A job calls for the demolition of an old residence in order for a new residence to be built. Which of the following should be done?

A job calls for the demolition of an old residence in order for a new residence to be built. Which of the following should be done?

• A. Call an asbestos abatement contractor to check for asbestos
• B. Demolish immediately without checks
• C. Contact pest control
• D. Obtain a demolition warranty

Answer: (A)

Before demolishing an older home, you must determine whether asbestos is present and handle it first. Asbestos fibers released during demolition can pose serious health risks to workers and neighbors, and many older residences contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing, pipe wrap, and plaster. A licensed asbestos abatement contractor can take samples, test for asbestos, and, if present, perform proper removal and disposal under applicable regulations. This protects everyone involved, keeps the project compliant with safety and environmental rules, and prevents costly remediation later. Demolishing without checks risks exposure and regulatory penalties, and pest control or a generic demolition warranty don’t address the hazard. The prudent course is to engage a licensed asbestos abatement professional to assess and manage any asbestos before proceeding.

Before demolishing an older home, you must determine whether asbestos is present and handle it first. Asbestos fibers released during demolition can pose serious health risks to workers and neighbors, and many older residences contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing, pipe wrap, and plaster. A licensed asbestos abatement contractor can take samples, test for asbestos, and, if present, perform proper removal and disposal under applicable regulations. This protects everyone involved, keeps the project compliant with safety and environmental rules, and prevents costly remediation later. Demolishing without checks risks exposure and regulatory penalties, and pest control or a generic demolition warranty don’t address the hazard. The prudent course is to engage a licensed asbestos abatement professional to assess and manage any asbestos before proceeding.