Asbestos Vinyl Removal

Asbestos Vinyl Removal is Classified Class A Asbestos Removal by Worksafe NZ Limited under the New Zealand Asbestos Regulations 2016 and the prescribed method of set up,Removal and Disposal.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Asbestos Removalist that operates in Auckland and Tauranga will expl;ain 2 aspects of the Set up stage in detail. As previously explained Asbestos Vinyl Removal is classified Class A Asbestos Removal Activity.

The Set up stage of the Asbestos Vinyl Removal is very important as John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd States because it encapsulates the Removal Area and keeps all the activity within the Removal Area. The Removal Area of the Asbestos Vinyl Removal is also encapsulated as a buffer to protect the uncontaminated areas of the House.(We are only talking about Residential in this blog)

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Asbestos Removalist that operates in Auckland and Tauranga explains that the Removal Area of the Asbestos Vinyl Removal activity is encapsulated with Plastic. John Kerr from Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that it is not only Plastic but it is a very thick Plastic of 200micron which is prescribed by Worksafe NZ.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd States that it has been Prescribed this way by Worksafe NZ because sometimes Asbestos Vinyl Removal can be quite Friable and this creates a very strong Barrier between Contamination and Non Contamination Areas.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Asbestos Removalist that operates in Auckland and Tauranga says the Plastic is so thick for Asbestos Vinyl Removal activity that Staples and Duct Tape are used to Keep the Plastic in place. The Thickness of the Plastic during the Asbestos Vinyl Removal activity also keeps it quite rigid and cannot be blown around by draughts or wind from other avenues.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that the Plastic is put all around the walls and Ceiling of the Removal Area of the Asbestos Vinyl Removal. The purpose of the Plastic is also not to Contaminate the surfaces of the Removal area during Asbestos Vinyl Removal. Most of the Asbestos during Asbestos Vinyl Removal is located within the Vinyl for Paperback Vinyl or in the Glue underneath the Vinyl. The Asbestos Vinyl Removal process thus can disperse a lot of Asbestos Fibres into the air, therefore the plastic captures this and retains it in within the Removal area says John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Asbestos Removalist that operates in Auckland and Tauranga says therefore the integrity of the Plastic Enclosure must be sound with no gaps or holes during the Asbestos Vinyl Removal process. So there is great emphasis on the Set up of the Plastic.John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says there are many checks and balances to make sure the integrity of the plastic enclosure is safe.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says one test used to show the integrity of the Plastic Enclosure is air tight during the Asbestos Vinyl Removal process is the usage of smoke. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd states that smoke will always be drawn to where there is wind or a draught and shows where the Asbestos Fibres will escape during the Asbestos Vinyl Removal Process.

Safe Procedures for Asbestos Vinyl Removal from House Floors in Auckland

The removal of asbestos-containing vinyl flooring is a delicate process that requires meticulous attention to safety and regulatory compliance, especially in residential areas like Auckland. Companies such as Safety 1st Removals Ltd and Safety 1st Projects Ltd specialize in this field, employing best practices to ensure the health and safety of both the removal team and the household residents. This article outlines the safe procedures these companies follow when removing asbestos vinyl from house floors in Auckland.

Initial Assessment and Planning

The first step in the safe removal of asbestos vinyl flooring involves a thorough assessment of the property. Safety 1st Removals Ltd typically conducts a detailed inspection to identify the presence and extent of asbestos-containing materials. This might involve taking samples of the flooring material and having them tested in a certified laboratory. Once confirmed, Safety 1st Projects Ltd formulates a removal plan, detailing the method, timeline, and safety measures to be implemented, following the guidelines set by New Zealand's WorkSafe regulations.

Preparation of the Work Area

Before the removal process begins, the affected area must be isolated to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. This involves sealing off the room with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape, and installing airlock systems if necessary. Safety signage and barriers are put up to keep unauthorised personnel away from the work area. The HVAC systems are turned off, and any furniture or non-fixed items are removed to prevent contamination.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel involved in the asbestos removal process are required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This typically includes respirators with HEPA filters, disposable coveralls, gloves, and eye protection. Safety 1st Removals Ltd ensures all staff are adequately trained in the use of PPE and understand the importance of maintaining a sealed protective layer between them and any asbestos materials.

Wet Removal Method

To reduce the release of asbestos fibers, a wet removal method is often employed. This involves dampening the asbestos vinyl flooring with water mixed with a surfactant to prevent asbestos dust from becoming airborne. The wetting process must be thorough to ensure the fibers are adequately contained.

Careful Removal and Waste Handling

The asbestos-containing vinyl is carefully cut and removed in manageable sections to minimize breakage and the potential release of fibers. The removed material is immediately placed into labelled, heavy-duty asbestos waste bags, which are then sealed and wiped down to remove any external contamination.

Safety 1st Projects Ltd ensures that all asbestos waste is handled according to local and national regulations, including transportation in sealed containers to an approved asbestos waste disposal facility.

Decontamination Procedures

After the asbestos vinyl has been removed, a comprehensive decontamination of the work area is undertaken. This involves cleaning all surfaces with wet wipes and a HEPA vacuum to remove any residual asbestos particles. The decontamination process extends to the removal team, who must follow strict decontamination protocols before leaving the work area.

Air Monitoring and Clearance Testing

Air monitoring is conducted throughout the asbestos removal process to ensure airborne fiber levels remain below permissible exposure limits. Upon completion of the work, a licensed asbestos assessor performs clearance testing to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation. Only after a successful clearance certificate is issued can the containment be dismantled.

Documentation and Reporting

Throughout the entire asbestos removal process, Safety 1st Removals Ltd and Safety 1st Projects Ltd maintain comprehensive records, including initial assessments, air monitoring data, and clearance certificates. This documentation is crucial for compliance with regulatory requirements and for providing homeowners with peace of mind that the work has been performed safely and effectively.

Conclusion

The removal of asbestos vinyl flooring is a complex process that demands a high level of expertise and adherence to strict safety protocols. In Auckland, companies like Safety 1st Removals Ltd and Safety 1st Projects Ltd are at the forefront of ensuring that these removals are carried out safely, effectively, and in compliance with New Zealand's health and safety standards. By adhering to these stringent procedures, they protect the health of both their workers and the residents of the homes they service.