What is the recommended method for performing the air tightness test in a building with an asbestos risk?

The recommended method for performing the air tightness test in a building with an asbestos risk is to utilize pressurization. This approach is vital because it helps to prevent the potential inhalation or disturbance of asbestos fibers that could be present in the building. By pressurizing the space, air is pushed out of the building through any leakage points instead of drawing air in, which could bring contaminated air from contaminated spaces, potentially exposing occupants and testers to hazardous materials.

This method ensures that airborne contaminants remain contained within the building instead of entering the occupied areas, thus maintaining a safer environment during the testing process. It is critical to handle spaces with asbestos risks with caution and follow best practices to prevent any health hazards associated with asbestos exposure.

Other methods, such as depressurization, could inadvertently draw contaminated air into occupied spaces, posing a higher risk. Similarly, circulating fans may disturb accumulated dust or fibers unproductively without controlling the airflow direction maintained during the test. Therefore, maintaining pressurization is the safest and most recommended approach for airtightness testing in these sensitive situations.