Abatement - Windows

Abatement began on approximately 6,000 square feet of windows at the existing building. The single-glazed windows are being removed and prepared for proper disposal.


The asbestos may be located in the glazing compound where the window glass meets the steel edge, as well as where the windows attach to the concrete block. Each window is not individually tested for the presence of asbestos. However, because one or a section of windows were found to be 'hot' each window of similar make-up will go through the abatement process.

First, the windows are removed from the masonry opening (pictured above). As the windows are removed, they are broken down into sections. The glass is taken out of the metal frame, which is cut in half (pictured below), and it is all bagged and sent to the asbestos waste landfill.

Abatement Update

Yankee Environmental Services began asbestos abatement at the building on January 28th. They have completed the floor tile abatement as well as the abatement of the entire crawl space area. They are currently working on the first floor and second floor pipe covering/insulation.


The abatement and final air sampling is expected to be complete by February 13th. Demo at the building is scheduled to begin on February 17th.

Images from Groundbreaking

NERCC Executive Secretary-Trearurer Mark Erlich speaks at the ceremony.

Pictured l-r: Maureen Feeney, Boston City Councilor; Suzanne Bump, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development; Mark Erlich, NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer; Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

The wall comes down.

Video Update - Apprentices work on exterior stairs

Preliminary Work Begins

Preliminary work has started at the Carpenters Center as the demolition contractor NASDI began checking the structural layout in preparation for tearing down walls. At the end of January, the asbestos abatement is scheduled to begin. NASDI has hired Yankee Enviornmental Services for the asbestos removal. NERCC has retained Tetra Tech Rizzo to inspect the building and provide air sampling at the completion of the abatement to provide final clearance for the building. See the post below for more on asbestos.

Did You Know?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals. The word asbestos (ἄσβεστος) is derived from a Greek adjective meaning inextinguishable. The Greeks termed asbestos the miracle mineral because of its soft and pliant properties, as well as its ability to withstand heat.

Asbestos is known to have toxicity. The inhalation of toxic asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis (also called pneumoconiosis). Since the mid 1980s, many uses of asbestos have been banned in several countries.

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, its sound absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in some products for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

Source: Wikipedia

Carpenters Center Groundbreaking Ceremony