Construction Sites and Asbestos Don’t Mix
Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in construction materials before it was banned in Australia in 2003. If you think you may have asbestos in your home or workplace, it is important to have it tested and removed by a professional. But why is this substance so dangerous? Why is it now banned across the world?
As the sub-heading says, construction sites and asbestos don’t mix. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. It is also linked to other diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
When inhaled, asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause irritation. Over time, this irritation can lead to the development of cancerous tumours. Asbestos fibres can also be swallowed, which can lead to gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, skin contact with asbestos can cause irritation and rashes.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why it is now banned in Australia. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Asbestos removal is also a necessary step to protect yourself, your family, your employees, and others from further exposure.
Unfortunately, many construction sites have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If you are planning to renovate your home or office, it is important to hire a professional asbestos testing and removal company to ensure that your space is safe. Alternatively, it might be that you are a construction company and want to ensure that the site is free of asbestos before you start.
Safely Removed Asbestos Fibres
How do professional services remove asbestos from a construction site? The first step is to assess the area and identify all ACMs. Once all ACMs have been located, the area is sealed off and a negative air pressure system is set up. This ensures that any asbestos fibres that are disturbed during the removal process are contained within the work area.
From here, a Melbourne asbestos removal service will use a range of techniques to remove the ACMs, including wetting them down, scraping them off, or using a HEPA vacuum. Once all asbestos-containing materials have been removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and all waste is disposed of at a licensed landfill site.
Disposal is critical with asbestos removal, as improper disposal can lead to asbestos fibres becoming airborne and posing a serious health risk. If you’re planning on undertaking any renovation work that could potentially disturb asbestos, it’s essential that you have the area tested by a professional first.
If asbestos is found, always use a licensed professional to remove it. Never try to remove asbestos yourself, as this can be extremely dangerous. If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos on a construction site, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for advice.
As well as experience and knowledge, professional asbestos removal companies also have the right equipment. For example, this includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for those carrying out the work and asbestos detection equipment.
If you’re planning on renovating a property built before the 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos. While it’s generally not a problem if asbestos is left undisturbed, you may need to have it removed if you’re planning on doing any work that could disturb it. Why not contact professionals today to keep all parties safe?
