A Complete Guide to Asbestos Encapsulation and Management

Asbestos is a dangerous element that must be handled properly due to the health risks it carries. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations of 2016, the workplace and other businesses must adopt asbestos management to safeguard the health of employees.

Factories and industries where there is a possibility of finding asbestos, are implementing various methods such as asbestos encapsulation and elimination. Today, encapsulation has become the most popular and viable option because it is inexpensive compared to its removal.

Now, when someone finds asbestos in their home or workplace, they usually opt for its removal. Contractors often also request complete removal, which is often expensive. But, encapsulation is a cheaper and more plausible option that has myriad benefits.

These are the benefits of encapsulating asbestos:

• The hazards associated with asbestos are generally avoided by encapsulating it.

• It has a lower cost associated with it.

• Repairs and covers exposed part of the material.

• It helps the material last a long time.

• Improves the overall appearance of the material.

• Hassle-free compared to complete removal.

As asbestos is a lethal material that can lead to health diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, etc., it needs proper maintenance to eliminate risks. Thousands of industries, from shipbuilding to manufacturing to power plants, are exposed to this deadly material.

Now, to make proper asbestos management plans, you need to consider the following:

1. Locate the likely location of the asbestos.

2. Consult a contractor and ensure proper procedure is followed while encapsulating as disturbing the material can be dangerous.

3. Make a note of when you are encapsulating it so you can better maintain it in the future.

4. Keep the documentation related to the encapsulation and review it for at least 5 years.

Before encapsulating, please note the following to ensure trouble-free service.

• You can encapsulate asbestos-containing material only if it adheres firmly to the substance.

• Make sure encapsulation is technically possible. For example, if the material is in a position where encapsulation is not conceivable, it is better to remove it.

• The encapsulation must have characteristics of the original asbestos application so that no other material needs to be applied. Common features include thermal or acoustic insulation and fire resistance.

Also, make sure there is no chance of the encapsulating material absorbing and holding water, which will cause the asbestos to gradually drain away.

Encapsulation methods

There are several methods of encapsulating asbestos that may meet your needs based on ACM (Asbestos Containing Material). Here is a list of the popular methods used to encapsulate asbestos.

1. mechanical encapsulation

This method involves the use of paints or the use of boards and sheets. While it is easy to apply the paints, fixing the asbestos with a board where screws are needed can release potentially critical fibers. However, proper maintenance throughout the process can eliminate this risk.

2. Penetrating or spray encapsulation

You can encapsulate brittle asbestos-containing material with an aerosol that can easily penetrate it. This method has many advantages over others as it penetrates deep into the material giving it a firm, lightweight and damage resistant surface.

3. elastomeric coating

This method is popular as it provides protection for up to 20 years. When liquid encapsulants are applied, they give a uniform coating that imparts impact resistance and elasticity to the surface.

4. epoxy resin

This is also one of the most popular encapsulants including coatings, composites, and adhesives. Its sticky property helps it stay on the surface giving maximum resistance to asbestos-containing material.

When you opt for encapsulation, you must verify that the contractors take the necessary measures and follow the techniques during the encapsulation, since the application requires different procedures.