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Are there any people who enjoy self-renovation and DIY, or are worried about whether they want to dismantle old slate roofs or corrugated boards from warehouses, but is this containing asbestos?

In fact, slate roofing materials such as corrugated sheet slate and color vest colonial, which were manufactured and used until around the 1980s, often contain asbestos.Asbestos is a substance that is prone to causing health damage if not handled properly, and is currently strictly regulated by law.

In this article, we will explain in detail the steps, necessary equipment, legal procedures and qualifications, so that even amateurs can understand it.However, the first thing I would like to say is that, "As a general rule, the demolition of building materials containing asbestos should be done by a specialist company."There are very few cases where it can be demolished via DIY, and if the conditions of local governments and regulations are not strictly adhered to, there is a risk of serious trouble.

Through this article, we hope that you will understand the importance of preliminary research, the disassembly procedure, and the process of disposal, and if asbestos contains it, it will give you the opportunity to decide, "I'll ask an expert to do this..."If you force yourself to go, it could cause irreversible damage to your family and neighbors, as well as your family.Please read safety first, and compliance with laws and regulations is your number one priority.

Basic premise for asbestos dismantling: Obligation for preliminary investigation

1. It is not permitted to have asbestos after work

Since the 2020s, regulations relating to asbestos have been further strengthened, and "preliminary investigations" have become mandatory when demolition or renovation work is being carried out.Specifically, based on the Air Pollution Control Act, specialist investigations must be conducted in advance, not only when demolishing or renovating a building of a certain size or larger, but also when there is suspected of asbestos content, even on a small scale.

"It actually used asbestos after the demolition process was finished" is a major legal issue.There is an extremely high risk of dust inhaling or scattering it around it, so it is always necessary to check whether or not there is asbestos through a "preliminary survey" through experts and the government.

The following is a brief introduction,HereWe will introduce more detailed information on how to request a contractor (although it takes time) and what qualifications to obtain to conduct the investigation and how to apply, so please take a look if you need it.

2. What will you do in the preliminary survey?

• Samples of building materials are cut out and asbestos content is analyzed using a microscope or optical technique.
• Normally, the normal disassembly work will only be carried out if the survey results are found to contain asbestos.
• If it is determined that it contains asbestos (including level 3), legal procedures and notification will be required.

At this point, don't just think, "It's level 3 building materials, so it's fine," but carefully check the building size and the rules of the local government.In some cases, restrictions may arise such as "Asbestos work manager will need to be assigned" or "Only qualified contractors can dismantle this site."

Characteristics and points to note about asbestos-containing slate

1. What products will it be eligible?

• Corrugated slate board, flat slate board
• Old products that were widely used in roofing materials, such as colour vests and colonials.
• It is said that the manufacturing period is mostly around the 1960s to 1980s.

If the slate surface is peeling off in pieces or deteriorates to the point of appearing powdery debris, there is a high risk of scattering.Slate boards that are being stored and old corrugated boards removed during expansion and renovation are also suspected of containing asbestos.

2. Be careful of materials around the slate

Asbestos fibers may also be attached to other materials that are "joined" with asbestos-containing slate (such as roofing, caulking, sheet metal parts);Therefore, during the disassembly or removal stage, it is not enough to just "handle this part appropriately because it does not contain it."If adjacent materials are also contaminated, they may need to be disposed of asbestos waste.

Eligibility and basic legal knowledge required for demolition

1. Types of asbestos-related qualifications

Working with building materials containing asbestos may require the following qualifications and special education:This depends on the scale of work, the level of building materials (1-3), and the type of work, but typically are as follows:

1. "Asbestos Work Chief"
   • It is essential for the scale and type of work that requires a chief (work that requires a specific notification).
2. "Special education for asbestos handling work"
   • If you are working on a level 3 building material (such as slate) that is expected to generate dust, the worker will need to take the task.
3. "Specially managed industrial waste management manager"
   • This is often necessary for disposal businesses that handle asbestos waste.

Even if you want to "reply a part of the roof of your home" by DIY, as long as it is discovered that it contains asbestos, it is generally necessary for a person with some kind of qualification to work.In other words, it is important to understand that it is likely legally not acceptable for ordinary people to dismantle the structure without their qualifications.

2. Key points of related regulations

• "Air Pollution Prevention Act": Provisions to prevent asbestos shattering prevention
• "Asbestos Disorder Prevention Regulations": Work Standards established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act
• "Waste Disposal Act": Obligation to properly treat waste materials containing asbestos.
• "Building Standards Act": This may affect confirmation applications for large-scale renovations or demolition

Each law determines the size of the buildings covered and the construction details.It is difficult for an individual to understand everything, so it is important to contact the local government's Building Guidance Division or the environmental conservation department to directly check whether this level of demolition is possible.

Cases and limits for DIY

1. If asbestos exclusion is confirmed in advance on a small scale

If the slate has been officially proven in advance that it does not contain asbestos, it can also be dismantled by DIY.However, you still need to be careful when working at high altitudes and disposing of waste materials, so take sufficient safety precautions.

2. Asbestos is included, but the construction site is extremely small and allows DIY according to local government guidelines

In a rare case, some local governments may say that, for example, replacing one or two corrugated boards in warehouses, "As long as you report and receive special education, you can DIY it."However, this is very rare and is often limited to cases where dust is hardly produced, so please check with the department in charge without making a simple judgment.

3. In most cases, specialist contractors are entrusted

To repeat, basically, once it is discovered that "the slate contains asbestos," it is practical to follow a route where you will need to hire a specialist, regardless of the size.Legal regulations are strict to the point where it's not enough to just make it "doing DIY".

Necessary equipment, tools and preparation

Here we will summarize the necessary equipment and preparations as a reference when slates that have been confirmed as "no asbestos" or when DIY is permitted on a truly tiny scale with permission from the local government.If it is found to contain asbestos, please use it as a reference only.

1. "Dustproof mask (National certification)"
   • Even when DIYing, delicate dust may flutter when dismantling the slate, so it is always worn.
2. "Safety glasses and goggles"
   • Prevents dust from entering the eyes.
3. "Gloves and disposable protective clothing"
   • Avoid bringing dust from contact with your skin or dust that has stuck to your clothes into the house.(At Level 3, it is not essential, but it is better to wear something that will easily remove asbestos when smooth. If it's difficult to find, it may be easier if you make a profit.
4. "Bar Drill Impact Driver"
   • Used to remove slates that are secured with nails or bolts.The key is to remove it carefully so that it doesn't break.
5. "Water hose and sprayer"
   • If dust is produced, it will be wet at any time.
6. "Vinyl sheet/tape for protection"
   • Enclose the work area to prevent waste material from scattering.
7. "Safety belts, scaffolding, helmets"
   • Slate roofs often break when stepped on, and there is a risk of falling.Essential for high-altitude work.

Dismantling procedure flow: Specific steps

Below is an example of a slate dismantling that has been determined to be "no asbestos."In reality, if asbestos is contained, please be careful as before this procedure, "work by a qualified person" and "more strict measures to prevent the spread of asbestos" are required.

STEP 1. Preparation of work area and ensuring safety of surrounding areas

• Enclose the roof and walls where you are working with ropes and barricades to prevent anyone other than those involved from approaching it.
• Protective sheets are laid out to prevent waste materials from falling into adjacent buildings and cars.
• Weather check: It can be said that dust is difficult to fly on rainy weather or strong winds, but it is safe to avoid this as it increases the risk of working at high altitudes.

STEP 2. Check the fixtures of existing slate

• Check whether it is held with nails, bolts, or screws.
• Deteriorating nails and bolts may be rusty and difficult to remove, so consider using lubricant or cutting tools to remove the head if necessary.

STEP 3. Carefully remove one sheet at a time.

• Remove the fixture, taking care not to crack the slate surface.
• If you force it to crack, it will likely cause dust to come out, so when using the crowbar, apply force slowly and little by little.
• If you are likely to crack, remove the screws one by one with an impact screwdriver or something, then gently pull out the board to reduce dust.

STEP 4. Wetting to suppress dust

• When removing the slate or where there is a possibility of cracking, lightly sprinkle water with a sprayer.
• However, if the roof under the roof gets wet by pouring too much water, there is a risk of rot, so cure the surrounding area thoroughly and keep it with the minimum amount of water needed.
• Wipe the area frequently and check to see if any debris has flown.

STEP 5. Handling of removed slate

• Store the removed slate in layers, and wrap it in a double plastic sheet or place in a large bag to prevent it from breaking.
• If dust or fine fragments appear, collect them and place them in an airtight container.
• If you suspect that there is something suspicious about it, then you need the courage to immediately stop working and call an expert.

STEP 6. Scaffolding and cleaning

• Once you have removed all the slate you need, thoroughly clean the area before removing the footing.
• Mainly wipe with water to avoid leaving any dust or debris as much as possible (avoid sweeping to raise dust).
• If possible, clean work clothes and goggles outdoors before bringing them inside the house.

Detailed general slate dismantling procedureHereIt is listed in this article, so please take a look if necessary!

Disposal phase including adjacent materials: how to transport and where to dispose of it?

1. If there is no asbestos

• Slate itself is treated as a general "industrial waste" or disposed of using a method designated by a local government.
• In some areas, the product may be accepted as "general waste," but as handling varies depending on the amount and type, please be sure to check with your local government.
• Consult the government office to see if adjacent materials (roofing, caulk, etc.) can also be disposed of as normal waste materials.

2. If it is found to contain asbestos

• Always ask an industrial waste company that has permission to handle asbestos waste.
• It is against the law to let it go out with household trash without permission, even if it is a very small amount.
• The base material and caulk that were in contact with each other are likely to be considered to be contaminated with asbestos, so they must be disposed of all at once.
• The disposal company issues an "Industrial Waste Management Certificate (Manifesto)" and confirm it until the final disposal.

Q&A: What to do in such a situation?

Q1. "Is it okay if it's a small area without having to do a preliminary investigation?"

As a general rule, it's not good.Now that preliminary investigations have been mandatory by law, since slate may contain asbestos, even on a small roof in a warehouse, "starting with an amateur's judgment" and "discovering it later" is a serious issue.Be sure to get a survey or talk to an expert.

Q2. "Can I DIY myself if I obtain the qualifications required to dismantle asbestos?"

Some people actually obtain qualifications by undergoing special education for asbestos handling work, but whether the work itself is within the scope permitted by law or not is a separate issue.Even if you obtain a qualification, there will remain a huge hurdle, such as reporting to local governments, shatter prevention equipment, and securing disposal routes.It's difficult to get that sorted out with a DIY private home.It's not impossible, but always do your research and use professional knowledge to proceed!

Q3. "When I dismantled it, the base was also in ruins. Was this also a discarded asbestos?"

Asbestos dust may be attached or mixed into the base, roofing, caulk material, and even the surrounding insulation materials.At the discretion of a specialist, it may be necessary to dispose of it all together as "asbestos waste."

Q4. "I'd like to cut the corrugated board to make it shorter because it looks like it's going to break. Is it OK if I pour water on it?"

Cutting and processing slate, which may contain asbestos, is extremely dangerous.Spraying water does not completely prevent dust.This is an absolute must-avoid act in DIY.

Q5. "I want to demolish an old building all at once. Maybe the roof is asbestos..."

If you are demolishing an entire building, it may be included in walls, insulation, etc. besides asbestos roofs.If the notification criteria are met by law, procedures are required, and most specialists will carry out comprehensive removal work.In most cases, unauthorized DIY dismantling is illegal.

Summary

Asbestos slate dismantling is one of the areas where there is a high hurdle and high risk among DIY renovations.As mentioned in this article,

1. Be sure to check in advance: It's not enough to just say "it was actually asbestos" after the work.It is both legally and health-wise, so be sure to check in advance whether the product is contained in the product through professionals or governmental agencies.
2. Qualification and scale issues:If it is found to contain asbestos, the general rule is to "request a specialist."The situation where DIY is permitted is only small and only if it meets local government guidelines.
3. Disposal of adjacent materials: Not only the slate itself, but also the nearby base, caulk, and surrounding parts are likely to need to be treated as asbestos contamination.
4. Safety first and compliance with lawsEven if asbestos is not included, it is still a high-level work and dust will be released, so it is essential to equipment such as protective masks and helmets, and comply with rules for disposal of waste materials.

I understand the feeling of "I really want to do it DIY!", but the asbestos issue is even more serious and complicated than I imagined.If you have any doubts, it would be wise to consult an expert and proceed with the disassembly and disposal in an appropriate manner.Investing in safety is the quickest way to protect yourself from future troubles and health damage.

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!