Working as a general contractor and then specializing in mold, asbestos, lead, or general hazardous material abatement is one way to become an abatement contractor. A regional or local authority is usually in charge of regulating the removal of a specific type of hazardous material. Individuals who specialize in this service must first be certified by a local government before they can legally provide it. Before working for another company or individual offering abatement services, abatement contractors usually gain experience in construction and renovation. It is possible to earn certification and work as an abatement contractor who works independently or leads a team after gaining experience working for someone else in the field.
Contractors interested in learning more about what it takes to work as an abatement contractor should be aware that the removal of hazardous materials is a dangerous job by definition. Breathing asbestos or mold can cause serious lung damage and future breathing problems. Lead poisoning can result in a variety of internal organ problems. Abatement contractors wear full protective gear and exercise extreme caution in all environments because of the dangers. The work is hazardous manual labor, but it is required to renovate and improve a structure so that it can eventually be occupied by others.
A high school diploma is usually required to work as an abatement contractor. Many people in the field begin their careers by working any type of construction job they can find. Once you’ve gained some experience, you might be able to network your way into a job working for a home or commercial building renovation company. Because older buildings frequently require lead and asbestos abatement, techniques used in property rehabilitation can be applied to hazardous material abatement. Mold abatement is performed in areas that have been subjected to prolonged water damage and necessitates the removal and reorganization of any affected areas.
If you want to work as an abatement contractor, you’ll need to learn how to remove and dispose of hazardous materials properly. Materials containing toxic mold, lead, or asbestos must be handled and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Regional governments provide courses in safety and disposal. Obtaining abatement certification usually necessitates the completion of these classes. Homeowners, commercial construction companies, and the government hire abatement contractors to rehabilitate residential and commercial properties.