Asbestos Removal

Ralph Blaine

I have about 100 feet of steam main in my basement (it's a rough basement and not used as living space) which are wrapped in corrugated asbestos insulation. There are about 15 joints coated in asbestos "mud". Here in Canada there don't seem to be any clearly set government regulations about removal. One contractor says he can do a "Type III" removal with negative air pressure and another says that a Type II with a "sack type" removal will do. I am concerned because the insulation is old and is beginning to fray in a few places. Is there any one with experience who could offer some advice on this?

EBEBRATT-Ed

There must be some type of governmental regulation in your area about asbestoes removal--you need to find out what that is.

Ask, building inspector, plumbing/heating inspectors, home inspectors, town officials what is required. If a contractor who may or may not know what he is doing does an improper removal you could have a lot of potential problems. Protect yourself

Boiler Guy

ALL ASBESTOS

removal must be done by certified contractors who must obtain the necessary permits and provide a clean air test on completion. Period! Fines here in Canada can easily be 5 figures for non-compliance.

Boiler Guy

Ralph

Look in your phone book under Asbestos Abatement. Where arre you located? If you are located in a smaller center, it will be quite costly to bring someone in.

jeff_51

don't remove it, recover it

a lot cheaper and you might be surprised how often it is done. Asbestos is only hazardous when it is in a friable state (ie airborne). You can eat it, drink it and wear it as long as you don't breathe it. If it isn,t in bad shape, you can also paint it to encapsulate it.

Boiler Guy

Yes

encapsulation is definitely an option. Procedures and cautionary information should be available at you public library too.

Ralph Blaine

I'm in Ottawa and I've got three quotes for removal. I have tried calling people at all levels of government. I just get passed from one person to another. One contractor quotes Ministry of Labour Regulations 510/92.

I am interested in the idea of coating the spots where the asbestos is fraying (and flaking at the joints). Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some research. Removal is tempting though because if I ever do sell many buyers will be put off by the asbestos - covered or not.

Thanks again