Identify When Your Home Was Built
Asbestos was largely used in construction prior to the late 1980s in Australia. Australia banned the import and use or blue or brown asbestos products in the mid 1980s and banned the manufacture or import of white asbestos in late 2003. If your home was built or renovated prior to these dates, there is a chance that your home contains asbestos in one form or another.
Identify What Materials Were Used in Construction
What is the main material in your home? Is it brick, steel, timber or cement sheeting? Cement Sheeting is now used in place of asbestos however the materials look very similar. Identifying the difference between Asbestos and Cement Sheeting comes down to a few of the physical properties. Asbestos has strong waterproofing qualities and therefore may be used in the walls and floors of water prone areas like your bathroom or laundry.
Inspect Your Home & Identify Asbestos
Sometimes asbestos is well hidden! If you cannot identify a material, cannot access it, or cannot be sure if it’s asbestos, you will need to enlist the help of a professional. Look for any surface that looks worn down or deteriorating. When asbestos is disturbed, that’s when it becomes dangerous.
Hire a Professional
Asbestos is a complicated and dangerous material so therefore should be treated with the upmost precaution. A professional asbestos removalist must:
- Be licensed
- Be experienced
- Have appropriate training and knowledge
Test the Substance & Remove it
The hired professional can obtain samples of the material to test it for asbestos fibres. If the results return positive for asbestos, a licensed removalist should be pursued to rid your home of the material.
It’s important to remember that asbestos can be quite harmful to your health. Professionals have the correct safety equipment required to remain safe in the workplace. If you cannot identify asbestos or are unsure if your home contains asbestos, seek out professional.