In New South Wales (NSW), asbestos remains in around 1 out of 3 Australian houses. It’s even more prevalent in those built before 1990. At that time, asbestos was widely used for walls, roofing, fences, and bathrooms because of its heat resistance and strength. But people didn’t realise that asbestos was deadly. If you’re wondering, ‘Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW?’ it’s crucial to understand the regulations and safety measures involved.
Today, about 4,000 people die each year due to asbestos-related diseases. It’s more than the national road toll. You can’t believe, even a small amount of asbestos exposure can be seriously dangerous when the fibers become airborne and breathed into the lungs. That’s why handling asbestos needs serious attention & care.
Now, the big question is: Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW? Yes, but only under some strict conditions. In Australia, you are legally allowed to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos as long as you follow all the safety rules. An expert, licensed professional must do anything more than this.
Crown Asbestos Removal Australia is always here to help you stay safe. We have certified experts who offer the fastest, fastest asbestos removal service across Canberra, ACT, and surrounding New South Wales. Let’s look at the details about the rules and regulations for removing asbestos yourself.
What is Asbestos and Why is it a Concern in Australia?
Asbestos, once a popular building material in Australia, is now recognized for its severe health risks. Despite its ban in 2003, it remains prevalent in many older homes, posing significant risks during renovations or demolitions. This section will help you understand asbestos, its dangers, and how to manage its presence safely.
Understanding the Dangers of Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos is a group of natural minerals made up of tiny, sharp fibres that are invisible to the naked eye. These fibres can float in the air for hours and, when inhaled, become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious health issues over time. In Australia, it’s estimated that more than 60% of homes built before 1990 contain asbestos in some form, often hidden in walls, eaves, ceilings, and garages. The primary danger arises when these materials are disturbed -breaking, drilling, or sanding – releasing hazardous fibres into the air.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is a major health concern in Australia, responsible for around 4,000 deaths annually – surpassing the road toll. Diseases linked to long-term asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Symptoms of these diseases may not appear until 10 to 40 years after exposure, emphasizing the stealthy and severe nature of asbestos-related conditions. Even small, repeated exposures can be harmful, making it crucial to recognize and manage asbestos safely.
Steps to Safely Handle and Remove Asbestos
Recognizing the presence of asbestos is the first step to managing its risks. Common areas where you might find asbestos include corrugated roofing sheets, wall sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, and the backing of electrical meter boards. If you suspect asbestos in your home, particularly in homes built before 1990, you should hire a professional for an asbestos inspection. In Australia, strict regulations mandate that licensed professionals handle friable asbestos, which can easily crumble by hand. Following the law and protecting your health and your family’s future are crucial. Ensure the safe and effective removal of all asbestos.
Through these steps and an understanding of asbestos’s risks, homeowners can make informed decisions about managing or removing this hazardous material, ensuring safety and compliance with Australian health standards.
Legal Guidelines for DIY Asbestos Removal in NSW
There are strict laws about who can remove asbestos and how it should be handled in NSW. Here’s what you need to know:
- Homeowners can remove up to 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos without a license. This type is typically found in products like cement, roofing, and wall cladding. It is less likely to release harmful fibers unless disturbed.
- You must hire a licensed professional to remove more than 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos or any friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is more dangerous because it can easily break into dust, which is harmful when inhaled. It is commonly found in products like insulation and floor tiles.
- Asbestos handling and disposal must comply with specific NSW regulations. Improper removal can lead to hefty fines. In some cases, fines can reach up to:
- $1.1 million for businesses
- $220,000 for individuals
- Penalties may also include prison sentences if asbestos is handled irresponsibly and causes harm to people.
For more details on what’s allowed and how to handle asbestos, check the official guidelines on SafeWork NSW.
Health Risks Associated with DIY Asbestos Removal
Handling asbestos yourself can be extremely dangerous, both for you and those around you. Here are the key health risks:
- Asbestosis: A serious lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It leads to scarring in the lungs, making breathing difficult.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
- Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers increases the risk of lung cancer, which may not appear until many years after exposure.
- No Safe Level of Exposure: Even brief exposure to asbestos fibers is risky. There is no safe threshold-inhaling even a small amount of asbestos can lead to long-term health problems.
- Long Latency Period: Diseases like mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop. This means you may not notice the effects until decades later.
- Risk of Spreading Asbestos Fibers: When removing asbestos improperly (cutting, breaking, or drilling), the fibers can easily become airborne. Once inhaled, these fibers can enter your lungs, leading to serious health conditions.
- Death Toll: In Australia, over 4,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases. According to Safe Work Australia, the number of deaths from asbestos exposure is still high, especially among people who worked in industries like construction and shipbuilding.
- Mesothelioma is linked to 90% of the deaths caused by asbestos exposure in Australia. It is one of the most severe diseases caused by this material.
If you suspect you have asbestos in your home, hiring licensed asbestos removal professionals is safest. They are trained to remove the material properly without putting anyone at risk.
Safety Measures for Homeowners Considering DIY Asbestos Removal
When considering removing asbestos yourself, you need to follow some essential safety steps to keep yourself and others safe. Asbestos removal isn’t something to take lightly, and following proper procedures is crucial.
- Use of Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
You must wear the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from harmful asbestos fibers. Without it, you’re at a higher risk of inhaling the tiny asbestos particles, which can lead to serious health issues like lung cancer or asbestosis.
Here’s what you need:- Protective clothing (like overalls or coveralls) to prevent fibers from sticking to your skin.
- Respirators (P100 masks) to block the harmful asbestos particles you might breathe in.
- Gloves to prevent direct contact.
- Goggles to keep your eyes safe from flying fibers.
- A study shows that improper protection can increase the risk of asbestos-related diseases by more than 50%, which makes wearing the right PPE absolutely essential.
- Proper Containment and Disposal Methods
Containing the asbestos and disposing of it properly is just as important as the removal process itself. If not done right, the fibers can easily spread, contaminating more areas. Proper containment helps keep the risk of exposure to a minimum. - Statistics show that improper asbestos disposal is a leading cause of environmental contamination, making safe disposal methods crucial.
When you’re removing asbestos, isolate the area. Keep all doors and windows closed, and ensure everyone, especially children and pets, is kept far away from the work zone. The health risks increase by 30-40% if others are exposed to the fibers, even briefly.
Why Hiring Licensed Professionals Is the Safer Choice
While doing it yourself might seem like a cheaper option, hiring a licensed professional is always the safer and smarter choice. Here’s why:
- Expertise in Safe Removal and Disposal
Licensed asbestos removal experts are trained to handle all types of asbestos, including friable (easily crumbled) and non-friable (more solid). They know how to safely remove the asbestos without putting anyone at risk.
Research shows that trained professionals reduce the risk of exposure by over 70% compared to DIY removals, making them the better option for your safety. - Compliance with NSW Regulations
In NSW, there are strict laws that regulate asbestos removal. Licensed professionals are aware of these laws and ensure the entire process complies with NSW regulations. This includes everything from the right permits to the legal disposal of asbestos waste.
Statistics from SafeWork NSW reveal that non-compliant asbestos removal can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the breach. Choosing a licensed professional means you can avoid such penalties while ensuring all legal requirements are met. - Reduction of Health Risks to Occupants
The biggest concern when it comes to asbestos is its potential harm to your health. If non-professionals remove asbestos, the chances of spreading the fibers and inhaling them rise significantly. Professional removalists, however, use specialized equipment and techniques to minimize exposure and keep everyone safe.
Health studies show that proper asbestos removal by licensed professionals reduces the risk of respiratory diseases by up to 80%. This is crucial, especially if you have family members, including young children or elderly individuals, living in the home.
Crown Asbestos Removal Australia: Your Trusted Partner in Asbestos Management
When it comes to asbestos removal in Canberra, ACT, and surrounding NSW, Crown Asbestos Removal Australia is the name you can trust. We are a leading provider of safe, efficient, and certified asbestos removal services. With years of experience, our expert team ensures that your environment remains free from harmful asbestos, keeping your home or workplace safe.
Why Choose Crown Asbestos Removal Australia?
At Crown Asbestos Removal Australia, we pride ourselves on offering top-tier services with an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and safety. Here’s why we’re the go-to choice for all your asbestos management needs:
- Licensed and Insured Professionals: Our team consists of highly trained, fully licensed and insured professionals who follow strict safety protocols and industry standards. You can rest easy knowing the job will be done safely and legally.
- Environmentally Friendly Removal Methods: We are committed to using eco-friendly practices for asbestos removal and disposal. Our methods ensure that your property is asbestos-free without harming the environment, making us a responsible choice for both your safety and the planet.
- Commitment to Client Safety and Satisfaction: Your safety is our priority. We go above and beyond to ensure that every asbestos removal project is carried out efficiently, safely, and with the utmost care. From risk assessment to the final clean-up, we are dedicated to providing our clients a hassle-free experience and peace of mind.
Final thoughts
While it may seem tempting to take the DIY route, the risks involved with asbestos removal are significant. Whether it’s the health dangers, legal complexities, or the need for professional equipment, it’s clear that expert help is often the safest option.
At Crown Asbestos Removal Australia, we specialize in providing safe, efficient, and certified asbestos removal services across Canberra, ACT, and the surrounding NSW. Our team of licensed professionals is committed to offering eco-friendly removal methods and ensuring your peace of mind with every project.
Are you ready to prioritize your safety and the safety of your loved ones? Don’t take unnecessary risks – trust the Crown Asbestos Removal Australia experts to handle all your asbestos removal needs. Contact us today and let us take the worry out of your asbestos management!
