Hazardous Materials Abatement

The Big 3 Abatement Materials: Asbestos, Lead, and Mold

In construction, renovation, and demolition projects, various hazardous materials are commonly encountered and require careful handling and removal. Here are the top 3 most frequently removed hazardous materials:

1. Asbestos

• Locations: Insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roofing materials, cement products, and pipe insulation.
• Risks: Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

2. Lead

• Locations: Paint in buildings constructed before 1978, pipes, plumbing materials, and soil contaminated by leaded gasoline or industrial operations.
• Risks: Lead poisoning, which affects the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs, is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women.

3. Mold

• Locations: Damp or water-damaged areas, such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and around windows or roofs with leaks.
• Risks: Allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Other Commonly Removed Hazardous Materials

In addition to asbestos-containing materials, other hazardous materials generally encountered include:

• Universal waste (i.e., fluoresce fluorescent bulbs, neon, high-intensity discharge, mercury vapor, high-pressure sodium, and metal halide lamps)
• Mercury devices (thermostats, electrical switches, gauges, and light sensors)
• Lead-containing fixtures (i.e., piping and lead-painted surfaces)
• Polychlorated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Batteries
• Roof vent flashings
• Paint, oil, pesticides, cleaners, and other commonly discarded chemicals

O’ROURKE will properly identify and remove hazardous materials as needed to obtain clearance of areas prior to renovation or demolition. Our licensed crews are well-trained in hazardous materials safety, waste management, and environmental compliance standards.

Our Abatement and Remediation Services

When it comes to the abatement and remediation of hazardous materials on your property, O’ROURKE is proud to be a trusted name in the demolition and environmental remediation industry. We offer a full suite of removal and disposal options for hazardous materials. Contact our team today for a free estimate and more information regarding your project. 

– Asbestos Abatement

O’ROURKE performs asbestos inspections and abatement through a multi-step process that ensures complete removal and client satisfaction. We use EPA-approved asbestos removal methods and equipment to properly contain, remove, and safely dispose of these materials on your property, eliminating the risk of asbestos exposure on the site.

– Lead Abatement

O’ROURKE is also experienced in the removal of lead paint and other lead-based toxic materials. Our certified professionals use specialized safety equipment and industry best practices to detect and remove lead-based paint from any interior or exterior surface.

– Mold Remediation

Mold abatement is critical for businesses and homeowners alike, as mold can cause significant health issues, such as lung cancer, if not treated promptly and safely! Our licensed specialists are well-versed in mold remediation, from the initial survey to complete removal and disposal, ensuring that your property stays mold-free for years to come.

– RCRA or Hazardous Waste Removal

O’ROURKE offers a range of services related to the safe management and disposal of hazardous waste materials. Our certified professionals are trained in RCRA regulations and guidelines, including the sampling, analysis, storage, collection, and disposal of these materials.

Environmental Remediation Services

Environmental remediation is a process used to eliminate hazardous materials from the environment and restore contaminated land to its original state. It is primarily used where toxic materials have been dumped, leaked, or otherwise released into the environment, either as ground waste or hazardous air pollutants. 

Our environmental remediation service aims to reduce or eliminate any risks associated with these materials, such as air and water pollution, health problems, and ecological damage. 

– Contaminated Soils

O’ROURKE has many years of experience in the safe remediation and disposal of contaminated soils, including those contaminated with petroleum products or other hazardous substances. Our team has the skills, training, and equipment to correctly identify, remove, and dispose of soil contamination within your property.

– AST/UST Removal & Cleaning

O’ROURKE offers comprehensive services related to the cleaning and removal of underground storage tanks (USTs) and above-ground storage tanks (ASTs). Our certified professionals understand the importance of proper containment and disposal and can work diligently to ensure that all regulations are met.

– Decontamination

Our decontamination services are an essential part of hazardous material abatement. It involves removing, neutralizing, or destroying hazardous materials from a given site or area. Contaminated sites may be decontaminated by physically removing contaminated items (i.e., soil, equipment, and sections of buildings).

– Waste Minimization Analysis

O’ROURKE provides waste minimization analysis services to identify ways to reduce waste, save money, and improve safety on the job site! By analyzing your waste stream and identifying possible areas for improvement, we can help identify cost-effective solutions that are good for the environment and your property.

Emergency Response

1-800-354-9850  (Call for 24/7 hazardous material response)

When disaster strikes, O’ROURKE is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to help mitigate risk. Alongside our Emergency Call Center, our Emergency Response Team will offer immediate assistance for incidents involving hazardous and building materials of any kind.

Our team is specifically trained and certified in hazardous materials safety and recovery and can provide emergency response services, including containment, hazardous materials removal and disposal, demolition, remediation, water damage, and equipment assistance. We provide these services to not only property owners but to insurance companies, local fire departments, EPA and FEMA, and more. Reach out to our team today to learn more.

Hazardous Materials Waste Management Process

Effective hazardous materials waste management is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with environmental regulations. Here is a detailed process for managing hazardous materials waste:

1. Identification and Classification

• Assessment: Conduct thorough inspections to identify all hazardous materials present at the site.
• Classification: Classify the identified materials according to their type and hazard level (e.g., toxic, flammable, corrosive, reactive).

2. Segregation

• Separation: Separate different types of hazardous waste to prevent reactions and ensure safe handling and disposal.
• Labeling: Clearly label containers with the type of hazardous waste, date of collection, and hazard classification.

3. Containment

• Approved Containers: Use containers that are approved for storing hazardous materials, ensuring they are leak-proof and durable.
• Secondary Containment: Implement secondary containment measures (e.g., spill pallets, containment trays) to catch leaks or spills from primary containers.

4. Storage

• Designated Areas: Store hazardous waste in designated, secure areas away from general workspaces and high-traffic zones.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in storage areas to prevent the buildup of toxic fumes.
• Fire Safety: Implement fire safety measures, including fire extinguishers and clear evacuation routes, especially for flammable materials.

5. Transportation

• Certified Transporters: O’ROURKE is certified and licensed for hazardous waste transportation, enabling us to move waste off-site to a proper disposal location.
• Regulations Compliance: We always ensure all transportation complies with local, state, and federal regulations, including proper labeling and documentation.

6. Disposal

• Permitted Facilities: Dispose of hazardous waste at facilities permitted and equipped to handle specific types of hazardous materials. O’ROURKE partners with the Whitewater Reclamation Facility to recycle and dispose of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste.
• Methods: Based on the type of hazardous waste, use appropriate disposal methods, such as incineration, chemical treatment, or secure landfill.

7. Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Inventory: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous materials and their quantities.
• Manifests: Use hazardous waste manifests to document the transportation and disposal of hazardous materials, as required by regulatory agencies.

Call The Remediation & Abatement Experts!

As a fully integrated company in demolition, remediation, and hazardous material abatement work, we are proud to be your single source contractor you can rely on and trust. Whether you’re looking for asbestos removal, industrial cleanup, or emergency response services, O’ROURKE’s extensive experience will give you peace of mind on your next project.

Our safety record is unparalleled in the market, and we continually invest significant resources in a wide variety of training, equipment, and safety technology to ensure your project is performed safely and securely.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help care for your hazardous material needs. We look forward to hearing from you!