This usually involves moving ceiling tile, repairing plumbing or anything else that contains asbestos. Not every pipe and ceiling tile contains asbestos material, but whether it does or not cannot be determined at a glance. Every sample is positive until proven otherwise. Abatement is done inside enclosures to prevent the fibers from spreading. Air handling units serving the affected area are turned off until the work is completed.
Workers wear respirators and disposable coveralls to protect themselves while working.
To prevent any attached fibers from getting into the surrounding air, the coveralls are disposed of when the worker exits the enclosure. When a job has been completed, samples of the surrounding air are analyzed under a phase-contrast microscope. Asbestos is a generic term for a group of minerals known for their strength, flame and heat resistance, and seemingly indestructible qualities. It can be found in many forms and places. Asbestos was used in boiler and pipe insulation, plasters, floor tile, electrical insulation, and as a fireproofing material on structural members in buildings.