Asbestos Removal, Disposal & Cleanup

• Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance that, because of its strength and special resistance to heat & electricity, was used in many building products and materials in the 20th century. Some of the construction uses for asbestos was in roof insulation, wall and floor tile underlay, heat/fire insulation in a fireplace and cement sheeting used on the exterior walls of houses.
• Most developed countries have banned the use of asbestos materials for a number of years now because exposure to the asbestos dust and fibres is now known to cause mesothelioma, a malignant form of lung cancer. For this reason it is vitally important that any asbestos removal and disposal that you have done is completed in a safe and professional manner.
• Before you begin to demolish or rip up things like tiles, insulation, roofing or a fireplace stop and think about how old the house is. If it is more than 25 years old then it quite possibly could contain asbestos products. The older the house is the more likely it is that some sort of asbestos building materials were used in its construction. If this is the case then it is a very good idea to get professional advice and do an asbestos inspection and test.
• If the asbestos identification is positive then you have a few options. Ask the asbestos consultant if it is undamaged and in good condition. If it is then you may be able to skip any asbestos removal and simply cover, seal & paint over it.
• If you do want to get rid of the asbestos then you can either do it yourself or engage the services of a professional asbestos specialist to remove it for you. If you have any doubts at all about your ability to perform the asbestos removal and disposal yourself then you should employ the help of a reputable asbestos removal company or contractor. The cost of asbestos removal and disposal by a professioanl will be more but you will not be putting the health and safety of yourself, your family and your neighbours at risk.
• Although asbestos dust can be toxic the chance of inhaling asbestos fibres whilst renovating, and subsequent risk to your health, is low if you take the proper safety precautions. So if you choose to do it yourself always remember the following asbestos removal and disposal points:
• It is vitally important that you wear the right personal protective equipment. Purchase or hire a proper half-face filter respirator that has been specifically designed for working with asbestos. Cheap dust masks DO NOT protect you from inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres, so don't try and save money on a respirator and put your own health at risk.
• Always use disposable coveralls or overalls, disposable hat and disposable gloves to prevent the contamination of any part of your cloths, shoes or boots.
• Once you have finished work spray your disposable cloths with a light water mist, remove them and seal them in asbestos waste bags for disposal along with the other asbestos waste. Keep your respirator on whilst you do this and NEVER reuse, keep or shake the clothing.
• Finally remove any asbestos dust from your body by immediately by having a thorough decontamination shower, including the washing of your hair.
• If you are choosing to do the asbestos removal yourself make sure that you NEVER do any of the following activities. Each of these activities will release huge numbers of the dangerous asbestos fibres and dust into the air and potentially harm yourself, work colleagues and neighbours.
  - NEVER use power tools such as an angle grinder, circular saw or electric sander.
  - NEVER use a high pressure water cleaner.
  - NEVER use compressed air.
• In most developed countries asbestos disposal is restricted to specific hazardous waste landfill sites. Ring your local government of council offices to find out where these asbestos waste sites are located, how much the cost of asbestos disposal will be and what requirements you must adhere to when safely wrapping the asbestos waste in order to minimise the chance of fibres being released into the air (even at the asbestos disposal site).