Dealing with asbestos-containing materials in your home can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure what you can safely handle on your own.
While DIY home renovations are popular, asbestos is not something to take lightly. Knowing what small tasks you can safely perform and when to call a licensed asbestos removalist is crucial for protecting your health and safety.
Here’s a quick guide to what you can and can’t do when it comes to handling asbestos at home.
Cleaning and Maintenance: You can safely clean asbestos cement wall sheeting by using a damp cloth to wipe away dust and small particles. Avoid using power tools or abrasive methods that could damage the asbestos materials and release harmful asbestos fibres into the air.
Sealing Small Cracks or Gaps: For minor repairs, such as sealing small cracks in asbestos sheeting, use a high-quality sealant or paint designed for asbestos. This helps contain asbestos fibres without disturbing the material. Make sure the asbestos sheeting is in good condition and avoid using any tools that could break or damage it.
Painting Over Asbestos: Painting over non-friable asbestos materials like asbestos cement wall sheeting is generally safe, as long as the surface is intact. Apply a thick coat of paint without sanding or scraping the material beforehand. This can help to seal in the asbestos fibres and prevent them from becoming airborne.
DIY Asbestos Removal: Removing asbestos yourself is not only dangerous but also illegal in many cases. DIY asbestos removal can release large amounts of asbestos fibres into the air, posing a severe health risk. Friable asbestos, which crumbles easily, must always be removed by licensed asbestos removalists who have the right equipment and completed training.
Cutting, Drilling, or Sanding Asbestos Materials: Any work that involves cutting, drilling, or sanding asbestos sheeting is a no-go for home renovators. These actions can release harmful asbestos fibres and put you at risk of asbestos exposure. Leave these high-risk asbestos removal tasks to the professionals.
Pressure Washing Asbestos: High-pressure water can damage asbestos cement wall sheeting, causing it to break apart and release asbestos fibres. Even minor damage can turn non-friable asbestos into a friable state, making it much more hazardous.
If you notice asbestos materials that are cracked, crumbling, or otherwise in poor condition, it’s time to call a licensed asbestos removalist. They have the expertise to safely assess the situation, carry out necessary asbestos removal work, and dispose of asbestos waste at a licensed landfill.
Licensed asbestos removalists follow strict safety procedures, including using personal protective equipment and containing asbestos waste to prevent any risk to human health. Attempting to remove asbestos without the right equipment and training can lead to serious health risks and hefty fines.
Handling small maintenance tasks around asbestos materials is possible, but the risks of DIY removal are too high to ignore. Always prioritise your safety and the safety of those around you by avoiding any actions that could disturb asbestos fibres.
If you’re unsure about how to handle suspected asbestos in your home or need professional removal services, contact Asbestos Australia.
Our team of licensed asbestos removalists can safely assess, remove, and dispose of asbestos-containing materials, ensuring your home remains safe and free from asbestos exposure risks.
Posted By: Asbestos Australia Removalist
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