To become an asbestos removal contractor, on-the-job training and certification are required. Asbestos workers must identify hazardous materials and complete training programs that meet safety standards. Asbestos is dangerous to human health and can cause lung damage, so proper disposal is crucial.
An asbestos removal contractor works to remove dangerous asbestos from building materials in buildings, typically during renovations. To become an asbestos removal contractor, you don’t need a formal education except a high school diploma. You will need on-the-job training and certification before you can work in any hazardous material removal field. Since asbestos is often found during renovations, it is helpful to have a building background to become an asbestos removal contractor.
Asbestos was once a standard building material used to manufacture asbestos ceiling tiles. It was also used to make asbestos popcorn ceilings. Being exceptionally heat-retardant, the material was often preferred in construction for its insulating and energy-saving properties. Eventually, governments discovered that the material was dangerous to human health.
To become an asbestos removal contractor, you must have a specified number of hours of formal on-the-job training, depending on where you live. Most governments have specific training requirements for anyone who wants to become an asbestos removal contractor. In many cases, the employer is responsible for any deficits in training.
Training is especially important for asbestos workers due to the nature of the material. Asbestos is made of small fibers. Over time, the material deteriorates, and renovation activities can release asbestos fibers into the air where workers vacuum.
Asbestos is associated with breathing difficulties and lung tumors, creating many risks for remediation professionals. Even a small amount can be dangerous. Asbestosis, a condition where small asbestos fibers cause damage to the lungs, can occur in those who maintain exposure to asbestos while unprotected.
As homes and businesses are renovated, old asbestos tiles must be removed and disposed of properly to ensure the health of building occupants. Asbestos workers are trained to remove asbestos safety by minimizing worker exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos removal workers must complete training programs that meet specific safety standards set by local safety and health boards. Typically, employer-sponsored training is conducted in-house rather than at a formal school. Training will include health hazards, protective clothing and equipment, site safety, how to recognize and identify hazards, and decontamination methods.
Asbestos workers must be able to identify other hazardous materials because it is common to happen to others when remediating asbestos. Some asbestos removal contractors hold licenses to handle many types of hazardous materials so they don’t have to stop work when they encounter the new material.
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