Here’s Why You Should Refrain From Using Asbestos

Products containing asbestos have been commonly used in houses for fireproofing, soundproofing, roofing, fencing, insulation and few other interior activities. However, a complete ban in Australia came into force from 31 December 2003, prohibiting the usage of the mineral owing to its hazardous nature.

If the material is damaged or crumbling, or the fibres are released into the air by breaking, cutting, drilling or sanding, asbestos poses a risk to your health. Crumbling bonded materials, and all friable products, must be carefully managed to prevent the release of fibres into the air.

Risk of Developing an Asbestos-related Disease

When asbestos fibres are breathed in, they may remain deep within the lungs and take many years to develop into lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma or more than one of these diseases. The chances of contracting any of these aforementioned diseases increase in proportion to the number of asbestos fibres a person breathes and the frequency during their lifetime.

Occasional exposure to a large number of asbestos fibres poses a risk to your well-being. On the other hand, frequent exposure to these fibres poses a greater risk to your health. However, all types of asbestos are equally hazardous.

Risks for Householders

The risk for householders from bonded asbestos is quite low. Routine checks for signs of any damage or deterioration reduces the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres, which are highly carcinogenic in nature.

Although the natural ageing and weathering of asbestos cement roofs releases asbestos fibres over time, it is unlikely to pose a risk to health because the fibres are dispersed, diluted by the wind and washed away in rainwater runoff systems. But because asbestos fibres are airborne, it is wise to hire an asbestos removal company in Melbourne that uses proper removal procedures and all kinds of personal protective equipment to reduce the exposure to asbestos fibres to be released when removing asbestos-containing material. The workers will make sure to dispose of any broken pieces of asbestos cement materials or other products and avoid any hazards caused during the removal process.

Accidental Exposure

Accidental exposure may be a result of someone cutting, drilling, grinding, sanding or sawing or when using any kind of power tools or high-pressure water blasters. One should avoid using power tools or high-pressure, water jet cleaning equipment on asbestos products as they may cause damage that releases asbestos fibres. In some states, these activities are illegal. Certain kinds of floor coverings and tiles might also contain asbestos backing that can easily become airborne when disturbed.

Never attempt to remove asbestos without seeking professional advice. You should hire experts like asbestos removal Melbourne Eastern Suburbs.

Your Guide to Carefully Handle Asbestos

• Assess the size and nature of the job, and your ability to complete the task. If the job appears beyond your ability, hire a qualified professional.
• Inform the household members, neighbours and visitors of the work being carried out. Keep pets away from the area until completion. Leave your building/house’s external doors and windows open to maximise ventilation, but keep the internal doors shut.
• Have enough suitable equipment to carry out the work.
• Cover the floor with heavy-duty plastic sheeting to catch dust, debris and offcuts.
• Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, like an appropriate respirator and disposable clothing. Dispose them carefully after use.

Tommy Clappers

Tommy Clappers is the Owner and Founder of Asbestos Australia Removalist specialising as a Class A & B Licensed Company with highly trained ticketed staff with over 25+ years in the industry in Friable & Non-Friable Commercial, Industrial & Domestic. He's well-skilled in all types of Asbestos Removal and Hazardous Materials. He's an expert in Encapsulation, Soil Remediation and Industrial Cleaning. He prides himself on creating safer environments for his team and his client's safety and ensuring every removal is safe and clean. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia.

Posted By: Tommy Clappers