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California Asbestos Abatement Procedures


All California asbestos abatement companies must be licensed by the state of California and follow the appropriate regulations applicable to the type of asbestos being removed.  California asbestos abatement procedures are strict as there is the inherent danger in having amateurs remove the hazardous material and cause harm to them with even greater exposure.  If proper California asbestos abatement procedures are not followed, then it is likely that entities that perform asbestos abatement will be fined and otherwise sanctioned by the state government, in addition to the possible health hazards and civil remedies for damages.

Places that undergo abatement

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that proper asbestos containment procedures are followed when dealing with abatement.  This varies depending on the workplace.  In California, most shipyards that used asbestos extensively have shut down, most notably, Hunter’s Point Shipyard, which is now a Superfund cleanup site.  The use of asbestos in shipbuilding has ceased.

For mechanics and automotive repair stations however, significant attention must be given to the potential of contamination from automotive brakes.  Asbestos brakes have largely gone out of use, but are not uncommon, as aftermarket brake parts may still use cheap asbestos brake pads.  California asbestos abatement procedures dictate that all dust must be vacuumed away from the brake assembly and the asbestos brake pad must be “wetted” before it can be removed.  Waterlogging asbestos prevents it from leaking into the air, which is a critical feature of most asbestos abatement.

Homes should also be inspected for possible asbestos contamination.  Although many forms of asbestos in the home are sealed away and not likely to become dangerous on its own, there are a few applications that can become friable, releasing fibers and posing a danger to those living in the structure.  Experts can usually identify chunks of exposed asbestos, but laboratory testing may be needed to check paints, plaster and insulation.  Homes that also double as a place of commercial business must have asbestos abated, according to California law.

California abatement contactors

All California abatement contracts must be certified by the state to carry out abatement work.  California asbestos abatement procedures state that abatement can only begin after an inspector has looked at the property and determine what must be removed.  Depending on the contractor, you can also arrange for contaminated materials to be shipped away and disposed and also to have any contaminated materials replaced as part of the service.  Many asbestos abatement professionals will provide discounts on these additional services.  

Notification

According to California asbestos abatement procedures, you must notify the state government of your intention to renovate or demolish a building containing asbestos.  During the written notification process you will have to provide information on the type of asbestos to be removed, where it is present and what procedures will be sued to remove it.  You will be able to gather all of this information after having the building inspected and consulting with a licensed California asbestos abatement professional.

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