Abatement of Fireproofing containing Asbestos
One of our university customers in Rhode Island was modernizing offices and meeting spaces in an academic building where there was asbestos in the spray on fireproofing. We were selected for the project because of our experience, our ability to meet the tight schedule and our competitive pricing. The project was interesting because :
- The asbestos was cementitious - a hard, cement like substance difficult to remove
- Only certain areas of the vast building were being addressed
- The remaining portions of the building were occupied during abatement
- Some demolition was involved
- The existing mechanical, electrical and fire alarm systems were not to be disturbed
- All work had to be shielded from the public with a temporary wall
- The work was sequenced to meet the 6 week schedule
Due to the nature of the asbestos, the fireproofing was 100% hand scraped and no mechanical methods were used. Since the building was occupied, dust containment with mechanically induced negative air machines were set up and vented to the building exterior. In addition to the asbestos abatement, we removed light fixtures and wallboard, recycled lamps and ballasts, and separated the C&D waste from the hazardous waste. Dec-Tam also provided supplemental cooling for computer equipment and protection for data cabling, occupancy sensors and speakers which were all to remain operational in the affected spaces.
Our project manager summed up the job when he said," this is the toughest type of asbestos to remove because it is like cement. We were successful here because we meet the tough schedule and did the job right the first time."
