Asbestos Removal
We provide industrial, commercial & residential asbestos survey as well as removal of asbestos contained material
Asbestos Removal & Other Control Measures
Removal
Removal of ACMs should be considered if ACM damage is extensive and repair is not justifiable. Major changes or remodelling made to the building may also disturb ACMs present and warrant their removal. Asbestos-removal work poses a great risk of fibre release and should only be carried out by an Approved Asbestos Removal Contractor (AARC).
Encapsulation
Encapsulation involves treating the ACM with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibres together or coats the ACM so that fibres are not released. Encapsulation should be limited to areas where damage due to contact will not occur, so that the ACM will retain its bonding integrity. This method is usually used as an interim measure. It is necessary to ensure that the person carrying out the encapsulation work is adequately protected from exposure to asbestos fibres.
Enclosure
For the enclosure method, a barrier such as a suspended ceiling is usually constructed between the ACM and the building’s environment. As the ACMs still remain, asbestos fibres and fallout can accumulate behind the enclosure. However, the accumulated fibres can be released into the building’s environment if the enclosure is damaged. It is therefore important to include provision for access to the ACMs during the design and installation of enclosures so they can be inspected regularly.
Leave-In-Place
ACMs that are in a good condition should be left undisturbed as they are less likely to release asbestos fibres into the surrounding air. The risk of exposure is normally low or negligible in such instances, and remedial action and assessment can be deferred to a later time when necessary.
The conditions of existing ACMs can change with time, making it necessary to periodically inspect and monitor ACMs. An inspection regime can be established to ensure that the risk of asbestos exposure does not endanger the health of building occupants. It can also indicate the need for further corrective actions such as ACM removal.
How To Identify Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Generally, you can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled.
If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and leave it alone. You may want to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a trained and accredited asbestos professional if:
- You are planning to renovate your home (renovation can disturb building materials)
- Your home has damaged building materials (like crumbling wall and ceiling panel that is falling apart)
A trained and accredited asbestos professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what 5 h to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, earch… Q sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended.
What To Do If You Have Asbestos In Your Home / Workplace
If you think there may be asbestos in your home/workplace, don’t panic.
Asbestos-containing materials that aren’t damaged or disturbed are not likely to pose a health risk. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos-containing material alone if it is in good condition.
Generally, asbestos-containing material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed will not release asbestos fibers.
Asbestos-containing materials may release fibers when they are disturbed, damaged, removed improperly, repaired, cut, torn, sanded, sawed, drilled or scraped. Keep an eye on asbestos-containing materials and visually check them over time for signs of wear or damage.
If you suspect material contains asbestos, don’t touch it. Look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing or handling, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.
For slightly damaged asbestos-containing material, sometimes the best way to deal with it is to limit access to the area and not to touch or disturb it. If asbestos-containing material is more than slightly damaged or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a trained and accredited asbestos professional is needed.