How do you remove asbestos safely from your property? Asbestos removal is a vital process for protecting your health. Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in buildings until the 1980s. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a type of cancer linked to asbestos. According to the World Health Organization, around 107,000 people die every year from diseases related to asbestos exposure.
To safely remove asbestos, it must be handled by licensed experts who follow strict safety rules. In Australia, the removal process includes conducting a detailed inspection, assessing the risks, and using certified methods to ensure no asbestos fibers contaminate the environment. The Australian government has strict regulations in place, requiring certified professionals for all asbestos removal.
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we specialize in providing safe and certified asbestos removal in Australia. Our team uses advanced equipment and follows the highest industry standards to keep your space safe. We are here to help with all your asbestos removal needs, ensuring peace of mind for your family or business.
Why Asbestos Removal is Crucial for Your Health and Safety
Asbestos is a harmful material that was used in buildings for many years because it was heat-resistant and durable. However, over time, people realized that asbestos is very dangerous to human health. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release tiny fibers into the air. These fibers are so small that you can’t see them, but when you breathe them in, they can cause serious health issues.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to several severe conditions, including:
Cancer: Asbestos is a known cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma has a high mortality rate and is typically diagnosed many years after exposure. In fact, around 2,400 to 2,800 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, with numbers steadily increasing.
Lung Diseases: Long-term exposure to asbestos can also cause asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring of lung tissue and difficulty breathing. Asbestosis increases the risk of developing lung cancer as well, especially in people who smoke. Studies show that people who are exposed to asbestos are 5 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared to the general population.
Asbestos is still present in many homes, especially older buildings in both the UK and Australia. According to data, buildings built before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos. In fact, over 1 in 3 homes in Australia built before 1987 still contain asbestos. Similarly, around 1 million homes in the UK are estimated to contain asbestos.
Asbestos can be found in many parts of older buildings, such as:
- Ceilings and roofs
- Floors and floor tiles
- Insulation around pipes and ducts
- Wall linings and sidings
The Need for Professional Asbestos Removal
If you’re planning any renovations or repairs in an older home, it’s important to know that disturbing materials that contain asbestos can release dangerous fibers into the air. This is why professional asbestos removal is essential. Certified experts use special equipment and techniques to remove asbestos safely, ensuring your home is no longer a risk to your health.
By choosing a licensed asbestos removal service, you can be sure that the job is done safely, following the strict regulations in place in both Australia and the UK. These regulations are designed to protect the public, and handling asbestos properly ensures that you, your family, and even your neighbors stay safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
The Asbestos Removal Process: Step-by-Step
When dealing with asbestos in your home or building, it’s essential to follow a structured and thorough process to ensure its safe asbestos removal. Asbestos, a hazardous material, can pose serious health risks if disturbed. To protect yourself, your family, and the environment, professional asbestos removal should be handled with the utmost care and attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the entire asbestos removal process, from the initial inspection to the final inspection, ensuring that every stage is completed with safety and precision.
Step 1: Initial Inspection
The first step in asbestos removal is a careful and thorough inspection of your property. Experts start by identifying potential areas where asbestos could be present. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials like roofing, insulation, flooring, and pipes, especially in homes built before 2000. The goal of this inspection is to detect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that may be hidden or hard to spot without expert training.
Professionals use special tools and techniques to detect these materials. They may take samples and send them to a lab for analysis to confirm the presence of asbestos. Thorough inspections are crucial because undetected asbestos can lead to serious health risks. Studies show that about 1 in 3 homes in Australia built before 1987 still contain some form of asbestos. It’s important to ensure no asbestos is overlooked because even a small amount can be dangerous if disturbed.
Step 2: Detailed Assessment
Once asbestos is identified, the next step is a detailed assessment to evaluate its condition. Asbestos can be found in two common forms: friable asbestos, which can break into dust easily, and non-friable asbestos, which is more durable but still poses a risk if damaged.
The experts will assess how damaged the asbestos is. If it is in good condition and undisturbed, it may not need immediate removal. However, if the material is cracked, broken, or showing signs of deterioration, it could be dangerous. Studies show that damaged asbestos materials are up to 10 times more likely to release harmful fibers into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.
A customized removal plan is then created, which includes choosing the safest and most efficient methods for removal, as well as planning for necessary safety measures. This assessment ensures the process goes smoothly and minimizes any risk to you or the environment.
Step 3: Safe Asbestos Removal
When it comes to removing asbestos, safety is the top priority. The actual removal should always be done by trained and certified professionals. These experts follow strict guidelines to ensure asbestos is removed safely, without releasing dangerous fibers into the air. This involves using special equipment, like HEPA air filters and negative pressure systems, to contain the asbestos and prevent contamination.
Professionals wear protective suits, masks, and respirators to avoid exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Studies show that workers are 100 times more likely to develop an asbestos-related disease if proper safety equipment is not used. That’s why safe removal is so important. The area around the asbestos is also sealed off to prevent fibers from spreading to other parts of the property. Removal is done carefully, ensuring that no fibers are left behind.
Step 4: Disposal and Clean-Up
After the asbestos is removed, the next step is proper disposal. Asbestos waste must be handled according to strict Australian regulations. In Australia, it is illegal to dispose of asbestos in regular waste bins. All asbestos waste must be sealed in special bags or containers and transported to licensed disposal sites designed to handle hazardous materials.
Once removed, the area must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure all asbestos dust is gone. Professionals use specialized equipment to clean the surfaces and air, ensuring no harmful fibers remain. Proper disposal and clean-up are critical to protect both the health of the property’s occupants and the environment.
Step 5: Final Inspection
The final step in the process is a final inspection to confirm that all asbestos has been safely removed. A certified professional conducts a thorough examination to ensure no asbestos fibers are left behind in the property. Once the inspection is complete, a certificate of clearance is provided. This certifies that the area is free from any asbestos-containing materials and is safe to reoccupy.
According to Australian health guidelines, no trace of asbestos should remain in the property before it is considered safe. Final inspections help confirm that all safety procedures have been followed and that the removal has been completed successfully. This gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing their property is safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Why Choose Professional Asbestos Removal Services in Australia?
When it comes to asbestos removal in Australia, choosing a professional service is the safest, most effective option. Licensed and insured professionals are trained to handle hazardous materials like asbestos, ensuring the job is done correctly and safely. Here’s why hiring experts is essential:
Licensed and Insured Professionals
In Australia, asbestos removal requires strict legal compliance. Only licensed asbestos removalists are authorized to remove this hazardous material. Hiring a licensed professional ensures that you are following the law, avoiding legal troubles. According to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA), 95% of asbestos removal incidents reported in Australia involve unlicensed or improperly trained individuals. By hiring a licensed team, you’re ensuring the work is carried out to the highest standards, with the correct protective equipment and disposal methods.
Additionally, these professionals are insured, meaning any damages or accidents that may occur during the process are covered. This protects you from potential financial liability.
Expertise in Handling Hazardous Materials
Handling asbestos is not a job for amateurs. The dangers of asbestos exposure are well-documented, with Australian government statistics revealing that approximately 4,000 people die each year due to diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Trained experts are skilled in using the correct methods to safely remove asbestos, minimizing the risk of exposure to both themselves and you.
Asbestos removal requires specific equipment, like HEPA filters and negative pressure systems, to safely remove and dispose of the material without releasing harmful fibers into the air. The EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) notes that improperly handled asbestos can lead to 20 times higher levels of airborne asbestos fibers, which significantly increases the risk of lung diseases.
DIY Asbestos Removal is Risky
Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can be incredibly dangerous. DIY asbestos removal can lead to severe health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. A study by Safe Work Australia shows that 40% of all asbestos exposure cases are linked to home renovations and improper handling by homeowners.
Additionally, Australia’s laws require asbestos removal to be performed by licensed professionals, especially for larger amounts. DIY asbestos removal can result in fines of up to $10,000 for non-compliance with these regulations. Without the proper training, equipment, and knowledge of local laws, you could be putting your health and your home at serious risk.
Key Benefits of Professional Asbestos Removal
Hiring professional asbestos removalists not only protects your health, but it also ensures the job is done efficiently, legally, and safely. Here are the key benefits:
Health Protection for You and Your Family
Asbestos exposure can cause deadly diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 125 million people are exposed to asbestos worldwide, and this exposure is responsible for over 107,000 deaths annually. In Australia, 2,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, highlighting the severity of the issue.
By choosing professional asbestos removal services, you significantly reduce the risk of exposure. Professionals use the correct safety measures, such as respirators, protective clothing, and specialized equipment, to ensure no asbestos fibers are released into the air. This minimizes the risk of inhalation and keeps your environment safe for you and your loved ones.
Guaranteed Safe and Efficient Removal Methods
Certified asbestos removalists follow strict safety protocols to ensure safe asbestos removal. In Australia, professionals use advanced techniques such as airborne asbestos fiber monitoring and sealed containment systems to prevent contamination. According to a study by Safe Work Australia, 90% of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace did not use proper safety equipment, significantly increasing the risk of long-term health issues. At Crown Asbestos Removal, we ensure that our team is fully equipped with high-tech equipment and protective gear that guarantees the safe containment and removal of asbestos, minimizing any risks to your health.
Additionally, the EPA confirms that professional removal teams use eco-friendly practices and follow proper disposal protocols to ensure that the material is taken to a licensed disposal facility. Our team at Crown Asbestos Removal is committed to reducing the chances of contamination in the environment while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. By choosing our certified service, you’re ensuring that asbestos is removed without causing harm to the surrounding areas.
Avoiding Legal Issues by Hiring Certified Experts
One of the most important benefits of hiring a professional asbestos removal service is that it keeps you in compliance with local laws. In Australia, asbestos removal regulations are strict, and failing to follow these laws can lead to heavy fines and legal trouble. DIY removal can result in fines of up to $50,000 if not done correctly, and unlicensed contractors may also face penalties. Hiring a certified professional like Crown Asbestos Removal guarantees that the job will be done legally, safely, and efficiently, avoiding unnecessary risks and costs.
Our experienced and certified team understands all the necessary regulations and can assist with the required paperwork and permits, ensuring that you won’t face any legal or financial consequences. Trust Crown Asbestos Removal to handle your asbestos removal needs professionally, and rest easy knowing your property is in safe hands.
Asbestos Removal Statistics at a Glance
| Statistical Data | Value |
| Annual deaths due to asbestos exposure | 4,000 people in Australia |
| Number of people exposed to asbestos worldwide | 125 million |
| Percentage of asbestos removal incidents involving unlicensed individuals | 95% |
| Asbestos-related diseases deaths in Australia | 2,000 people annually |
| Percentage of workers who fail to use proper safety equipment | 90% |
| Maximum fine for DIY asbestos removal in Australia | $50,000 |
How Long Does Asbestos Removal Take?
Asbestos removal can take anywhere from a day to a week depending on several factors. In Australia, the size of the area and the type of asbestos present are the key reasons why timelines vary.
For smaller jobs, such as removing asbestos from a single room or a small section of a home, the process usually takes 1 to 2 days. This is because the asbestos is easy to access and remove. However, if the removal is for a larger area, such as an entire building or a property with multiple rooms and asbestos-containing materials, it could take up to 7 days or longer. The complexity of the job is a big factor.
The type of asbestos also plays a major role in how long the process takes. Friable asbestos, which is loose and powdery, takes longer to remove. Non-friable asbestos, like the asbestos found in cement sheets, is easier and faster to handle, but still requires careful attention. Removing friable asbestos can take up to 3 to 5 days, while non-friable asbestos may only take 1 to 2 days.
Complexity also matters. If the asbestos is in difficult-to-reach areas, such as behind walls or in roofs, it will take longer to access and remove. Additionally, any necessary inspections or final clearance tests will add to the time. In most cases, these inspections are required by law to ensure that the area is safe after removal, and they typically add 1 to 2 days to the timeline.
What Are the Costs of Asbestos Removal?
The cost of asbestos removal in Australia can vary widely, but it generally falls between $20 and $60 per square meter for common types of asbestos, like that found in cement sheets or tiles. However, for friable asbestos, the cost can be much higher, ranging from $80 to $150 per square meter. This is because friable asbestos is more hazardous to remove. Requiring special equipment and safety measures to protect workers and anyone nearby.
The overall cost also depends on the size of the area being treated. For example, removing asbestos from a small room or a small section of a property may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Larger projects, such as removing asbestos from an entire home or office building, can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or even more, especially if the asbestos is friable and the area is hard to access.
In addition to the removal costs, disposal fees must be considered. In Australia, asbestos must be disposed of at a licensed disposal facility, which comes with its own costs. On average, disposal can add $500 to $1,500 to the total cost of the project. These fees vary depending on the amount of asbestos being disposed of and the disposal site location.
Typical asbestos removal in Australia can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the area, the type of asbestos, and the project complexity. It’s always a good idea to get a free quote from a licensed asbestos removal company to ensure that you understand the costs for your specific situation.
Final Thoughts:
Removing asbestos is a complex and hazardous task that requires expertise and proper safety measures. While it may seem tempting to tackle asbestos removal on your own, the risks involved are simply too great. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, including lung disease and cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to hire professionals who are certified and experienced in safely handling and removing asbestos.
How do you remove asbestos safely? Certified asbestos removal experts follow strict safety protocols. Equipped with the necessary tools to remove and dispose of asbestos safely, they ensure that the removal process is carried out with minimal risk to your health and the environment.
If you’re concerned about asbestos in your property, don’t take chances. Contact Crown Asbestos Removal for a thorough inspection and professional removal services. Our certified team is here to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
