Countless buildings contain asbestos, and the owners of these buildings will need to decide how to deal with it.
In some cases, leaving it undisturbed or covering it up will prevent toxic exposure. In other cases, hiring an abatement company is necessary. Before doing so, consider the following tips.
Finding the right people
Several businesses specialize in removing asbestos safely and in compliance with environmental regulations. They also have the resources to handle and dispose of toxic products.
Finding the right people to do this work is crucial in ensuring the job is done correctly and safely. You can check with state agencies to locate qualified contractors or check out businesses online. You might also get references from others.
Just because they bid doesn’t mean they can do the job
One thing to note is that just because a business advertises its services or bids on a job doesn’t mean it can do the job properly.
For instance, two contractors recently had to pay $800,000 in fines for unsafe asbestos removal. The Department of Labor & Industries decertified one of the companies, but it continued to bid on projects and perform removal jobs. The other company had an extensive history of violations.
In other words, even if a company says they can remove asbestos and charge less than others, be cautious. Look into reviews and past violations before you hire any abatement company.
Don’t be tempted to DIY
It can seem unnecessary or tedious to find and hire a responsible abatement company. However, that should not deter parties from doing so. Too often, people think it would be just as easy or effective to abate asbestos themselves.
Unfortunately, this can be a catastrophic mistake. Improper asbestos handling, removal or disposal can result in toxic exposure that causes irreversible damage to people’s health.
What if it’s too late?
If you have already run into complications with improper removal, you can take steps right away to prevent further harm. You can start by reporting environmental violations to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
You might also explore your legal rights to pursue liability and compensation for your losses.
Such actions may not undo damages, but they can prevent other people from harmful exposure due to irresponsible abatement procedures.