Asbestos was used extensively in western homes until the late 80s, when the deadly side effects became apparent. These include mesothelioma and pleural thickening which cause breathing issues.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when the fibres are released into the air through damage or when the materials are moved, cut, drilled or sanded. Many people are diagnosed with asbestos related diseases years after exposure. For more information, Click Here to proceed.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals consisting of tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, chrysotile and amosite. These minerals are formed into bundles of extremely long, glass-like fibres that can be separated into fine strands. These strands are too tiny to see without a microscope, but they can cause serious health problems for workers and home-owners when inhaled. They include lung diseases and cancer, which can often be fatal.
Due to its fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos was used in building materials until it was discovered to be hazardous. Asbestos products were phased out throughout the 1980s and completely banned in 2003. However, it is still present in many older buildings around Australia. In fact, it is estimated that about one third of homes built before 1990 contain asbestos.
This can be in the form of roofing, flooring, ceilings, sheds, brick cladding, walls, insulation and fences. It is not dangerous if left undisturbed, but it becomes unsafe when cut or damaged, which can occur during renovations or demolitions. When disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be breathed in. This can cause a range of illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When you hire a professional asbestos removal service, they will first send a sample of the suspected material to an accredited lab for testing. Once the results come back, the team will then create a plan to safely remove the asbestos from your property. The team will also put together a competitive quote for the job.
While it is possible to remove some asbestos yourself, it is best to leave it to a professional. You should avoid DIY jobs, especially if they involve cutting or drilling into the material, as this could release harmful asbestos fibres. It is also important to follow the relevant safety regulations.
Asbestos has no odour, which means it is difficult to detect until you have already inhaled the dangerous mineral. It can also have a delayed impact on your health, so it is essential to get in touch with a company that specialises in asbestos removal.
Asbestos is a highly toxic material that is known to cause various diseases in humans. Those who work with the material should be trained and licensed to handle it. Those who fail to meet these standards are at risk of developing lung conditions such as asbestosis. The symptoms of this disease can take 20 to 30 years to develop, and they are often fatal. Fortunately, there are training courses that teach how to safely remove asbestos. These courses also cover the safety procedures that should be followed to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Currently, there are two types of licensing available for asbestos removal. These include a licence to remove friable and non-friable materials. A licence to remove friable materials is required when the quantity of asbestos-contaminated dust or debris is more than 10 square metres. Those who work with the non-friable form of asbestos, known as bonded, do not require a licence. However, they are still required to undergo specialised training and wear respirators during the removal process.
In addition to the appropriate asbestos removal training, a licensed asbestos assessor should be involved in every step of the process. This ensures that the asbestos is removed correctly and that any samples taken are analysed in a laboratory. The qualified assessor will also ensure that all waste materials are disposed of properly. This includes ensuring that the PPE clothing is disposed of at an approved waste site.
In Australia, there are strict requirements for those who work with asbestos. The asbestos removal company must have a license and must be registered with SafeWork. This demonstrates that the company is aware of the risks associated with working with asbestos and is taking steps to minimise them. The company must also notify SafeWork before starting any work on an asbestos removal project. Failure to do so could result in significant fines. Licensed asbestos companies also carry comprehensive public liability insurance that covers any damage to property caused by the removal of the material.
The most important thing when dealing with asbestos is to take the necessary precautions. This includes wearing full-length coveralls, respirators, and gloves, as well as working in a contained area. Wetting the asbestos to render it dormant is another good way to minimize contamination.
Even though asbestos is banned throughout Australia, it is still found in many buildings. It becomes dangerous when it is moved, disturbed or damaged and the fibres become airborne. This can lead to a number of health problems, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
It is best to hire licensed and trained asbestos removal specialists to handle the work. They will perform a risk assessment and ensure that the asbestos is removed safely without contaminating the surrounding areas. They will also use tools that will minimize the release of fibres. The asbestos will be double-bagged and sealed in leak-tight bags before being disposed of. The site will be cleaned and disinfected after the work is done.
Asbestos disposal requires a special permit and is classified as Type 1 Special Waste. This means that it must be taken to a disposal site licensed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). The EMRC’s Red Hill Waste Management Facility is licensed to accept a variety of hazardous materials, including asbestos.
Non-friable asbestos can be removed by a person who is not a licenced asbestos remover, provided that the work area is not larger than 10m2. This type of asbestos was used in the 1950’s and 60’s to lag pipes and as a spray application or as a tile on walls and ceilings for sound/fire insulation.
A person who is not a licensed asbestos remover can carry out non-friable removal of higher risk materials such as fibreous and bonded asbestos. This is more difficult and involves extensive training, specialised working practices and sophisticated respiratory equipment.
If you’re hiring asbestos removal contractors, it is essential to choose a company with a good reputation. The best companies will have a well-trained staff that is highly reviewed by other customers and will provide detailed and clear quotations. Additionally, the company will ensure that its employees are protected by wearing coveralls, respirators and gloves when working in the home.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used extensively in building materials for its fire and chemical resistance, strength and insulating properties. However, the material was later found to cause several health side effects such as mesothelioma and lung diseases. While the use of asbestos has been largely phased out since the 1980s, many older homes may still contain this dangerous substance. Harris Asbestos Removal can help to remove these products from your home, ensuring that the fibres don’t become airborne and pose a risk to you or your family.