First and foremost, you should definitely considering hiring an experienced and licensed expert for your asbestos pipe insulation removal, because after all, you might get exposed to the toxic asbestos fibers if you decide to do the job yourself.
From the early 1930s until the mid 1970s, the mineral asbestos was broadly used in industrial, commercial and residential construction. A damaged asbestos containing material poses a high health risk because its fibers are likely to get airborne. If inhaled or ingested, the microscopically small particles get lodged in the respiratory system and can cause the development of severe diseases including asbestosis, cancer of the lung, mesothelioma and kidney cancer.
The use of asbestos is not completely banned in the United States. However, it has been regulated since 1989. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are still found in a wide array of products that were used in the past for construction purposes, such as asbestos roofing shingles, floor tiles, heating systems and asbestos pipe insulation.
Workers need to put on the appropriate protective clothing before they start with the removal of the asbestos pipe insulation. Specifically, they are required to wear eye protection, boot covers, disposable overalls and rubber gloves. Furthermore, they have to wear a protective hood and a special HEPA respirator (purple coded). Asbestos contractors are mandated by law to provide their workers with a so called 'change-area', including a shower.
In a first step the asbestos removal area needs to be isolated from adjacent locations. After that, thick layers of sheet plastic need to be installed to thoroughly seal off the affected site. Doors, fixtures and windows have to be covered with plastic cloth and tape. It is advisable to also cover floor walls and ceilings. All furniture must be removed. Immobile items need to be protected with a double layer of thick plastic cloth.
The law requires identifying asbestos abatement sites with an adequate warning sign. The air onsite should be changed at least four times per hour during the asbestos removal process. In addition to that, asbestos contractors have to set up a special air exchange system that is in accordance with the EPA regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets forth strict regulations regarding the actual asbestos pipe insulation removal. Specifically, if the insulation does contain asbestos, however, has not been damaged or is non-friable, even a non licensed contractor is permitted to perform the removal. But if the insulation does show signs of damage or wear, it must be removed by a licensed asbestos contractor only. But either way, there are guidelines that have to be strictly abided by in order to conduct a safe asbestos pipe insulation removal and disposal. During the removal process, it is recommended to water down the insulation to keep it wet, in order to prevent the asbestos fibers from getting released into the air. As the insulation is being taken out, it should remain intact and removed in whole sections. Pulverization or crumbling has to be avoided; therefore, the insulation can’t be sawed, chipped or grinded. In general, power tools should not be used. The disposal of the ACM requires to put the removed insulation in plastic bags which need to be sealed with duct tape. The material along with the disposable protective clothing needs to be placed in a plastic container which needs to be labeled with an 'asbestos waste' sign and brought to a landfill that is equipped to dispose everything environmentally friendly and in compliance with the law.