Disaster Restoration Archives - Abatement Technologies®

Blog #2 – DUCT-PRO®: Cleaning the Supply

Abatement Technologies® is leading the duct cleaning industry with our quality equipment and innovative solutions. Our DUCT-PRO® source removal duct cleaning packages provide the tools professional duct cleaners need to follow the NADCA recommended steps for cleaning air duct systems effectively.

Our DUCT-PRO® cleaning process has been designed to create new business opportunities for contractors. It is faster and more efficient than other solutions on the market, and our customizable duct cleaning packages can accommodate each contractor’s unique requirements. We have developed a process to ensure duct cleaners select the right package for their needs and can customize everything from the vacuum to the AIRE-SWEEP® portable air compressor, agitation devices, and accessories.

It’s important to understand the role each piece of equipment plays in the process to ensure their efficiency and proper use. Our team of Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies have® created a video series to provide users with the information needed to clean HVAC duct systems quickly and efficiently, leading to a profitable indoor air quality business.

To accompany the training videos, we’ve created a blog series to help break down the steps and process for using DUCT-PRO®. In our last post, we covered the proper protective equipment and prep work needed to efficiently clean ducts. Here we'll discuss the proper steps for cleaning the supply side of the ductwork.

Steps for cleaning the supply

The duct cleaning professional will prepare to clean the supply side by cutting a 12-inch access hole. If cutting a 12-inch hole is not possible, the largest possible size should be cut, keeping in mind that the larger the hole, the better the airflow. If the duct is constructed with duct board instead of sheet metal, it's important to hold the hole cutter blade at a 45-degree angle (similar to cutting the top off of a pumpkin) to achieve a good fit when replacing the piece at the end of the project.

This access hole is typically cut into the plenum, as high above the coil as possible. Sometimes, the hole is cut into the main duct close to the plenum. It’s important to cut the hole high enough that the cutting doesn’t damage the coil. It’s a good idea to protect the coil by covering it with a tarp or piece of plastic to prevent debris from falling into it during the cleaning process.

Once the access holes are made, a quick connect adaptor is screwed over the holes using zip screws to hold it in place. The contractor will then use flexible ducting to attach the quick connect collar which will be held in place using the locking collar. Duct tape can be used in this step to attach the quick connection to the duct board.

The contractor should check all damper settings in the branches and main ducts before beginning the cleaning process to ensure they are all open. With the DUCT-PRO® power vacuum connected to the supply, the duct system can be turned on to create a strong airflow through its supply.

In our next post, we’ll share how to properly conduct the push method in duct cleaning.

Want to learn more about our DUCT-PRO® equipment and packages? Click here - https://abatement.ca/duct-cleaning-process/

Blog Series #1 – DUCT-PRO®: Preparing for the Job

Abatement Technologies® is the industry leader in quality duct cleaning solutions. Our high-performance DUCT-PRO® packages utilize HEPA-AIRE® equipment to clean HVAC duct systems faster and more efficiently than other methods. Abatement Technologies’ equipment uses our exclusive source removal duct cleaning process, meaning our equipment captures dirt and debris to provide complete air duct cleaning and decontamination.

Our source removal duct cleaning process is designed to work with the tools professional duct cleaners need to follow the NADCA recommended steps for cleaning air duct systems effectively. Abatement Technologies® DUCT-PRO® equipment is designed for contractors looking to expand their existing business. DUCT-PRO® enables professionals to offer duct cleaning as an add-on service, which can lead to more business opportunities and higher revenue.

It’s important to understand the role each piece of equipment plays in the process before starting a duct cleaning business. Our team of Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies® has created a video series to provide users with the key information needed to safely start using DUCT-PRO®. We’ve created a blog series to accompany our training videos and help break down the process for using DUCT-PRO®. In this blog, we’ll discuss the proper accessories and equipment needed for the job as well as the necessary prep work for their optimal performance.

DUCT-PRO® Accessories & Equipment

We recommend beginning any duct-cleaning project with personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses and respirators. Additional recommended PPE includes cut-resistant gloves and sleeves to reduce injuries when reaching through ductwork with sheet metal cutouts.

Once the proper PPE has been identified, it's time to identify which duct cleaning method is right for the job. Our DUCT-PRO® system uses the state-of-the-art source removal duct cleaning push/pull method. The “push” mechanism is achieved with high-velocity compressed air tools while the “pull” mechanism is accomplished by creating powerful airflow through the air conveyance system with the use of the HEPA-AIRE® portable vacuum included in the DUCT-PRO® package from Abatement Technologies®.

Duct Cleaning Prep Work

Next ensure the furnace, AC, and duct systems are turned off and will remain off for the duration of the project. It’s also good practice to turn off the air handling unit at the thermostat as well as the circuit breaker to prevent accidental startup. It’s important to be aware of, and adhere to, all local regulations regarding gas pilot lights and other utilities before beginning any project.

The duct cleaning professional should conduct a thorough inspection of the project site to identify any potential safety concerns and determine the layout of the ductwork once the systems have been turned off. During this process, the duct cleaning professional will examine the condition of the ductwork and determine the type of air handler used so they can develop a plan for hookup points and air sweeping procedures. It’s important to understand how to clean the supply and return duct networks to avoid pulling debris through the heat exchanger and coil. To separate the supply and return, simply pull out the furnace filter and insert an inflatable zone bag into the air handle to isolate the supply and block airflow.

Grill masking tape should be used to seal off the registers and increase airflow through the branch being cleaned. It’s important to keep the furthest two or three vents uncovered during this step to allow air into the ductwork to create airflow. The airflow will be inadequate for transferring debris to the power vacuum if all vents are covered.

Our DUCT-PRO® HEPA-AIRE® portable vacuums are designed to pull large volumes of debris through the duct system and filter all of the contaminants before exhausting clean air from the vacuum. For optimal performance, the vacuums should be placed as close to the furnace as possible.

When the filters become dirty, audio and visual alarm cues will signal that airflow has been reduced and it’s time to change them. Most operators prefer to change the HEPA filter every one to two years of use.

Check out our next blog post to learn more about duct cleaning with our DUCT-PRO® specialty tools!

Want to learn more about our DUCT-PRO® equipment and packages? Click here - https://abatement.ca/duct-cleaning-process/

7 Ways to Use SHIELD WALL™ for Temporary Containment

Temporary modular walls have grown in popularity in recent years as a reliable alternative to traditional solutions, like drywall and poly sheeting. Due to their reusability, flexibility, and cost savings, temporary wall systems are a great solution for a variety of projects.

At Abatement Technologies, our SHIELD WALL™ containment solution has been successful in a wide range of commercial construction projects–both inside and outside of healthcare. Here’s a quick look at some examples of how industry experts are leveraging SHIELD WALL™ temporary walls to protect people from airborne contaminants during construction in occupied settings.

Hospitals and Long-term Care Facilities

Infection control and reducing healthcare associated infections (HAI’s) has become a central concern in healthcare construction. In the US and Canada, code compliance is required in all healthcare facilities. Many regulations and standards require containment barriers, like our SHIELD WALL™ solution, to prevent pathogens from entering patient care areas. For a complete solution, SHIELD WALL™ is used in conjunction with our high-efficiency, HEPA-filtered portable air scrubbers, and monitoring equipment to effectively isolate, capture, and control airborne dust particles and pathogens. Additionally, SHIELD WALL™can be easily configurable to create anterooms and patient isolation rooms.

Schools

Schools and college/university campuses environments support a range of interests and activities for a large and diverse population. When construction or renovation needs arise, they often can’t be put off until a break or summer recess, requiring construction to occur in occupied spaces. During these projects, it’s important to minimize the disruption of construction noise and prioritize safety for all. Our SHIELD WALL™ temporary containment solution not only blends in with its surroundings, its superior sound attenuation significantly reduces noise to allow projects to move forward without disruptions.

Data Centers

Data centers are not only massive investments, they’re integral to the operations of many organizations. With various pieces of sensitive equipment and hardware, even the tiniest particle of dust can cause serious damage, risking the integrity of stored data. Because of this, it's important that a modular containment solution, like SHIELD WALL™, is used to prevent any damage to the equipment. And to further protect equipment, SHIELD WALL™ is used in conjunction with air filtration devices to keep the area pressurized and monitored, ensuring electronics are dust free for optimal performance.

Airports

Airports today have become more than just a center of transportation—they’ve become a hub of commerce and development. In fact, according to the FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO), approximately 2,900,000 passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports on any given day. And, to keep up with the traffic, airports are constantly undergoing renovation and construction. However, while construction is underway, navigating flight checkpoints and finding the right terminal can be challenging for even the most seasoned traveler, especially those unfamiliar with the terminal’s design. Simple signage and barriers can be confusing, and don’t always discourage people from entering.

With a containment solution, like SHIELD WALL™, airports can effectively conceal construction areas to appear as if it’s a regular wall within the airport. This eliminates potential confusion and helps travelers safely navigate around the construction site.

Malls

Modular wall systems in retail and mall construction is a practical way to keep the stores not involved in the project open to the public, without sacrificing the aesthetic of the store fronts. Instead of the traditional drywall with branded logos, temporary containment walls offer retailers a reusable option that doesn’t sacrifice the safety of shoppers. If branding the area under construction is required then custom graphics can be easily applied to the temporary walls letting shoppers know what’s “coming soon”.

Residential Buildings

When renovations are required in residential buildings, like apartment complexes and other multifamily housing, concealing the construction area is essential in protecting the safety of tenants. And, minimizing noise and disruptions is a valuable bonus. Our SHIELD WALL™ temporary containment solution not only effectively protects tenants from breathing in any potential harmful pathogens, its superior sound attenuation protects tenants from noise disruptions.

Office Spaces

Think outside of the box, or in this case, outside of the cubicle! During construction and renovations, it’s important to find a balance between getting the work done in an efficient manner without disrupting office production. As the central location for many companies, a productive work environment leads to successful operations. Because of this, it's crucial to maintain a quiet workplace throughout the duration of the project.

Additionally, SHIELD WALL™ is so flexible that it’s not just used for construction purposes. Many facilities have used the modular system to easily construct temporary cubicles for additional overflow work space.

A versatile solution for any industry

From malls to healthcare to multifamily housing, schools and office buildings, and even data centers, temporary containment wall systems are designed to protect. Our SHIELD WALL™ containment system is trusted by leading contractors across North America to protect people in occupied spaces from potential infections and disruptions of renovation.

Ready to learn more about how SHIELD WALL™ can help you get the job done? Contact us today!

Renting Smart with Abatement Technologies

Contractors looking to build their equipment inventory inevitably end up asking themselves – do I rent or buy this piece of equipment? Concerns like budget and storage constraints can make buying new equipment a burden. And, for the contractors who rarely use certain pieces of equipment, renting can be the most cost effective option.

But because of the nature of construction, it’s important that contractors have access to the equipment they need, when they need it. And because construction projects can be unpredictable, rental companies need to have a full inventory that is ready to ship out at a moment's notice.

Abatement Technologies: A One-Stop-Shop

For companies like Century Building Materials, having an equipment provider that operates with the same sense of urgency is a must. And, leveraging Abatement Technologies as a one-stop-shop for their rental equipment needs, Century Building Materials is able to single-source a wide range of equipment, cutting down on the time and effort needed when working with multiple vendors.

Abatement Technologies helps supply rental companies with equipment like:

Negative air machines
Portable air scrubbers
Monitoring equipment
Containment barriers
And more!

Meeting Renter Needs

By helping rental companies offer innovative products to renters, Abatement Technologies helps ensure renters are meeting industry standards and requirements. Specifically, in healthcare, it’s essential that contractors take the proper measures to protect patients. For some, this can mean updating practices and equipment.

For many years the materials needed to contain construction areas were disposable materials, like drywall and lumber. However, by renting a modular containment wall system, like SHIELD WALL™, the wall can be returned at the end of the project and rented repeatedly.

Around the Clock Customer Service

Abatement Technologies offers rental companies the support needed to provide high quality equipment to customers, at any time. And, with Abatement’s rapid order fulfillment capabilities, rental companies can ensure products are readily available for customers whenever and wherever they need them. With a knowledgeable staff on hand, Abatement Technologies offers a consultative approach to its customer service to find the right solution for each need.

Century Building Materials and Abatement Technologies - A Case Study

Want to learn more about how Abatement Technologies supports an equipment rental company? Click here to read about Century Building Materials’ partnership with Abatement Technologies to readily provide rental equipment to its customers.

Choosing the Right Containment Cart for the Job

When it comes to construction in critical environments, nothing is more important than safety. In fact, awareness of healthcare-related infections has grown over the last several decades and construction, especially when accessing a ceiling, in critical settings is now recognized as one of the causes of the airborne transmission of pathogens. Because of this, regulations were put in place to prevent the spread of pathogens when doing maintenance in a ceiling.

Containment Cart Requirements

Why use a containment cart? Because disturbing a single ceiling tile can release spores of environmental fungi. Contractors and healthcare facilities alike must exercise caution by following ceiling access regulations, detailed by the ASHE ICRA 2.0 matrix.

Further, the right containment cart has the ability to meet all industry standards and certifications. In order to stay compliant, equipment must be also able to meet the Joint Commission enforced CDC guidelines, which includes an assessment to evaluate a patient's risk of infection due to exposure from airborne microbes.

AIRE GUARDIAN® Containment Carts

At Abatement Technologies, each of our containment cart models are ICRA-compliant, so contractors can feel confident that they are purchasing the right equipment for each job. Abatement Technologies’ AIRE GUARDIAN® line-up consists of three different containment carts. While each cart has similar benefits, there are a few key differences.

AG8000: The AG8000 is the largest most rugged mobile containment cart offered in the AIRE GUARDIAN® series, and was specifically created for contractors or maintenance teams working on projects in healthcare facilities. With its unique upper header design, the AG8000 can safely support a worker on a ladder, ensuring OSHA compliance and extending height access for contractors as they work above ceiling tiles. With the AG8000, contractors can easily work in the plenum, above the ceiling deck. With an optional extension, contractors can work on more ceiling tiles at a time with wider coverage (5 sqft).

The AG8000 can be used in a variety of construction and maintenance activities, such as: ceiling tile replacement, electrical wiring installation, HVAC equipment, ductwork, and much more.

AG5000: The AG5000 was designed to be the perfect blend of durability and transportability. Since the cart is collapsible, it decreases the amount of storage needed between jobs, and makes it small enough to put in the bed of most standard size pickup trucks to move to and from the jobsite. Furthermore, due to the increased transportability of the AG5000, contractors have the flexibility to use the containment cart in job sites other than a hospital setting.

Similar to the AG8000, the AG5000 is another hard-sided containment cart option. Not only are hard-sided containment carts more aesthetically pleasing, but they are also more durable and long lasting. Additionally, the hard-sided surface can comply with more hospital requirements.

AG3000: The soft-sided AG3000 is a great economic containment cart option. Because of this lower price, customers frequently purchase this model in bulk to add to their fleets. This model is smaller than both the AG8000 and AG5000, which makes it even easier to transport. Additionally, this containment cart’s easy assembly and disassembly means it only requires one worker, which can cut down on labor costs.

Contain, Pressurize, Monitor

When containment carts are used in conjunction with portable air scrubbers, a workspace can become a fortress under negative pressure. Negative pressure confines the harmful dust particles to the construction area, further ensuring that patient occupied spaces are not infiltrated. And, by leveraging a room pressure monitor, an optional accessory for each of Abatement Technologies’ containment cart models, contractors can ensure that the space remains under negative pressure for the duration of the project - preventing dust particles from escaping beyond the containment cart.

Our Aire Guardians at Abatement Technologies specialize in assisting with dust control (ICRA) requirements for healthcare construction and renovation and can assist you in making the best product selections customized for the needs of your project.

Ready to learn more about Abatement Technologies’ containment cart solutions? Contact us today!

4 FAQs About Temporary Containment Wall Systems

FAQ #1: What are temporary containment wall systems?

During construction projects, contractors can spend a lot of time and money building temporary containment walls to keep dust and harmful particulates from leaving the construction area. Like our solution, SHIELD WALL™, many temporary wall system panels are built on galvanized steel frames that provide extra durability for years of reuse. Unlike traditional drywall and poly sheeting methods, which are typically disposed of after each project, temporary wall systems help companies save money in as little as three uses depending on the scope of the project. But, it's not just reusability that makes temporary walls the best option for your project. Many walls on the market today provide additional protection like sound attenuation and fire ratings, but it's important to know what you really need to get the job done - Without over selling.

If you’re new to our blog and would like more information on SHIELD WALL™ for construction containment, click here.

FAQ #2: Do I Need a Fire Rated Containment Wall System?

No. Contrary to popular belief, a cumbersome, heavy and expensive fire-rated wall is not always necessary. According to the National Fire Protection Association’s 241 guidelines, a non fire-rated temporary containment solution is permitted when there is a working sprinkler system in place. However, if the sprinkler system is deactivated or affected in any way, a fire watch protocol should be established until it’s operational again. That being said, it's important to be aware of the fire resistance of the product you are using. For instance, SHIELD WALL is ASTM E-84, NFPA Class A & IBC Class A.

When making your decision on the right materials for the job it’s important to understand your local regulations and reach out to experienced suppliers for detailed information on temporary panel usage.

FAQ #3: Do temporary containment walls block sound?

Yes, many temporary containment walls have sound attenuating capabilities. In fact, in critical environments, such as healthcare facilities, construction noise can be intolerable and disruptful to patients. To help, hospitals are starting to rely on reusable containment walls to reduce noise in occupied adjacent areas so that renovation projects aren’t disruptful to patients, employees, and customers alike. Afterall, a loud environment can be distressing for patients and can prevent them from getting the rest that is necessary for recovery.

Additionally, in commercial spaces such as corporate offices, data centers, colleges and universities, airports and shopping centers, sound attenuation decreases disruptions, and allows for a “business as usual” atmosphere.. And as an added bonus, modular walls are more aesthetically pleasing than alternative solutions. With a professional, sleek appearance, modular wall systems give facilities the ability to conceal the construction area from occupied areas in a way that traditional methods often can’t support.

FAQ #4: What should I look for in a temporary wall provider?

It’s clear that modular wall containment systems have many advantages over traditional methods, such as drywall. Aside from providing sound attenuation and fire resistance capabilities, modular wall systems boast several benefits like cost effectiveness, ease of use, and sustainability. In order to find a solution best suited for your needs, it’s important to choose a solutions provider that can help you find the best financial route and provide guided buying expertise. By selecting a company that offers a consultative approach to sales, you can ensure that you’ll find a long-term solution to your short-term projects.

Looking for more? Check out Reusable Modular Walls Are Becoming The New Standard

Managing IAQ in Commercial Building During Wildfire Season

Managing IAQ in Commercial Building During Wildfire Season

Topic: 2023 Central Canada Wildfires

The 2023 wildfire season is here and has already had a devastating impact across central Canada. As hazy and dangerous fumes make their way south across the US border, most of the Northeast coast is experiencing serious air quality issues that are affecting millions of people. And, because smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gasses and fine particulate matter, it is highly inhalable and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular health effects.

But, when a smoke event occurs, it can take days to weeks for air quality to improve. If not properly addressed, smoke can get inside of buildings and negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). Building owners and facility managers need to know the best practices for reducing exposure to smoke inside offices, schools, and housing facilities.

Facts about IAQ

Outdoor air, including the fine particles from wildfire smoke, can enter a building in a few ways, including:

- Natural Ventilation: Open windows and doors

- Mechanical Ventilation: Bathroom fans, kitchen fans, and HVAC systems with fresh air intake

- Infiltration: Openings, joints, cracks

When smoke events occur, local and state health departments may issue air quality alerts notifications when specific actions are needed to protect the public. Building managers should use these notifications to know when to initiate mitigation measures in their smoke readiness plan, which should include these steps:

1. Evaluate the HVAC Systems

To minimize occupant exposures and health impacts from smoke during wildfire events, facilities should first address any issues with their existing HVAC systems. In buildings where the HVAC system uses air-handling units that bring outside air into buildings or recirculate indoor air, facility owners and managers should follow a planning framework, like the guidelines set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This includes:

- Performing maintenance on HVAC

- Upgrading filters

- Optimize system airflows

- Adding supplemental filtration

- Limiting areas for smoke intrusion

- Adding the ability to monitor particulate matter

- Assessing how to create cleaner air

2. Stock up on portable air scrubbers

Additionally, those in areas prone to fires may consider purchasing equipment to improve IAQ during the duration of a smoke event. Portable air scrubbers, like our PRED750, are self-contained air filtration devices that can be used alone or with central air filtration to effectively remove harmful particles from the air.The portable air scrubber should be equipped with a high-efficiency HEPA filter and be the right size for the room. It’s important to secure these crucial devices before a fire occurs in order to act quickly during a smoke event. In the event of emergencies, it’s important to find an air scrubber supplier that has the ability to ship orders as quickly as possible.

3. Choose the right filter

Some air scrubbers are compatible with activated carbon filters.These filters are available for all of Abatement Technologies’ HEPA-filtered equipment, including the PRED750 mentioned above. Activated carbon is a unique material that is often used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor, and other pollutants from the air, making it the optimal solution for smoke filtration. The benefits of activated carbon filters include their ability to adsorb a variety of vapor contaminants, organic molecules (especially solvents), and chemicals, as well as their large capacity to catalytically destroy ozone, a major component of smog.

In addition to smoke, Abatement Technologies’ portable air scrubbers and carbon filters have been used to filter out a number of odors from buildings including chemicals, cleaning solvents, mildew, mold, and biohazards.

Want to learn more about how Abatement Technologies can help protect your building during wildfire smoke events? Get in touch with one of our Aire Guardian experts.

How to clean, decontaminate, and disassemble Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL™

How to clean, decontaminate, and disassemble Abatement Technologies’ SHIELD WALL™

Our SHIELD WALL™ systems are designed for use in critical environments where pathogens are in no short supply. Therefore, when you’re done with a job using SHIELD WALL™, you’ll want to thoroughly disinfect them before storing and reusing them.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of decontaminating SHIELD WALL™.

What you’ll need:

- HEPA Vacuum

- Paper towels

- Water-based disinfectant

- Gloves

- Mask

- Bucket

- Diluted bleach

- Polyethylene sheet

- Modular containment wall transport cart

How often should you clean your SHIELD WALL™?

Cleaning the SHIELD WALL™ involves regular disinfecting while in use and decontamination before transportation.

While on the job site, you’ll want to regularly disinfect the surfaces with a hospital-approved disinfectant, as outlined in step two below. Different facilities will have unique cleaning schedules and requirements, so be sure to check with the facility you’re working in at the start of a project.

Second, you’ll want to decontaminate the walls anytime you’re transporting them to or from a new facility. In most cases, this is a two-step process. Ideally, you’ll begin the process while on the job site and finish the decontamination when back at your storage site. For this, you’ll follow all ten steps outlined below, as well as in the video.

The steps to clean SHIELD WALL™

Before transport from a job-site

Vacuum the interior and exterior of the walls from the top down with a certified HEPA vacuum
Wipe down all surfaces with a one-step surface cleaner and disinfectant that’s approved by the facility
Disassemble the modular containment walls
Place panels on an Abatement Technologies transport cart and secure them to prevent movement during transportation
Cover with a polyethylene sheet for transportation

Once back at the storage location

Raise panels to full height
Wipe down corners, sweep, frame, and extrusion
Submerge brackets and small hardware in a bucket of diluted bleach
Dry all parts
Place the panels and parts back on the transport cart, secure them, and cover them with a polyethylene sheet until it is time to use them again

Tips

Wear gloves: When working with bleach, even diluted bleach, wearing gloves is recommended to protect your skin.

Wear a mask: Between working with bleach and working in critical environments, it’s helpful to wear a mask during the decontamination process to keep yourself safe.

Check with the facility for any regulations regarding cleaning products and the cleaning schedule

Want to learn more about SHIELD WALL™?

If you’re new to modular containment walls and want to learn more about how they can help you on your next job, we’d love to help. You can check the product details here or set up a consultation with one of our experts today.

The Tools for Asbestos Abatement

The Tools for Asbestos Abatement

With federal and state laws in place, the use of asbestos in products and materials is restricted in the United States, but not banned. Canada, however, has regulations in place that prohibit the import, sale, and use of asbestos and products containing the dangerous carcinogen. However, this wasn’t always the case. Prior to its close in 1990, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine in Montana. Unfortunately, the mine also contained a natural deposit of asbestos, which contaminated the vermiculite product. Materials like drywall, flooring, ceilings, cement, and insulation were produced using vermiculite from the mine, which was primarily sold as insulation in Canada under the trademarked name “zonolite.”

The risks of asbestos

But, what’s the risk of vermiculite containing asbestos? The inhalation of asbestos has been proven to cause lung cancer and other severe respiratory diseases. Because of this risk, the removal or disturbance of asbestos should be performed with the proper precautions and equipment. Proper sampling, testing, and removal procedures are essential to identify and safely mitigate the hazard associated with asbestos in buildings.

Experts and their techniques for asbestos removal

Asbestos testing requires expertise. This is not a DIY project. Professionals will come prepared with an air purifying respirator equipped with HEPA-filtered cartridges to wear during sampling, along with safety glasses. A respirator is recommended by both the U.S. EPA and Health Canada as best practice to reduce the amount of dust inhaled during collection.

Once asbestos has been tested and identified in a material, it’s important to begin the abatement process. The Ontario Regulation for Designated Substances (Reg. 278/05) classifies asbestos removal based on the severity of the risk - Type 1 (Low Risk), Type 2 (Medium Risk), and Type 3 (High Risk). When the risk is low, the size of the contaminated area is between 1 and 10 sq ft, and the material is non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM), meaning it is being held together by a bonding agent. In a Type 2 abatement, the contaminated area is between 11 and 100 sq ft, and is friable ACM, meaning it is easily crumbled and breaks apart with touch. A Type 3 abatement operation means the contained area is over 100 sq ft and contains both friable and non-friable ACM. A Type 3 operation, involves the removal or disturbance of more than one square meter of friable ACM during the repair, alternation, maintenance or demolition of a building.

Tools of the trade

Type 2 and Type 3 abatement require professionals to wear the proper respirator as well as PPE equipment like disposable coveralls to prevent entry of dust. A trained professional will not only know the measures to protect themselves, but others around them. These measures include the isolation of the entire area using temporary containment barriers like Abatement Technologies SHIELD WALL™.

Additionally, during these types of abatement, it's important to use a HEPA filtered vacuum extraction system, like our HEPA vacuums to clean up asbestos dust throughout the project, avoiding particulates and carcinogens being left behind after a project. A vacuum extraction system offers the benefit of adding an engineering control of increased negative draw of air at the point of disturbance. This decreases the exposure to the worker as opposed to other methods which may increase the airborne concentration within the asbestos work area.

Want to learn more about the solutions we have available for asbestos abatement professionals? Click here.

The Basics of Respirator Fit Testing

In this blog, we break down when you should fit test respirators, the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing, as well as how to choose which test is right for your respirator.

No matter how advanced a face respirator is, if it doesn’t fit right, it won’t protect the wearer. That’s why fit testing is essential.

In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires fit testing before using a mandatory respirator for the first time and annually after that. The rules are similar in Canada. According to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), workers whose jobs require them to wear a respirator must complete fit testing before their first use.

Additionally, they must complete a fit test:

- At least every two years, according to the CSA (Z94.9.1.6)

- After significant weight gain or loss, surgery, major dental work, or other physical changes that could affect a respirator’s fit

- When changing to a new respirator make or model

Qualitative vs. Quantitative fit testing

There are two types of fit testing: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative fit testing is a subjective test that relies on the wearer's sense of taste or smell to determine if the respirator fits properly. This type of testing is a simple pass-or-fail method that does not measure the extent of leakage. OSHA accepts four methods for qualitative fit testing: isoamyl acetate (banana oil test), saccharin, Bitrex, and irritant smoke.

Quantitative fit testing, on the other hand, is a more objective and precise method of testing the fit of a respirator. This type of testing uses specialized equipment to measure the amount of leakage around the respirator's seal. Quantitative fit testing requires a controlled environment and trained personnel to administer the test. The three OSHA-accepted methods for quantitative fit testing are generated aerosol, ambient aerosol, and controlled negative pressure.

Should you use qualitative or quantitative fit testing?

Wondering which method of fit testing is best? The quick answer is: it depends.

Qualitative fit testing may be used for negative pressure respirators, such as N95 masks if they are being used in environments less than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL). If contractors are using negative pressure respirators in environments above 10 times the PEL, they must use qualitative fit testing.

For positive pressure respirators, either qualitative or quantitative testing will work. That is because positive pressure respirators supply their own air, and thus can overcome minor leaks.

How to conduct qualitative fit testing

To perform qualitative fit testing, the wearer must put the respirator on and adjust it to fit their face. The test administrator will then instruct the wearer to perform a series of exercises, such as talking, nodding, and moving their head from side to side, simulating normal workplace movements.

During the test, the administrator will introduce an irritant to the environment, such as banana oil, Bitrex, saccharin, or smoke, and ask the wearer to indicate if they can taste or smell the test agent. The test administrator will also visually inspect the respirator for any leaks or gaps. If the wearer can taste or smell the test agent, or if there are visible leaks, the respirator does not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.

Qualitative fit testing is a simple and cost-effective way to determine if a respirator fits properly. However, it is not as precise as quantitative fit testing is more precise and may not detect all leaks or fit issues.

How to perform quantitative fit testing

To perform quantitative fit testing, the wearer must properly put on the respirator and adjust it to fit their face. The test administrator will then use specialized equipment to measure leakage around the respirator's seal.

The equipment used for quantitative fit testing typically includes a probe placed against the wearer's face near the respirator's seal. The probe is attached to a special filter adapter, which then passes through the respirator to sample the air inside of the mask... As in qualitative testing, the wearer will be instructed to perform a series of exercises, such as talking, nodding, and moving their head from side to side to simulate workplace movements.

The test results are then compared to the manufacturer's fit factor, which measures the respirator's effectiveness. If the fit factor is within the acceptable range, the respirator fits properly. If the fit factor is outside of the acceptable range, the respirator does not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.

Quantitative fit testing is a more precise and accurate method of testing the fit of a respirator. However, it requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to administer the test. It is recommended that quantitative fit testing be performed whenever a new respirator is used, or when there are changes to the wearer's facial structure.

Get the most out of your respirator

Whether it’s qualitative or quantitative fit testing that you need, be sure to stay up to date with fit testing requirements for your respirator. Doing so not only ensures compliance but will help you stay safe amid a variety of work environments.

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