Safety is always a top priority in any kind of demolition project. However, safety isn’t just about wearing hard hats or keeping the demolition contained. There are also other hazards to be concerned about, such as certain contaminants. Asbestos is a concern in many older buildings. This building material is no longer used in construction, having been completely banned in Australia since 2003. In older buildings, it often doesn’t pose a significant risk unless the material is disturbed or deteriorating. But when it comes to demolition, not disturbing any asbestos that may be present becomes challenging.
The risk of asbestos is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can’t tell if asbestos is present simply by looking, although there can sometimes be clues as to whether it’s likely to be there. Identifying asbestos before undertaking demolition and using the right methods to remove it safely is crucial.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
What exactly is asbestos and why is it dangerous? Asbestos is a type of material called a fibrous silicate mineral. This naturally occurring mineral was previously used in many construction materials, including insulation, floor tiles, cement, and roof shingles. It is now banned but is still present in many older buildings.
Asbestos materials that are still intact don’t pose much risk. However, once they start to break down, asbestos can be a significant health hazard. When asbestos fibres are released, they can be breathed in and damage the lungs. Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to a type of cancer called mesothelioma and can also cause a disease called asbestosis. This is a bigger risk for people who may have had regular exposure, such as those who have often worked with and around asbestos. People with breathing problems can also be more susceptible to the damage caused by asbestos.
The health risks posed by asbestos mean that it needs to be removed safely. Using an asbestos demolition service ensures the job is done properly and there’s no need to be concerned about asbestos exposure.
How Do You Know If Your Property Has Asbestos?
If you can’t tell if a building material contains asbestos just by looking at it, how can you tell if it’s present? The best thing to do is to carry out asbestos sample testing to determine whether asbestos is there and what type of asbestos it is. To test for asbestos, a small sample of material is taken and it is then sent to a lab to be tested. You can use a company that will take a sample for you or drop off a sample using an asbestos testing kit.
If it is asbestos, the next step is to ensure it will be removed in the safest way possible.
How Do You Remove Asbestos Safely?
When you know there is asbestos in your home but you want to remove it or you’re demolishing part or all of the property, you need experts to get rid of the asbestos safely. Asbestos problems aren’t to be taken lightly, so it’s crucial that you use a professional service to demolish asbestos-containing materials. At About the House, we have over 30 years of experience dealing with asbestos demolition. We can help with whole or partial demolition projects and ensure everything is cleaned up when we’re done.
Safety is of the utmost importance when dealing with asbestos demolition. Our team follows strict safety regulations to protect you, your neighbours, and the public. The site is bordered off with tape clearly marking the area, and we’ve always got our hard hats on. As an experienced company, we know just how to complete your demolition project safely and efficiently. We keep our costs affordable too, so you don’t have to worry about the expense.
Our demolition projects all meet the relevant standards in the Demolition Code of the State Environment Planning Policy. You can trust us with the demolition and disposal of both materials containing asbestos and those that don’t. We’re proud of our 5-star safety rating and our thousands of satisfied customers.
Make sure that you tear down materials containing asbestos safely and responsibly. Work with an experienced service provider like About the House to remove asbestos using methods that are health and safety approved and help protect the environment too. Call us now to ask about our asbestos testing, asbestos removal, and demolition services. We’re ready to take on your demolition project and ensure it’s completed as safely as possible. Don’t take any risks with asbestos, contact us today to take it seriously.