal facilities."When selecting a processor, check the following:

1. Do you have a license from the prefecture related to the disposal site for the "industrial waste disposal business"?
2. Do you have a track record of handling asbestos?
3. Are estimates clear regarding disposal methods and costs?

To ensure that the material is accepted, it is necessary to "package after taking shatterproof measures."Furthermore, upon receipt, we are obligated to create and issue an "industrial waste management slip (manifesto)" to ensure that the product has been properly disposed of.

Things to keep in mind when DIY

In recent years, due to the DIY boom, more and more people are trying to "self-renovate" their homes.However, if the building is old, there is a risk that you will be touched by building materials containing asbestos without knowing it.Be especially aware of the following points:

1. Checking the "year of construction" In Japan, the use of asbestos was generally prohibited in 2006.It is likely that buildings before 2006 used asbestos-containing building materials.
2. "Test kits" and "Expert Analysis" It is important to use simple test kits or to ask an expert to perform sampling analysis.
3. "Don't overdo it" If there is even a slight possibility of asbestos, respond with "safety first."Even if partial disassembly or removal is required, if the procedures and protective equipment specified by laws are not properly followed, this can lead to health damage and legal troubles.
4. "Consulting with local governments and specialist contractors" Some local governments have asbestos-related consultation centers and referral systems for specialist contractors.First, contact a public institution.

Checklist for recruiting professionals who will actually do the work

Asbestos dismantling is a dangerous thing in DIY, but there are some points you should know even if you ask a professional.

1. Whether or not there is a "preliminary investigation" Check whether the contractor you are requesting will properly carry out an "asbestos analysis survey" before demolition.
2. Placement of "Asbestos Work Chief" Based on the Asbestos Rules, this is essential for "Level 1" or "Level 2" construction.Check to see if there are personnel with specialized knowledge even at level 3.
3. Present your "work plan and procedure manual" and ask them to explain in detail how shatter prevention measures will be taken.
4. "Cost and Schedule Transparency" Make sure that costs include asbestos removal costs and industrial waste disposal costs.If the schedule is incomplete, the work may become sloppy and safety measures may be neglected.
5. "After-sales follow-up" It is also important to note whether there is after-sales support, such as cleaning after work and measuring asbestos concentration in the air.

Conclusion

Above, we have introduced the points to be careful about and the overall process, focusing on demolition of asbestos-containing building materials.Asbestos-related treatment must be carried out following strict procedures, with the assumption that "preliminary surveys by specialists" and "employees take courses."If there is a defect in the work, not only can you face your health damage to those around you, but also your legal liability.Don't overdo it, always ask a reliable professional contractor, or at least contact a local government or a construction-related consultation center to check the situation.

If you are thinking of DIY renovations or demolishing them, be sure to thoroughly research the year of construction of the target building and the building materials used in advance to ensure that you have a correct understanding of the risk of asbestos.Safety is the most important thing to do, and maintain your home while maintaining your health in the long term.

Reference materials and respect

• National Liaison Association for Asbestos Measures General Incorporated Association Building Materials Database [Translation Failed] (A wealth of information on how to identify asbestos-containing building materials and how to handle them)
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: "Asbestos Disorder Prevention Regulations" (Specific regulations for asbestos work have been established)

Asbestos-related work is inevitably regulated and hassle-free, but "health and safety" are the top priority.With the correct knowledge, facilities and the help of experts, we will thoroughly address the risk of asbestos.

I hope this article will be of some help to you.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via comments or inquiries.We will continue to provide information for "safety" and "comfortable living."That's all about DIY Renova.

In the first place, how much can I do to renovate my home?Where should I start?In other words,Herefrom.If you would like to know more about the specific renovation process and construction,HerePlease also take a look at the page!