Asbestos is still prevalent in countless buildings across cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. When disturbed, its microscopic fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It is crucial to use specialized removal methods when handling building materials that contain asbestos.
One such method is “controlled demolition with asbestos in place.” This approach allows for the demolition of buildings without releasing hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, minimizing risk to workers and the surrounding community.
What is Controlled Demolition with Asbestos in Place?
Controlled demolitions involve carefully dismantling a structure while taking extensive precautions to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. Instead of removing the asbestos-containing materials (ACM) prior to demolition, which can be a costly process, this method allows the ACMs to remain undisturbed. The goal is to safely knock down the structure while avoiding airborne contamination.
This method is typically used when the removal of asbestos prior to demolition would be impractical, too expensive, or unnecessarily disruptive. It can also be employed in cases where the asbestos-containing materials are in poor condition or difficult to access, whether they’re in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas of a building.
How Do Controlled Demolitions with Asbestos in Place Work?
Controlled demolition with asbestos in place requires strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of specialized equipment. Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Site Assessment and Risk Evaluation: Before starting the demolition process, a comprehensive site assessment is conducted. This includes identifying the type, location, and condition of all asbestos-containing materials. A thorough evaluation helps to determine whether controlled demolition is a feasible and safe option.
2. Developing a Detailed Plan: Project designers outline the specific procedures and safety measures to be followed during the demolition process. This plan will include containment strategies, monitoring techniques, and emergency protocols to prevent the release of asbestos fibers.
3. Water Suppression Systems: To further reduce the risk of airborne contamination, contractors often deploy a water suppression system. They spray water onto materials as they are dismantled, which keeps dust levels low and minimizes the incidence of airborne fibers.
4. Controlled Dismantling: The demolition itself is carried out in a carefully controlled manner. The building is typically brought down in sections or pieces to minimize vibration and dust. The asbestos-containing materials are either left intact or broken down in such a way that they do not release harmful fibers.
5. Air Monitoring and Post-Demolition Cleanup: In New York State, a third-party air monitor conducts air sampling throughout the demolition process to ensure the air surrounding the work site is clean. The air monitoring inspector keeps tabs on the prevailing winds and checks that the contractor is using safe demolition methods. After the bulk of the demolition is complete, the crew thoroughly cleans the site to remove any remaining asbestos debris. The third-party air monitor then performs a final visual inspection.
Benefits of Controlled Demolition with Asbestos in Place
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Removing asbestos before demolition can be expensive and time-consuming. By leaving asbestos in place during the demolition process, property owners can save on the costs of asbestos removal, transportation, and disposal.
2. Minimized Exposure: Controlled demolition techniques, such as water suppression and containment systems, significantly reduce the likelihood of exposing workers and the surrounding community to harmful asbestos fibers.
3. Efficiency: By allowing the building to be demolished with asbestos in place, the demolition process can proceed more quickly, which can be beneficial when working under tight timelines.
4. Environmental Protection: Controlled demolition minimizes the environmental impact of asbestos removal by ensuring that no asbestos debris is left behind or released into the environment.
How AEG Can Help
AEG’s NYSDOL-certified Project Designers can create site-specific work plans to ensure the controlled demolition is executed as safely and efficiently as possible. Meanwhile, AEG’s certified asbestos project monitors and air sampling technicians provide peace of mind for the contractors, clients, and neighbors.
AEG offers its asbestos services across New York State, including the following areas:
Syracuse, New York
Buffalo, New York
Albany, New York
Rochester, New York
Binghamton, New York
Utica, New York
Ithaca, New York
Watertown, New York
Auburn, New York
Geneva, New York
Batavia, New York
Niagara Falls, New York
Poughkeepsie, New York
Daniel O’Brien is the Vice President of Apex Environmental Group. His certifications include Certified Health and Safety Technician, EPA Lead Inspector, NYSDOL Asbestos Project Designer, NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector, and NYSDOL Mold Assessor.
