Asbestos removal is a high-stakes operation. When disturbing asbestos-containing materials, microscopic fibers can become airborne, posing a significant health risk. That’s why licensed asbestos removal – the most hazardous type of removal work – demands stringent safety measures, and one of the most crucial is the use of negative pressure or air extraction systems, and the monitoring thereof. These systems ensure a safe workspace.

In asbestos abatement, a “negative pressure” environment is created inside the work area, by using mechanical exhaust ventilation.

Imagine a slight inward pull, preventing fibers from escaping. This system captures asbestos fibers released during the removal process, preventing them from escaping the contained area. Air extraction goes hand-in-hand with negative pressure. By removing air, it forces clean air to enter through designated points.

The primary goal is to prevent the accidental release of asbestos fibers beyond the containment area. Even with the best construction, a work area is unlikely to perfectly contain all asbestos fibers or be airtight. This isn’t truly possible considering the amount of pressure needed to make a space truly “airtight”. That’s where air extraction systems come in, maintaining a specific, required maximum negative pressure (of -.02 inches of water column). Inevitably, small leaks are present in these environments, but a negative pressure ensures the air flows inward, keeping any fibers from escaping. Allowing asbestos fibers to escape could lead to inhalation, potentially causing devastating asbestos-related diseases decades later.

NAM Monitoring: Ensuring Containment is Working

Most NAM systems are networked with pressure monitors and a printer that records the time and pressure at regular intervals. Maintaining proper negative pressure is the responsibility of the abatement team.This is to avoid containment collapse and properly contain asbestos fibers during abatement. 

Monitoring the amount of asbestos fibers in the air that may be escaping into the environment is the job of a certified AMS (Air Monitoring Specialist). Monitoring takes place outside the containment area, where the NAM is exhausting air, ensuring that it doesn’t exceed the set threshold. 

How is Negative Pressure Maintained and Checked?

Think of it like this: We create a contained bubble with slight suction, constantly pulling air inward and filtering it out. This involves:

• A sealed work area, with designated air entry points.
• A machine (NAM) constantly pulls air out, creating suction. The placement of the machine is important for proper air flow equipped with a super-efficient filter (HEPA) to trap fibers.
• Regular checks: We setup equipment at the exhaust point and monitor the levels of asbestos fibers from exhausted air from the NAM to ensure it is being filtered as it should.

Overcoming Challenges and Protecting What Matters

It’s not always easy to maintain a perfect “bubble” of containment. Equipment can fail, and it can be tricky to seal off large areas. That’s why it’s crucial to inspect everything regularly, and be prepared to adjust the setup as needed.

Investing in effective NAM monitoring and air extraction is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do. You’re not just meeting legal requirements; you’re safeguarding workers and the public from a serious health risk.

IET: Your Partner for Asbestos Safety

Ensuring a safe environment during and after abatement – at Integrity Environmental Testing (IET), we offer a comprehensive suite of asbestos-related services, including:

• Personnel Exposure Monitoring: Protecting workers by measuring their exposure levels.
• Negative Air Machine (NAM) Monitoring: Verifying the effectiveness of containment systems.
• Final Clearance Testing: Confirming that a space is safe after abatement.
• Spill Delineation: Determine the scope of spill

Beyond asbestos, we also provide expert testing and assessments for lead, mold, fire damage, and water damage. Contact us today to discuss your needs and learn how we can help ensure a safe and healthy environment.