What is required to ensure proper containment when working with asbestos?

Setting up plastic barriers is essential for ensuring proper containment when working with asbestos due to its effectiveness in creating a controlled environment. This practice involves erecting a physical barrier that confines asbestos fibers, minimizing the risk of their dispersion into the surrounding area. Plastic barriers help isolate the work area, ensuring that any potential contamination is contained, which is crucial for protecting workers and others nearby.

The use of plastic barriers is a widely accepted procedure in asbestos abatement because it complements other safety measures. It allows for the implementation of a negative pressure system, where air is drawn out of the work area, further preventing fibers from escaping. When barriers are combined with proper ventilation and air monitoring, they significantly enhance the safety of the operation.

While other methods, such as vacuum systems and air purifiers, do contribute to safety and control, they serve more as supplementary tools rather than primary means for containment. Sealing windows with tape, although it might restrict airflow, does not provide the same level of physical separation necessary for effective asbestos containment as properly set up plastic barriers do.