Asbestos is a hazardous mineral found in soil on both residential and commercial properties. The presence of asbestos can be due to asbestos residue from contaminated materials that were not properly destroyed or because the soil containing asbestos was used as a filling material during construction.

The presence of asbestos poses a danger to human health when it becomes airborne and humans inhale it. The following information is practical and effective in guiding you on the proper procedures to be followed in the removal of asbestos contaminated soil:

Knowing the right person

The most qualified person to remove the non-friable asbestos soil that is more than the equivalent of  ten square metres of fibro sheet must be the Class A or B licence holder. If there is uncertainty about the quantity of asbestos material, then any licensed removalist must be hired to do the job. Furthermore, all removalists handling more than 10 square metres of fibro must possess a certification showing that they successfully completed the approved non-friable removal course.

Inspecting the asbestos contaminated soil

Before you do anything with the contaminated soil, a qualified asbestos inspector will inspect the soil. Such a person must have background knowledge on handling asbestos contaminated soil and also have the ability to tell the likely amount of asbestos in the contaminated soil, plus its likely source. The inspector will then present this information in the asbestos inspection report,which has to be shared with other concerned parties like the local authorities, the landfill operator and the transporter.

Transporting the asbestos contaminated soil

To prevent asbestos soil dust from becoming airborne, it is recommended that the soil be moist before packaging for transportation to the filling site. This stage involves properly packing the soil in well-sealed, airtight and labelled containers. Furthermore, you should hire vehicles whose operators possess an Environmental Protection waste transport permit.

Disposing the asbestos contaminated soil

This is the final step in the asbestos soil removal process. Asbestos contaminated soil is prescribed as being industrial waste, and it is for this purpose that it should be deposited at a filling site that accepts asbestos soils using waste code 220. It is also good to first inquire from the filling site operator to know if they are willing to accept asbestos contaminated soil.

The whole asbestos soil removal process shouldn't be difficult if the above practical guidelines are critically considered and properly followed. From the start to the end, you only have to ensure that you work with the right people using the right procedures. 

For more information, contact a company like Asbestos Extraction & Containment.