This Asbestos Removal guide will take you through the costs, risks, and options while getting Asbestos removed from your property.
We have also provided information on how Asbestos removal can be carried out step by step.
Asbestos Removal is a very vital step when it comes to keeping your family and community safe. Removal of Asbestos involves taking extreme care and following strict guidelines given by the government and the local authorities in Australia.
It is highly recommended to use this guide as a source of information only and do not carry out any activities unless you are licensed and permitted professional.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of soft and flexible fibers that are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. These features make the mineral valuable, but they also make asbestos particularly harmful.
Asbestos is an efficient insulator, which can be used to make things stronger in fabric, paper, cement, plastic, and other materials. But mineral fibers may permanently get embedded in the body when asbestos dust is inhaled or swallowed.
Trapped asbestos fibers can cause infection, scarring, and potentially genetic damage over the decades. Exposure to asbestos is almost entirely the cause of a rare and aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. Certain types of cancer as well as chronic lung disorders are also caused by asbestos.
Asbestos in Australian Homes
Asbestos was used in a whole number of construction materials back in the early to mid 20th century. In fibro walls, roof edges, and plasterboard roofing, it is probably most common, but may potentially be used in a variety of materials, including;
- Insulations
- Flooring
- Switchboards
- Vinyl Floor tiles
- Fencing
- Chimneys, and more
The use of Asbestos in the building was banned in 2003 in Australia with the release of new legislation. It is highly recommended to get your home inspected your home’s foundation is old, was made before the 1990s, or you can just have it inspected so that you stay out of trouble.
Cost of Asbestos Removal
Homeowners in Australia are obviously concerned about the cost of extracting asbestos. Since any task of removing asbestos is different, it is difficult to provide an average figure, but the cost of removal will definitely run into several thousand dollars considering the difficulties of working with asbestos.
Asbestos removal involves a lot of extra work like air monitoring, inspection, and disposal. Doing things wrong can cost you extra expenses like fines and losses. Meanwhile, a good asbestos removal contractor will be able to help you through the process at a minimal cost.
It usually depends on other factors as well, like the state of asbestos, size, location, and more. For example, Asbestos Removal on the floor or roof might cost $30-$60 per square meter.
DIY Asbestos Removal
A lot of people might want to get the Asbestos removed themselves but it is not recommended. In fact, removing Asbestos without a license is illegal in most of the states. Even in the states where you can get it done, you need to follow strict guidelines. Like in Sydney, you can remove up to 10 square meters only if the material is not friable.
Dumping the Asbestos in incorrect ways can also invite a lot of problems. It is recommended to seek help from Asbestos removal specialists.
Asbestos Removal Process: Step by Step
We do not encourage you to remove Asbestos by yourself as it is hazardous to you and your surrounding. This guide explains in detail how professionals get the job done for you. Please contact an Asbestos removal service for more information.
1. Inspection of Premises
When starting asbestos disposal inspection, it is extremely necessary to have air screening in order to ensure that no asbestos fibers are emitted into the ambient environment. Any asbestos removal contractors will attempt to convince you that air inspection is not mandatory when it comes to nonfriable materials. But we highly recommend getting tested as not everything can be seen to our naked eyes.
Finding an Asbestos Removal Service provider
Hiring the right removal contractor is really necessary. When hiring always make clear statements with the contractors and seek help in getting permits and screening the air. The experienced professionals view problems from a different angle and can give you better insight on things like disposal, and re-construction.
2. Getting a Quote Approved
Talking with the right Asbestos contractor can give you a vision of a lot of things. You can assess the cost and analyze the prices involved in a wide-angle. The second step when it comes to removing Asbestos will be to getting a quote and approving it. Be prepared with all the work health and safety guidelines. Also, be prepared with all the documentation.
Make sure the contractors have the necessary license to conduct Asbestos removal related activities.
3. Get the necessary permits
Your contractor will help you to go through the permits. Asbestos Removal is a service that is highly regulated by the state’s legislation. In NSW, you need to have a permit from the government. Also, there are various WHS guidelines that the contractor needs to follow, also it will be your duty as a responsible citizen to make way for your contractors.
SafeWork needs to be notified before continuing with certain Asbestos removal work as well. There are few more permits on the list, the right contractor can guide you or take charge of these things so that your job is done with less hassle possible.
4. Start the Removal Process
After everything is set up, it is up to your contractor to get the job done. The standard order followed by the contractors while removing Asbestos is going to be;
- Following the safety, requirement sand getting the necessary PPE
- Let the people know, keep the premises empty and install temporary fencing if necessary
- Laying the plastic sheet under the working area in order to avoid dust contamination
- Depending on the type of Asbestos dismantling it and getting ready to dispose
5. Transport and disposal of Asbestos
The last step involves cleaning up. Start with a quick vacuum or your preferred cleaning method. Dampen the area so that the leftover does not contaminate the air. Also, disposing of the waste will be a vital part that your contractor will be in charge of. The final step will be to have an inspection again after a certain period of time to confirm the success of the service.
Finding the Right Asbestos Removal Service
Finding the right Asbestos Removal Service provider is very vital. A contractor with the right experience and tools will get the job in no time. Also, an experienced service provider will make sure things go smoothly without breaking any rules or doing anything illegal.
Contact Watson Site Services to have chat with one of the experienced and best Asbestos Removal Service provider in Newcastle.