Don’t Steal That Asbestos Removal Machine

A recent headline from the west coast couldn’t help but attract our attention: Richmond RCMP say stolen asbestos removal machine presents health risk.

Wait, what? Someone stole an asbestos removal machine, and we have to wonder why. A rogue asbestos removal outfit? Are things really that wild out west?

Whatever the motive, it was a dangerous move, both for the thieves, and anyone else who comes into contact with the equipment. If it isn’t being stored properly, it may pose a danger to anyone in the vicinity.

Asbestos Removal – It’s Complicated
The piece of equipment in question is called an OmniAire 2000, a device used to filter the air on demolition sites. Asbestos and other airborne contaminants are filtered out and away from workers. That means asbestos particles may be present in the machine itself.

We’re really hoping that the perpetrators of the theft aren’t intending on using the asbestos removal machine to do shoddy, unlicensed work. It’s a danger to anyone in the area because of one simple fact:

• Asbestos dust is dangerous because it can be inhaled.

Because of that fact, asbestos removal procedures are complex and involve several steps. The type of job, based on the scope and extent of existing asbestos or asbestos containing materials, falls under a series of classifications numbered 1 through 3, with stipulations at every step of the way.

While the details may differ he basic steps in an asbestos removal operation remain the same,

• Proper preparation of the area to be worked on;
• Control of asbestos dust;
• Use of specific equipment, including personal protective clothing;
• Proper removal of waste and clean-up of the area once work is done.

Materials and equipment such as the air filtration machine are used to make sure the work can be completed while protecting workers as well as anyone living or working in the vicinity.

In other words, it’s a complicated job for experienced professionals. That’s where we come in.

Let Us Help
If you have asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your home, we can help. Our experienced and certified asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help keep you and your family safe. In the Toronto area call Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.