Perth Asbestos Removal WA can help you safely remove it from your home or office. They will use specialized PPE and mark all affected areas so no one accidentally disturbs them.
A permit is required to perform demolition work on houses that contain asbestos. The permit also includes a plan for handling and disposing of the asbestos.
Before asbestos can be removed, it needs to be identified. This can be done by a professional, trained asbestos inspector or by an experienced abatement contractor. The asbestos can then be encapsulated or removed. The area around the contaminated area can then be cleaned and sealed before the renovation or construction begins. The area will need to be monitored by an independent air monitoring firm to make sure that no demolition dust is being released into the atmosphere.
Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber used in many building materials for its fire resistance and sound-absorbing properties. Before the mid-1970s, it was commonly used in insulating pipes, wall insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, fireproofing textiles, and heating and cooling systems. There are two forms of asbestos: friable and non-friable. Friable asbestos can be crumbled or pulverized with hand pressure and is considered more dangerous as the fibers can be more easily inhaled. Non-friable asbestos can be glued, woven, or bonded together and is less likely to release fibers.
The best way to identify asbestos is by examining the material under a microscope. Chrysotile asbestos, the most common type found in homes, looks twisted and curly. Crocidolite, the other type of asbestos, appears in varying shades of blue under a microscope. Other factors that can help identify the presence of asbestos include knowing when the item was made and who the manufacturer was. Sometimes, the manufacturer’s information can be found on the product label or paperwork.
When choosing a company to remove, look for a license from your state’s environmental agency and a list of previous jobs they have completed. Also, check references and a Better Business Bureau history. It is usually best to hire a professional occupational hygienist or a licensed abatement contractor to perform the work rather than an ordinary demolition contractor. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. Removing asbestos can vary, but the most expensive work is performed in difficult-to-reach areas such as roofs or siding.
For nearly a century, the naturally occurring fibrous mineral asbestos was a mainstay in the building industry, used for its fire retardant, corrosion-resistant, and insulating properties. But it was also dangerous, especially when the microscopic fibers were inhaled. These fibers can cause lung-scarring diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Unless the asbestos material is damaged, it’s usually best to leave it alone and not disturb it. However, if you plan to make any renovations or repairs that could potentially disrupt the material, a professional inspection is required. An expert will identify the material, inspect it for damage, and test it for asbestos.
If the sample shows that the material contains asbestos, a professional will seal the area and reseal it before continuing with the work. They may also coat the material with a protective coating to further protect people in the area.
A professional will use a fine mist of water with a few drops of detergent before sampling to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during the process. They will place a plastic sheet on the floor beneath the area to catch any released fibers. The person taking the sample will wear a respirator and disposable overalls, and the entire procedure should take no more than about 15 minutes.
Once the sample is taken, it will be sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory can tell if the material contains asbestos, giving you a range of possible concentrations. Depending on the results, you will either decide to do nothing or to proceed with repair or removal.
The sampling professionals usually cut off your HVAC system, preventing dirty air from circulating through other building areas. They will also isolate the work area with plastic and a specialized decontamination unit. The decontamination unit will exhaust, through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, air from the contained area to the outside, preventing dirty air from “back drafting” into other parts of your facility. This process can be messy, but it is essential for the safety of everyone working in the area.
To reduce the risk of airborne asbestos during removal, contractors wet materials. This is done before the removal process begins and keeps asbestos particles from floating around during the work. Wetting also helps professionals identify asbestos, as the fibers become brittle when dry. This can help professionals make more precise decisions about removing, encapsulating, or coating the material.
If it is found that the materials are in good condition, they may be coated with a sealant rather than removed completely. This option can save homeowners 15% to 25% as it does not involve demolition and disposal. It is important to note that a licensed asbestos contractor must perform coating or encapsulation.
During the actual removal, workers will use various tools to cut and break up materials that contain asbestos. They will take extra precautions to keep the area free from contamination, including putting protective sheeting on floors, walls, and ceilings. They will also remove and dispose of all PPE (personal protective equipment) according to a specified procedure. This includes wiping down coveralls, boots, and gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Workers will then double bag or wrap any contaminated items with 0.2 mm polythene bags or sheets (sheets for larger materials) before putting them in a labeled waste bin and transporting them to an approved landfill. They will also prepare a site register describing the location, date identified, type, and condition. This register should be accessible to personnel at all times and will help ensure the correct disposal procedures are followed.
Asbestos is a toxic material that should only be handled by certified professionals who have undergone training and follow strict safety measures. This is especially true for homeowners.
Asbestos removal requires specialized equipment and extensive knowledge of the material. Trying to remove it on your own can be dangerous and lead to significant health problems. The best way to properly dispose of asbestos is to hire a licensed abatement contractor to handle it for you. They can ensure the safety of your family and pets by sealing off areas that don’t need work, using negative air pressure units to keep dust from spreading, and posting warning signs to keep unauthorized people out. They can also wet materials to prevent the release of fibers into the air and use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to clean up the area once they’re done.
Before beginning any demolition or construction, the contractor should check that the area has been cleaned and inspected by an independent asbestos air monitor. Then, they can safely proceed with the project. They will ensure that windows and exhaust ducts are sealed to prevent demolition dust from escaping into adjacent rooms. They will also cover any furniture and other items that can’t be moved to avoid dust settling. Finally, they will use plastic sheeting to block the work area from other areas of your home and turn off the heating and cooling system.
During the removal process, all asbestos-bearing waste is wetted to reduce airborne particles. Then, it’s double bagged in 6-millimeter bags and placed in a leak-proof container that can be closed and secured. The containers should then be labeled and transported to a special landfill for disposal.
Homeowners can bring small amounts of double-bagged, wetted asbestos waste to their solid waste hauler or a transfer station that accepts hazardous waste. They should always call the landfill or transfer station to determine what handling requirements they have and what type of authorization they need to bring in the waste.
The cost of asbestos abatement varies depending on the size of your facility, the amount of demolition required, and the location of the asbestos. It would be best to get quotes from several contractors to compare prices and services. Then, choose a contractor based on an overall evaluation of their services and your comfort level working with them.