Job Overview An asbestos containing object is very delicate and should be handled with care. Asbestos particles cannot be seen by the naked eye and are harmful. This is the major reason that when moving or when removing asbestos products safety measures are being observed. It could be present in resilient floor tiles, steam pipes, cement sheets and vinyl flooring among others. Asbestos fibers are included in making flooring materials so as to strengthen the flooring and to increase its durability. Asbestos flooring removal is not easy and it is suggested that we seek the assistance of asbestos professional. By seeking help from the experts, we can be assured that asbestos fiber will not contaminate the environment and that we are not putting our health and other people’s health at risk. The experts in removing asbestos are called asbestos abatement technicians.
Education,Knowledge and Trainings Required
Asbestos professionals went through training courses that will give them enough knowledge how to handle asbestos products properly. They go through courses that deal with protective equipment, decontamination technology, safety regulations and confined-space-entry procedures.Hands-on training is included in the program. Some state and local government requires them to present the proper training certificates, some training documents and their license. The certification needs to be updated at least annually.
Skills and Abilities
Professionals who are trained in removing asbestos ceiling needs to know how to use personal protective equipment such as respirator, disposable work suits, gloves, boots and eye protection. It is important that they stay focused when working and carefully follow the procedures and regulations.
Asbestos abatement technician needs to be calm when dealing with the emergency situations.They need to be attentive to details as well.
Duties
Asbestos abatement technician should properly enclose or dispose removed ceilings. They conduct home inspection and they can assess if the particular product has asbestos fiber. The professionals should quarantine the area and would also conduct several tests on air for possible traces of asbestos. It is their duty to use special equipment for this as well as an air filtration system. Clean-up, which is so essential when removing asbestos contained products, should be done by the experts to make sure that all small particles such as dust which could be an asbestos particle be removed and wiped out for possible contamination to the environment.
Earnings and Job Outlook
An asbestos abatement technician salary is ranged from $21,470 to $59,120. Initial training as well as refresher courses offered annually are handled by most of the employers in this industry. They are also compensated with health and life insurance since the health risk for this type of profession is too high. Building owners are now given more rigid rules and regulations because of the advocacies in clean air and environmental preservation. There are still many buildings built before 1982 which could have used asbestos containing materials. This increases the demand for asbestos abatement technicians since they need to treat or remove asbestos in the building before it contaminates the environment and in turn harm the people.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.