Asbestos Removal
Safe asbestos removal is vital for health.
Asbestosis is scarring of lung tissue caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. It usually takes decades to develop, and when it does, the person becomes very short of breath, especially on exertion. The sufferer is also prone to developing a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Because of these dangerous issues with asbestos, it is illegal for untrained and unlicensed people to remove more than 9 square metres of asbestos from building sites in Australia.
Russell Stark is licensed to remove asbestos roofing and to also supervise others while they remove it.
Is it asbestos?
Cement sheeting looks a lot like asbestos, and while some types of asbestos were used in fire walls until around 2002, as a general rule, if your building was constructed after 1990, it is unlikely that your roof will be made from asbestos. However, if you are not sure what material your roof is made from, call in an expert to check this for you.
How dangerous is my roof?
While asbestos sheets remain intact, there is little danger from them sitting on your roof. It is usually only when the sheets break that fibres can break away and be accidentally inhaled. Similarly, when broken sheets are kept wet, there is less change that any fibres will harm anyone.
Can I remove asbestos?
A home owner can do minor renovations, removing up to 9 square metres of non-friable asbestos sheeting and disposing of it at a toxic waste dump. It is very important however, that you follow the guidelines set out by your local government.
Removal of asbestos by Stark Roofing
1. When the quote has been accepted, Russell Stark will commence the preparation and planning by developing a safety plan that will tell you:
- How the asbestos will be removed from both the roof and the property.
- Where roof sheeting will be stored prior to removal from the property.
2. In accordance with the law, he will notify local authorities 7 days prior to the removal of the asbestos.
3. PVC will be sprayed onto the asbestos sheeting while it is still intact to reduce the risk of fibres escaping into the air.
4. All sheeting that is taken off the roof will be wrapped in plastic while it rests on the ground prior to removal from your property.
5. The ceiling cavity will be vacuumed to remove any dust or debris with a vacuum cleaner that is approved for this purpose.
6. The ceiling cavity will be sprayed with PVC that will trap any loose fibres that are not picked up by the vacuum cleaner.
7. A licensed asbestos transporter will take the plastic-wrapped asbestos sheeting from your yard to an approved toxic dump.
For further independent information, see http://www.asbestoswise.com.au/