Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in Australia’s construction industry until the late 1980s when it was banned due to health concerns. Asbestos exposure can cause severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you own or manage a building that contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), it’s your responsibility to ensure the health and safety of anyone on the premises. In this blog post, we will demystify asbestos removal, discuss why it’s crucial to hire a professional asbestos removal services Perth-based company, and provide practical tips to help you understand what you need to know about asbestos removal in Australia.
The Dangers of ACMs
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in Australia’s construction industry until the 1980s, mainly because it was cheap, durable, and fire-resistant. However, studies have shown that ACMs pose a severe health risk to anyone exposed to their fibres. Due to its microscopic size, asbestos fibres can easily be breathed in and lodge in the lungs, leading to respiratory diseases, including cancer and asbestosis. Asbestos removal is necessary to prevent exposure to these asbestos fibres and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
The Need for Professional Asbestos Removal Services Perth Wide
Asbestos removal is a dangerous and complicated process that requires specialized training, equipment, and tools. Only a licensed and certified asbestos removal services company can safely and effectively remove ACMs from your building. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper training and equipment can cause the fibres to become airborne, leading to significant health risks. Professional asbestos removal services Perth wide companies adhere to the strict guidelines, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Steps Involved in Asbestos Removal
The asbestos removal process involves several steps to ensure a safe and effective removal of ACMs. First, a licensed assessor will inspect your building and determine the presence of asbestos. If ACMs are detected, a licensed removalist will develop a removal plan, outlining the necessary steps to remove the material safely. Once the removal plan is approved, the removalist will contain the area, ensure proper ventilation, and wearing protective clothing before beginning the removal process. Finally, the removed ACMs will be appropriately disposed of in a designated facility.
Asbestos Testing
If you are unsure whether your building contains asbestos, you can hire a professional asbestos testing company to sample suspected ACMs and test them in a designated laboratory. The results will determine the presence of asbestos, and once confirmed, you can contact a professional asbestos removal company to develop a removal plan.
Legal Requirements
In Australia, it is illegal to import, use, or store any ACMs unless it is for a specific purpose and has received regulatory approval. As a building owner or manager, it’s your legal obligation to assess the presence of ACMs and develop an asbestos management plan under the Work Health and Safety Regulations.
Asbestos removal is crucial to ensure the safety of anyone on your premises. If your building contains ACMs, it’s essential to hire a professional asbestos removal business to develop a removal plan and safely remove the material. By following the legal requirements, having your building tested for asbestos, and hiring a professional removalist, you can ensure the health and safety of you and everyone on the premises.
