Isolation and containment are critical steps in our asbestos removal process, ensuring safety and compliance. Proper containment prevents asbestos fibers from spreading, protecting workers, occupants, and the environment. Below, we outline three real-life examples of incorrect isolation and containment practices, followed by how those incidents informed our approach.

Lesson 1: Inadequate Sealing in a Commercial Building

Incorrect Practice: During a 2018 office renovation in Chicago, contractors used single-layer plastic sheeting with gaps around doors and windows, allowing asbestos fibers to escape into adjacent areas. Air monitoring later detected elevated fiber levels, halting work and requiring costly decontamination.

Our Approach: We use double-layer, 6-mil polyethylene sheeting with overlapped seams, securely taped and anchored. Critical barriers seal all openings, and negative air pressure units with HEPA filters maintain containment, verified by continuous air monitoring to ensure no fiber escape.

Lesson 2: Poor Containment in a School Renovation

Incorrect Practice: In a 2016 school project in Ohio, contractors failed to establish a proper decontamination unit, allowing workers to exit the work area without removing contaminated suits. This led to asbestos fibers spreading to hallways, endangering students and staff.

Our Approach: We set up a three-chamber decontamination unit with separate dirty, shower, and clean rooms. Workers remove PPE in the dirty room, shower to eliminate fibers, and exit through the clean room, ensuring no contamination spreads beyond the work area.

Example 3: Improper Ventilation in an Industrial Facility

Incorrect Practice: During a 2020 factory abatement in Texas, contractors relied on standard fans without HEPA filtration, causing asbestos fibers to circulate outside the containment zone. This violated OSHA regulations and triggered a site shutdown.

Our Approach: We install negative air pressure systems with HEPA-filtered exhaust units, maintaining at least four air changes per hour. Fibers are captured before air is released, and we conduct pressure differential testing to confirm containment integrity throughout the project.

At Green Tech Corp, our rigorous isolation and containment protocols prioritize safety and compliance. Contact us to find out how we ensure secure asbestos removal for your site.