When MiniContainment is used, a small frame is placed over the object that needs removing. MiniContainment is made up of a transparent shell with connections for vacuum cleaners, pressure sensors and a range of other instruments. Due to the solid nature of the container, it is possible to work within decreased atmospheric pressures with total air circulation. In traditional asbestos removal systems, air is circulated six times per hour, consistent with Dutch regulations. However, MiniContainment is able to dramatically increase total air circulation, almost once per minute.

If a fibre is dislodged in the removal process, the vacuum cleaner, with a HEPA14 filter, will suck up this free fibre. The decreased (low) pressure is caused by the vacuum cleaner. We don’t need specific (low) pressure machines anymore.

Employees can do their job without exposing themselves to dangerous asbestos fibres. The process and equipment does not require traditional personal protective equipment.

Traditionally, it has been difficult to position the decontamination-unit and low pressure machines in the same room where the asbestos objects have to be removed. Due to this complex environment, homeowners and asbestos workers often need to remove all household items and pressurise almost the whole house, in order to work on one area. MiniContainment doesn’t require this amount of hassle, because it can safely isolate the affected area, allowing the rest of the house to maintain its original order.

The minimum size of a MiniContainment is about 0,5m x 0,3m x 0,5m (lxwxh). Outside of the MiniContainment a working space is required about 1 meter around it.

The standard size of a MiniContainment is between half and two meters. It is possible to pair MiniContainments very easily, which make them very flexible in use.

Probably most people think of “men in space suits”, when asked about asbestos removal. Due to the fact that the workers as well as the inspectors can stay outside of the containment, there is no risk of exposing themselves to dangerous asbestos fibres. Except for safety shoes and maybe helmets or glasses, they do not have to wear any protective gear anymore.

This way of working has a lot of advantages. Next to practical advantages, such as no showering needed or a better sight for example, it is also better for the health of the employees. When employees are wearing air respirator masks, they have to take a break every 2 hours. MiniContainment increases the efficiency of the employees.

Our preparation time is much shorter than the traditional way. We don’t have to place a decontamination unit. We also don’t have to built a big tent (containment) for example. The video below shows the time advantage that MiniContainment brings. In two identical rooms we removed a windowsill. In the first room we did it the traditional way. In de second room we did it using MiniContainment. The time difference is about 1,5 hour in favour of MiniContainment as the workers don’t have to take the obliged break. Now they can start in another room even quicker. This advantage is hugh.

Traditionally, before the asbestos removal company can start, the inhabitants have to clean and empty the rooms were the asbestos object will be removed and were the equipment will be placed. Due to the less space we need when we use MiniContainment, they only have to move a tv or sofa a couple of meters. The only noise we create is coming from the vacuum cleaner, a small drilling machine or a compressor.

It’s even possible for the inhabitants of the building to stay at home, while they go on with their work.

Also the fact that the inhabitants don’t see ‘men in spacesuits’ anymore reduces the social and emotional impact. They much less fear that their room is unsafe when the asbestos removal company has finished their job and left the building. This saves on communication between the users and owners of the building.