Asbestos Cement Conduit

[xguard]

I have a facility with 6-4" asbestos cement conduits that were installed in the 1950's. They are in the concrete walls of a structure and the exposed portions seem to be in good shape. We need to remove the electrical feeder cables from them and install new. Would removing the old cables and pulling in new cable be considered 'disturbing' the asbestos? Thanks for any input.

 

[hbiss]

You will know when you pull the old conductors out.

-Hal

 

[ValentinoM]

I had to deal with this before a remodel, and getting proper testing saved me from a ton of liability headaches. A testing company handled the sampling and paperwork smoothly, and having their report on hand kept the inspectors off my back. If you’re unsure about materials or just want to cover yourself, they make the whole process a lot less stressful.

 

[Jraef]

The answer to your question though is Yes, you will disturb it and the asbestos on the inner surface will be friable (able to become airborne). I would talk to an official asbestos removal company about coming up with some sort of vacuum system at the pulling end to capture and contain the fibers. Is it going to be expensive? Yep. But the liability for getting it wrong is too great to mess with.

 

[Barbqranch]

Would it be possible to simply abandon them and run new conduits? Might be much easier and cheaper.