Asbestos Siding Removal
Asbestos-containing siding was a common building material in Maine during the middle part of this century. The siding material is durable and generally not as hazardous, in terms of fiber release, as asbestos-containing materials like pipe and boiler insulation. Removal and/or replacement of asbestos-containing siding must be done by a contractor licensed to do asbestos siding removal, except that owner-occupied single family homeowners can remove their own siding provided the homeowner follows the procedures described below. Generally, the removal of asbestos siding by a contractor is not as costly as projects involving asbestos-based insulating materials located indoors. If you are thinking about removing your own siding, contact your local landfill to find out their procedures for accepting non-friable asbestos siding waste, or call a solid waste disposal services company (look under “Rubbish & Garbage Removal” in the Yellow Pages) to arrange for disposal.
Procedures for owner-occupied single family homeowners removing their own asbestos siding
Set up a regulated area/exclusion zone with barrier tape or barricades. Do not allow unauthorized persons inside the area.
2. Wet the siding during the removal, and keep it wet at all times while working (be careful of electricity!)
3. Place a drop cloth under the area in which you are working to collect any falling debris.
4. Working from top to bottom, remove siding as whole as possible by pulling the nails rather than breaking the siding. Please keep in mind that once asbestos siding is significantly broken, drilled or sawed, it becomes friable and must be handled by licensed professionals.
5. Prior to disposal as asbestos waste, wet, roll-up, and double bag the drop cloth.
6. Double bag (6-mil plastic each) all debris for disposal. Use burlap bag as a third bag (inner) to prevent tears in plastic. An alternative and easier wrapping method is to stack 6 to 10 pieces of whole siding on 2 layers of pre-cut 6-mil poly sheeting and then securely seal both layers after wrapping them (like a x-mas present). Sheeting is easier to obtain and less expensive than bags. Bags must be labeled as asbestos waste (call DEP for supplier list).
7. Worker(s) should wear:
· protective disposable suits (such as Tyvek), or coveralls that are handled and washed separately from other laundry;
· respirators - half-faced (minimum), with purple (HEPA) filters (no beards); and
· Disposable gloves/booties are highly recommended
8. Workers should shower immediately after finishing work each session. Wear respirator into shower and remove only after completely wetting body. Disposable suits and filters should be disposed as asbestos waste.
9. Dispose of material either at a commercial landfill or at a DEP-approved local landfill. Contact the landfill first to see if it accepts non-friable asbestos waste. (Note: Commercial landfills that routinely accept non-friable waste include Pine Tree Landfill in Hampden and Waste Management of Norridgewock - see attached list).
