Asbestos is a dangerous fibre that was once used in the construction of homes and offices across Australia. Today, the harmful consequences of asbestos are widely known and asbestos removal is now a common service. While it is recommended to get a professional to inspect and remove any amount of asbestos from a building, you are permitted to remove a maximum of 10 square metres of bonded asbestos yourself in Australia.
The first step is to identify asbestos. If your home or office was constructed before 1990, it is more likely to have asbestos. Asbestos is usually found in a number of key areas, particularly spaces that are likely to experience heat, friction or excessive wetting. If undisturbed, it may be difficult to identify. If you are not sure, it is important to get a professional to test a sample.
Once you have identified the asbestos, you need to look at the condition it is in. If undamaged, it may be safer to leave it alone. You may also be able to paint or seal the asbestos with a non-asbestos product. If these options are not viable, the next step is removal.
For removal of firmly-bound asbestos, the persons involved with removal should wear disposable personal protective equipment (PPE). The material should be double wrapped with thick plastic bags of at least 0.2mm and labelled as asbestos. You can then dispose of the material along with the breathing apparatus and protective clothing at an appropriate waste treatment centre.
Although it is possible for you to remove asbestos without a license, it is recommended to seek professional help from a qualified asbestos removal firm. Asbestos Removals Australia is a Queensland based company located near Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, with a team of licensed professionals who can remove the asbestos from your home or place of work quickly and efficiently.
For more advice on removing asbestos or to organise an inspection, contact Asbestos Removals Australia today.