If you suspect your property has a problem, you should not attempt asbestos removal yourself without consulting with an experienced, expert contractor who follows the Australian standards.
Asbestos is a hazardous material which is often used in insulation and fire-resisting materials. Removing asbestos is a dangerous procedure as the fibres can become airborne and can lead to cancer and various respiratory diseases if breathed in.
The use of asbestos has been completely banned throughout Australia since 2003 for a good reason. It is a proven danger to the public’s health and is an issue which needs to be taken seriously.
Australia has the highest rate of asbestos-related mesothelioma in the world, so you would be well advised to extend caution when dealing with asbestos found on your property.
Due to changes in the law, a newly built house is unlikely to have a problem with asbestos, but if your property was built before 2003 you may have a reason for concern.
It is a good idea to contact a professional for asbestos cleaning. However, some people try to do asbestos DIY removal.
While attempting asbestos removal yourself is legal in Perth, it can be a dangerous option to take as training, safety equipment such as tents, respiratory equipment, and specialist tools are vital to safely remove asbestos.
In order to attempt asbestos removal DIY, there are many precautions that must be taken before, during and after your work. There are many rules and regulations and safety requirements which need to be followed. The cleanup process is especially complicated and may potentially expose your neighborhood to risk so the question has to be asked, is it worth the risk? In fact, asbestos DIY removal is not recommended.
Before touching any asbestos there are many precautions which you must perform. These include facemasks, covering exposed skin, putting bags over your shoes and wearing old clothes which will be disposed of soon. A professional asbestos removal specialist usually goes to more trouble than this including hazard suits and taking air quality tests.
If they are taking these extra safety measures there must be a reason, so for your peace of mind and to be safe, you are better off using a professional remover.
Friable asbestos is easily crushed and brittle. It can release fibres in the atmosphere which are a clear danger to public health, so it is advisable to be extra careful around any of these materials.
Asbestos waste in Perth can only be disposed of at approved sites. Each council has different rules for this and you should contact them for advice and a list of approved disposal sites.
It is far better to use an approved contractor who can provide proper waste removal equipment such as containers, skips, etc.
You need to consider your neighbours before attempting any asbestos removal DIY. There are regulations in place for their safety, and an environmental health officer or the local council has the right to investigate any work of this type that you carry out.
All in all, using a recommended contractor is the best option. They can ensure safe removal and disposal of any asbestos products found on your property without any risk to anyone’s health. They also have the proper safety equipment in place and are well versed in recognizing any signs of danger.
If you are in the Perth area and want to discuss your asbestos removal options, you can contact JC Asbestos Removal! They come highly recommended and can organize laboratory testing for any suspect asbestos found on your property.
