Older Commercial Properties Might Need Commercial Asbestos Removal

Posted on: 12 August 2021

Do you own or maintain an older commercial building? If so, it is imperative that you determine whether there are hazardous building materials in it. This responsibility is even more important if you are leasing the building or portions of it to others. Asbestos is a hazardous building material that has been banned for use by the federal government. The ban did not make commercial asbestos removal mandatory, however. This is why property owners need to be proactive in determining whether it is present and make remediation plans if needed. The following points will help you understand what you need to do to protect yourself and others. 

Get an Inspection

Do not assume that you can tell if asbestos is present in your property. The toxic substance was used in a variety of building materials and commercial equipment such as boilers. Asbestos was used in paint, fireproofing sealants, ceramic pipes, drywall, insulation, flooring, flooring adhesives, and more. It was widely used before its toxicity was known. This is why it is best to get a professional inspection. 

React With Due Diligence

You need to rectify the issue as soon as possible if asbestos is discovered. If your commercial property is a building with spaces that you lease to others, you need to inform them of the findings. If you are a landlord and have tenants, they need to be informed, too. Ensure you understand what the local laws and statutes are. There might be special protocols you need to follow. For example, local laws might require complete asbestos removal rather than services like encapsulation and repair. You must abide by the law to avoid sanctions or, in the worst-case scenario, being forced to vacate the property. 

Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Depending on the law, the amount of asbestos found in the building, and the chosen plan for abatement or removal, you might need to provide PPE to everyone who has to enter the building until the project is completed. The PPE will reduce the chances of individuals inhaling the cancerous particles from the asbestos. When the project begins, the property must be vacated for safety reasons. Individuals who breathe in the particles from asbestos can develop a severe type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. 

A commercial asbestos removal company is a good resource to use as you make plans to determine how safe your commercial property is. They can usually check for other toxic materials like lead paint too. You might find that since your property is older it is laden with toxic building materials. 

Contact a company that provides commercial asbestos removal services to learn more.

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