Safely remove asbestos with expert-approved procedures that reduce health risks and follow Indian regulations. Understand the removal steps before hiring professionals.
Asbestos—once hailed for its insulation and fire-resistant qualities—is now recognized as a serious health hazard. Found in older homes, schools, industrial buildings, and even public infrastructure across India, this material can silently release harmful fibers into the air when disturbed. These fibers, when inhaled, can lead to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you’re living or working in a building constructed before the 1990s, there’s a real possibility that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present. The safest way forward? Understand the process before taking action.
This guide walks you through how to safely remove asbestos from your property using responsible, step-by-step practices aligned with Indian environmental regulations.
Why You Should Never Remove Asbestos Yourself
Before we outline the steps, it’s important to address a common misconception: asbestos removal is not a DIY task.
Even minimal disturbance of asbestos-containing material can release microscopic fibers into the air, which linger for hours or even days. Without proper training, equipment, and disposal channels, you risk contaminating the space and putting lives at risk—including your own.
That’s why professional Asbestos Removal Services in India are essential—not just for compliance but for long-term health and safety.
Common Places Asbestos Is Still Found
You might be surprised where asbestos might be hiding. These include:
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Corrugated roofing sheets
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Floor tiles and adhesives
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Pipe insulation
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Ceiling boards and wall cladding
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Electrical insulation panels
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Water tanks and boiler lagging
Identifying the material visually is difficult. In most cases, it takes a trained professional and lab testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.
How to Safely Remove Asbestos Step by Step
Let’s look at the safest, regulated, and professionally accepted methods to eliminate this hazardous material.
Step 1: Initial Inspection and Risk Assessment
Before anything else, the site must be inspected by a certified asbestos surveyor. This includes:
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Identifying and marking all ACMs (Asbestos-Containing Materials)
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Evaluating the condition (friable vs. non-friable)
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Assessing the level of exposure risk
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Planning for minimal disturbance
This report forms the baseline for the entire removal process.
Step 2: Notification and Legal Compliance
Depending on the type and location of asbestos, some Indian jurisdictions require official notice to be submitted before removal begins. Compliance with pollution control boards, municipal bylaws, and waste disposal rules is critical.
Step 3: Isolating the Work Area
To safely remove asbestos, containment is key. Professionals will:
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Seal off the affected zone with plastic sheeting
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Disable HVAC systems to prevent fiber circulation
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Post warning signs and restrict unauthorized access
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Create negative air pressure zones using HEPA filters
This step prevents cross-contamination into clean areas.
Step 4: Wearing Proper PPE and Equipment
Certified teams must wear:
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Disposable coveralls with hoods
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NIOSH-approved respirators or P100 masks
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Rubber gloves and boots
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Full-body decontamination suits in some cases
Specialized vacuum tools with HEPA filters are used instead of regular brooms or vacuums to avoid stirring fibers into the air.
Step 5: Careful Material Removal and Packaging
Once preparations are in place, removal begins:
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Materials are sprayed with a fine mist of water to reduce airborne dust
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ACMs are removed gently to avoid breakage
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Items are double-bagged in labeled, leak-proof, 6-mil plastic
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Each bag is sealed and labeled as hazardous waste
Every step is tracked for documentation and compliance.
Step 6: Decontamination and Site Cleaning
Once removal is complete:
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The entire area is cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums
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Surfaces are wiped with damp cloths
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Decontamination chambers are used to clean PPE
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Air monitoring may be conducted to ensure safe levels before reopening the space
Step 7: Waste Disposal and Reporting
In India, asbestos waste is classified under Hazardous Waste Rules (2016) and must be disposed of only at certified landfills.
Authorized companies:
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Transport the waste in covered containers
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Keep manifests and records for 5–10 years
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Submit proof of disposal to local authorities
Improper disposal is not only unsafe—it’s illegal and punishable under environmental law.
Who Should You Trust for Asbestos Removal?
Trained professionals with proper licensing, hazardous waste permits, and environmental compliance expertise should be the only ones handling such work. Reputable Asbestos Removal Services in India often:
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Follow BIS and MoEFCC guidelines
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Employ experienced environmental engineers
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Provide post-removal air quality certification
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Offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs
While the average homeowner or building manager may not know the full legal landscape, professional companies ensure that every angle—from safety to disposal—is covered.
FAQs on Asbestos Removal
Q1: How do I know if my property has asbestos?
You can’t confirm this visually. Only lab testing after a professional inspection can determine the presence of asbestos.
Q2: Is asbestos dangerous if it’s undisturbed?
Not always. Non-friable asbestos that’s intact and sealed poses less risk—but it still needs regular monitoring.
Q3: Can I remove asbestos from my own home?
Legally and medically, it’s not advisable. Always work with a certified professional to avoid exposure risks.
Q4: What happens if asbestos is found during renovation?
Stop all work immediately. Notify a licensed asbestos consultant and avoid disturbing the area further.
Q5: How long does the removal process take?
Depending on the size and complexity, it can range from a single day to several weeks.
Benefits of Hiring Professionals to Safely Remove Asbestos
Working with licensed asbestos removal teams offers peace of mind, but also:
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Ensures legal compliance
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Reduces environmental and health risks
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Maintains property value
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Protects workers, residents, and neighbors
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Streamlines documentation and future audits
Investing in a professional solution means prioritizing long-term safety over short-term savings.
A Word on Professional Support
While this guide offers a complete understanding of the process, it’s worth noting that certified providers like Greenship Services have built a reputation in India for safe, regulated asbestos removal. They follow every protocol with attention to both health and environmental responsibility—serving both residential and industrial clients across the country.
Don’t Take the Risk Lightly
To safely remove asbestos, awareness is only the beginning. It’s a complex, regulated task that demands expertise, compliance, and commitment to public health.
By understanding what’s involved—from inspection to final disposal—you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Your health, your family’s well-being, and the safety of those who use the space depend on the choices you make today.
When in doubt, don’t wait—consult experts who specialize in Asbestos Removal Services in India. Peace of mind begins with taking responsible action.