The Ultimate Guide to Safe Asbestos Removal at Home
Dealing with asbestos is dangerous, especially within the home. This guide aims to provide essential information to Australian homeowners regarding the safe removal of asbestos from their properties.
Understanding Asbestos
Firstly, it’s essential to understand what asbestos is. It’s a group of six naturally occurring minerals composed of soft, flexible fibres that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. These qualities make the mineral useful, but they also make asbestos exposure highly toxic.
Asbestos was widely used in the past for insulation, flooring, and roofing in most Australian homes before the 1980s. If your property was built or renovated before this time, there’s a chance it contains asbestos.
Identifying Asbestos
Before any removal attempt, proper identification of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the home is crucial. Some common areas where asbestos may be found include old insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe cement, and many other construction materials.
Due to its hazardous nature, it’s recommended to hire a professional asbestos inspector to survey your home and confirm the presence of asbestos with appropriate testing.
Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal
In Australia, laws are strict regarding asbestos removal. In some states and territories, if the area is less than 10 square metres, homeowners can legally remove it. However, given the health risks involved, even small projects are best left to professionals. For more extensive removal jobs, it’s an absolute legal requirement to engage licensed removalists.
Safety Precautions during asbestos removal
The essence of safe asbestos removal is to minimise the release of asbestos fibres into the air and to prevent exposure. If you’re legally handling the removal:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a P2 face mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety glasses.
- Avoid using power tools as they can release asbestos fibres into the air.
- Wet the asbestos material before removal to suppress dust.
- Carefully seal and label asbestos waste for proper disposal.
Hiring Professional Removalists
The safest way to manage asbestos removal is by engaging licensed and experienced removalists. They have the expertise, equipment, and knowledge of the correct procedures to remove asbestos efficiently and safely, adhering to the strict guidelines laid out by Australian authorities.
Disposing of Asbestos Waste
The disposal of asbestos waste is subject to stringent regulations. It must be disposed of at an approved facility. Transport the sealed bags or containers of asbestos waste in a vehicle to prevent any leakage.
To locate your nearest licensed facility, contact your local council or the environmental protection agency in your state or territory for guidance.
Home renovation can quickly become hazardous if asbestos is present. Always prioritise safety by working with certified professionals and adhering to legal and health guidelines. While the DIY approach is tempting, the risks of improper asbestos handling far outweigh the benefits, especially when considering the long-term health implications.
When it comes to asbestos removal, it’s essential to remember that no short-cuts or compromises should be made on safety. The value of professional handling cannot be overemphasised in ensuring a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.