Procedures for abatement depends on where it is located, the amount and the type. It is usually divided into categories: low, moderate or high risk…according to the amount of airborne asbestos fibers.
Each category follows the same procedures: 
- the contaminated area is isolated
- workers are protected
- release of fibers are minimized
- clean-up and decontamination
Low Risk:
- remove non-friable materials without cutting, breaking or disturbing the materials
- use non-powered hand tools, with water to contain fibre release
- transport toxic materials in sealed containers
Equipment Used:
- vacuum with HEPA filter
- polyethylene drop sheets
- labelled asbestos garbage bags
- spray bottles to wet the asbestos
- warning signs or barriers
- power tools for abatement
- rags, mops, water for clean up
- fire extinguisher
- first aid kit
Protective Equipment
- NIOSH- approved mask
- disposable outerwear
Procedures:
- warning signs stating this is a restricted area
- wet the material to minimize release of fibers
- drop sheets to prevent spreading of dust
- hand tools must be wet
- no eating, drinking, smoking or eating gum in the work area
Decontamination
- during and after competing the work, clean dust with HEPA filter vacuum, or wet sweeping
- drop sheets should be folded into themselves and disposed as toxic waste
- non-disposable clothing that has been contaminated must be laundered with proper procedures, shoes properly decontaminated.
Air Quality
- monitoring the air should be done during all phases of the abatement
Site Inspection
- visually inspected to ensure all debris has been cleaned up
Medium to High Risk
Additional steps need to be taken for medium to high risk contamination. Protective clothing is made of a material such as Tyvek, fits snugly around neck, wrist and ankles, and covers the head and feet. Respiratory protective equipment must be used if appropriate. Ventilation systems that could move the airborne fibers around should be shut down. A HEPA filtered exhaust unit should be connected to the work area to provide negative pressure. There are additional steps that need to be in place that your contractor will ensure is completed.
Following these steps ensures the safety of the workers and prevents the release of airborne fibers. Undisturbed asbestos won’t harm you, but once it has been damaged or deteriorated in anyway, then the particles can get into your lungs. Safely removing toxic materials prevents diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
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