All roofers understand the dangers associated with replacing asbestos-containing roofs. However, understanding these dangers is one thing, and establishing the necessary safety precautions is another. It is the reason why experienced roofers will pull all stops to ensure full observation of safety precautions before commencing work on asbestos roof replacement. On the other hand, due to lack of experience, rookie roofers might see some of the precautionary measures as straightforward or obvious, which is why mistakes are likely to happen. This article highlights some of the most critical safety areas that rookie roofers should treat with great priority when replacing asbestos roofing.
Using Disposable Masks
One of the primary safety requirements when working with asbestos is ensuring that you use a mask to prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibres. It might sound like one of those straightforward safety rules, but in actual sense, it is not so obvious for rookie roofers. The reason is that most rookies focus on using a mask and forget about the part that says the mask must be the disposable type. While any approved mask will do the job, you should not reuse any gear that has been used in any previous project involving asbestos roof replacement. All clothing, including face masks, should be disposed of with the rest of the asbestos waste. Therefore, although a regular safety mask will protect you from the asbestos filaments, don't use it for any asbestos roof replacement job.
Wet Asbestos Panels during Replacement
Wetting asbestos roofs is mandatory during the removal of asbestos roofs since it prevents asbestos fibres from floating in the air in case of breakages. However, since it is advisable to keep any breakages at a bare minimum, it is easy for a rookie roofer to skip the process. Therefore, it is vital that you make asbestos roofs moist during removal even if you will not break any of it. The reason is that asbestos filaments are loosely attached on the surface of asbestos roofs and can come off quickly with the slightest of rubbing. Since you will be pulling nails off the roofs, ensure that every asbestos roof panel you are removing is damp enough.
Use Warning Signs
Safety is a priority when replacing asbestos roofing as indicated earlier. Similarly, you must ensure the safety of people within the perimeter of your working area. Merely telling people nearby to keep away from the worksite by word of mouth does not qualify as a warning sign. It doesn't matter if the project is as small as replacing asbestos roofing on a shed where there is no massive population of people. Therefore, whenever you are replacing asbestos removing always remember to use warning signs.
You don't realise how important your roof is until it fails. Last winter, I noticed that water was leaking through my roof and dripping into my home. I was in a bit of a panic while I searched for a bucket so I could stop the water from flooding my home. I called an emergency roofing service and they were great. The company sent a contractor out straight away and he soon climbed my roof and inspected the damage. After a short while, he climbed back down and explained that the roof needed to be rennovated. Since the work was completed, I haven't had any problems with my roof.