Knowing Asbestos Regulations Is Importnat
This article discusses the importance of knowing the asbestos regulations when homeowners are considering renovations that require the removal of asbestos-containing materials or when these materials have been damaged. Asbestos is a kind of silicate mineral that proved to be very useful in the construction of buildings because it is resistant to fire, heat, chemicals, degradation and electricity. It has also been added to other materials because of its high tensile strength and its flexibility. There are six types of asbestos, which are amosite, chrysotile, anthophyllite, crocidolite, actinolite and tremolite. The most commonly used are amosite and chrysotile but the most dangerous is crocidolite. For many years, this material was used for automotive and construction purposes. However, the discover of its health effects finally resulted in the passage of asbestos regulations including its ban by the EPA in 1989.
Workers in the automotive industry can also be exposed to asbestos dust and fibers. This is because this mineral is a common ingredient in the production of clutch plates, brake shoes and brake pads. When friction is applied on these materials, dust and fibers are released into the air. Asbestos may also be used in the shipyards and in the construction industry. Thus, the government has also issued work regulations. Aside from having controls to check the the degree of exposure to asbestos that the workers are subjected to, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also requires employers to maintain data regarding exposure.
Because of updates to federal laws on this mineral, asbestos regulations require the testing of all buildings to be demolished regardless of age to find out if asbestos is present. If asbestos is present, the laws require the asbestos remediation before the permit for demolition is released. If this is not done, the permits are not issued and a fine will be imposed. However, it is not advisable for owners not to attempt to get rid of the asbestos themselves. This is not only hazardous to you but also to others. There are professional companies with workers who have undergone asbestos removal training. These contractors also have the proper experience and the knowledge about regulations and how to abide by them. This may be a costly undertaking but the money that you save if you do the job yourself is definitely not enough to make up for the problems that can occur with exposure to asbestos.
Meanwhile, most residential homes are not covered by the asbestos regulations by virtue of the private rights of homeowners. The homeowner, who is a private resident, is not affected by the laws unless asbestos dust and fibers are released into the air due to the activities of the homeowner. On the other hand, public works and commercial businesses need to report to the authorities any detection of asbestos and then obtain a certification after the asbestos has been properly eliminated. While the rules and regulations may be time consuming and inconvenient, the removal of certain risks can make people feel safer in their homes and in the office.
