What action should be taken regarding furniture and non-stationary items?

The appropriate action regarding furniture and non-stationary items during asbestos abatement is to clean and remove them from the work area. This step is crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of asbestos exposure. By removing these items, you decrease the likelihood of disturbing any asbestos fibers that may be present, which can lead to contamination of the items and the area.

Cleaning the furniture and non-stationary items before removal also helps to reduce the chance of spreading asbestos fibers throughout the environment. It ensures that any potential asbestos that might have settled on these surfaces is properly managed and disposed of, adhering to safety regulations and standards.

Other options, such as leaving the items in the area, covering them with plastic, or stacking them in a corner do not adequately address the need to safeguard against asbestos exposure. Leaving them in the area poses a higher risk of contamination during abatement activities, while simply covering them or stacking them may not prevent the spread of fibers if they become dislodged. Therefore, the safest and most responsible approach is to thoroughly clean and remove all furniture and non-stationary items from the work area prior to commencing asbestos abatement.