Case Study: Removing Asbestos from an Office Building

Technique Used: A combination of specialized techniques

Location: Southwestern Ontario

Service: Asbestos Abatement

Until as late as the 1990s, asbestos was commonly used in building materials in Canada. Being a strong, fibrous mineral that is resistant to fire, asbestos was incorporated into everything from insulation and shingles to tiles, paint and cement. When it was discovered that inhaling asbestos fibers causes serious lung disease, the use of asbestos was regulated and banned in many countries.

While asbestos is not considered a significant health risk if it has been properly sealed and is left undisturbed, Health Canada warns that building owners need to be careful when undergoing renovations in older builders and properties. Before starting any kind of renovation work, building owners need to determine if there is asbestos in the property and then take the necessary steps to have it fully and carefully removed so as to not put contractors and occupants at risk.

The Situation

Having extensive experience, specialized processes, and trained technicians, Wickens Dry Ice Blasting was recently hired for an asbestos removal project in South Western Ontario. The property, a three-story office building, had areas of exposed brick on all levels, and these areas had been painted with asbestos-containing paint.

The Solution

Safety comes first when removing asbestos. Before removing the paint from the exposed brick, the affected areas were contained on all three floors. Special poly tarps were set up to create a full enclosure, and HEPA filters were installed to create negative air and contain the asbestos fibers before they could escape.

Once the enclosures were set up, Wickens methodically tackled the asbestos removal one floor at a time. First, the paint was removed from the brick surfaces using special techniques, and then debris and waste materials were bagged for safe disposal.

Finally, the area was fully cleaned with industrial HEPA vacuums.

The Result

After completing all three floors, an independent consultant tested the areas to ensure the property was free from asbestos.

The asbestos removal project was completed in only three weeks thanks to Wickens’ efficient processes, enabling building owners to move forward with other renovation work and minimize downtime.

If you have asbestos in your building, we can help. Contact Wickens Dry Ice Blasting to learn more about our asbestos removal techniques and processes.