Breathing in asbestos fibers is known to cause lung cancer and other serious illnesses. Asbestos if intact and undisturbed does not pose any health risk. It is only when pieces break off allowing fibers to float into the air that cause the difficulty. These fibers act as miniature spears that puncture the lungs, thus causing health problems. Asbestos removal should only be considered as a last resort. This is because of the serious health risks it poses to the workers involved.
Asbestos-containing materials or ACMs is always difficult to remove. Workers need to be careful not let fibers into the air. Removing ACMs in large pieces is the preferred method. Wetting the asbestos with a mix of water and detergent is one technique used to aid in the elimination of the ACM. This allows any dust that is produced to settle on the floor, rather than float into the air.
Asbestos shingles were once widely used to side homes. Any home with undamaged shingles is safe, and can be left alone. However shingles that are damaged can cause asbestos fibers to be released. It is possible to place a new siding material directly over the asbestos shingles. However, if they must come down severing the heads of the nails allows easy removal of the asbestos boards, and allows the boards to be removed in a safe manner.
Workers must enclose the entire asbestos removal work area. It is necessary to seal off all entrances, and window panes. This is done to protect people outside of the work zone from breathing in any fibers. If asbestos is covering a furnace the whole unit can be removed and disposed of according to law. ACMs on water pipes are usually sliced into sections and then removed from the work site undamaged. Hand tools are preferred over power tools because they produce fewer fibers than power tools do.
In the United States the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA regulate the removal of ACMs. In addition some states have also enacted safety measures to protect not only workers, but the public at large. Some cities have also passed laws on removing asbestos.
Removing asbestos is always a measure of last resort. If the asbestos in your home is not broken, and there are no loose fibers it may be better to encase the ACM. Of course, should you sell your home this must be disclosed. If the home is ever demolished it will need to be eradicated before the structure can come down.
The property owner is liable for any ACMs on their property. Even if a professional contractor is hired to remove damaged material, the owner is still liable. However, hiring an expert is advised due to the dangers of the material. Companies that specialize in removing asbestos are well aware of the regulations, and the proper procedures that are needed for safe removal.
In summary, if the asbestos in your home or building is not damaged it might be better to encase the damaged area. This remedy is most likely a more cost-effective way to go. Naturally, if the ACM must be removed hire a firm that can perform the process safely. Keep in mind that any loose fibers released into the air can cause serious lung diseases, and the property owner is liable for all damages.
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Asbestos removal is not something that a homeowner should tackle on their own. The procedures for asbestos removal Sydney are very specific so that the material can be disposed of safely.
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