What you need to know for safe asbestos removal

Asbestos was used extensively in the 1970s for insulation, flooring, and roofing in most homes and residential offices in Australia and other countries. However, over the years, people began to remove this type of asbestos from their buildings because it poses a risk to human health.

When asbestos products are weakened, they begin to emit fibers into the air that pose a high risk. When inhaled, the fibers cause long-term harm to people. The risks involved are respiratory complications, asbestosis, and lung cancer that can take a lifetime to heal. It is highly recommended to remove asbestos before the threat increases.

According to the Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, asbestos removal requires making an existing asbestos list, called a registry. The registry helps to identify the type of asbestos present in a building. The task of removing asbestos should only be performed by a licensed contractor. A licensed contractor knows all types of asbestos and how to handle each one.

Types of asbestos

Before handling asbestos, it is important to know what type of asbestos you are dealing with. These are the different types:

Friable Asbestos – This type of asbestos is in powder form or can be turned into powder by hand pressure, especially when dry.

Non-Friable Asbestos – This type includes a material containing asbestos fibers reinforced with an adhesive compound.

There are several factors you need to consider to safely remove asbestos:

Have a control plan

This ensures that the process is well planned and carried out as safely as possible. The plan focuses on ensuring that control measures are in place to reduce the risks of asbestos exposure. This plan is only organized by licensed contractors and is prepared before work begins.

Control the risk

Try to control the risks associated with removal to ensure that everyone is safe. These are the important steps to take to control risk:

Limit access – Make sure to limit access to the site you are working on. Post signs and set up barricades to inform people that the area is off limits.

Decontamination and Disposal Procedures: All asbestos waste from the site should be placed in hermetically sealed bags. This ensures that waste is disposed of properly and further contamination is avoided.

Respiratory protective equipment: All contactors must provide their workers with suitable respiratory protective equipment. The equipment protects them from inhaling harmful fibers.

Personal Protective Equipment: The contractor and his workers must wear protective clothing at all times while on site. Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety shoes, coveralls, and gloves.

& Bull; Air Monitoring: The Code of Practice – How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace also requires that, after all work has been performed, an independent licensed asbestos assessor carry out air monitoring. Dispatch inspections must also be carried out and dispatch certificates issued. Only then can the building be reoccupied.

Asbestos removal is a task that requires experts. Doing the job yourself exposes you to long-term health risks. It may even cost you a higher price than the professionals charge. It is always best to prevent than to cure.