Vacuum Cleaners Discussions

Will a TriStar (with HEPA motor & exhaust filter + micron bags) be good for picking up asbestos, lead dust or anything hazardous?  I'm remodeling my house & plan to vacuum up the dust but don't know if its safe.

Hooverman,

   The answer to your question is NO , NO, NO. Currently there is a new law that requires people cleaning and prepping old houses that are past a certain age and could have lead paint and other contaniments in it must have a HEPA vacuum used. These cleaners must meet the recommended  requrements of the EPA and Tristar will not. Also you must be certified to do that type of work, not do it yourself. That is fore your safety. A big fine could be levied if you are caught.

                                                                                                         Procare.

As a construction professional trained in asbestos abatement, I can tell you that the general procedure for asbestos cleanup of qualified material is wetting following by removal via a sealed wet/dry vacuum with a HEPA filter. The vacuum can be portable, but is often a vehicle-mounted (i.e. heavy-duty).