When it comes to how to safely remove asbestos, following the Code of Practice in Australia is crucial. Asbestos is a dangerous material that, if not removed properly, can cause serious health problems like lung cancer and asbestosis. In fact, asbestos exposure is responsible for around 4,000 deaths per year in Australia alone. This is why the removal process must be handled by trained professionals who follow strict safety guidelines.
The Code of Practice for safely removing asbestos provides a detailed framework to ensure that every step of the process is done safely. This includes using the right protective gear, proper containment of the material, and following correct disposal procedures. According to the Australian Government, asbestos-related diseases are preventable, but only if the correct removal methods are used.
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we take these safety standards seriously. Our certified team follows the Code of Practice to ensure safe asbestos removal in every job we do. Whether you’re dealing with a small household job or a large commercial project, we are here to help keep your environment safe and asbestos-free.
On this page, we’ll learn how to safely remove asbestos according to industry standards and how Crown Asbestos Removal can help you every step of the way.
What Is Asbestos and Why It’s Dangerous
Asbestos is a mineral that is commonly used in building materials because it’s heat-resistant, strong, and a great insulator. You can still find asbestos in many older buildings, especially in materials like roofing, floor tiles, insulation, and cement products. It’s estimated that asbestos was used in more than 3,000 products across Australia before it was banned in 2003.
Although it was once considered safe, asbestos is extremely dangerous when disturbed. When asbestos-containing materials break or wear down, tiny fibres are released into the air. These fibres are so small that you can’t see them, but when you breathe them in, they can cause serious health problems.
The most common health risks from asbestos exposure include asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. About 1 in 10 workers exposed to asbestos develop this condition. Lung cancer is another serious risk, and people exposed to asbestos are five times more likely to develop lung cancer than those who haven’t been exposed. Perhaps the most well-known disease linked to asbestos is mesothelioma, a rare but deadly cancer. Each year in Australia, approximately 700 people die from mesothelioma, most of whom were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces.
The danger with asbestos is that even if you don’t notice anything right away, the fibers can stay in your lungs for many years and cause harm later. This is why handling asbestos safely is so important-it: helps prevent exposure and the long-term health risks associated with it.
The Code of Practice for Safe Asbestos Removal in Australia: An Overview
The removal of asbestos In Australia is carefully regulated to ensure safety. WorkSafe Australia developed the Code of Practice for Safe Asbestos Removal to provide clear guidelines for removing asbestos safely. This Code of Practice is essential because it outlines the steps required to avoid releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
Following the Code of Practice ensures that asbestos is safely handled at every stage of removal. It covers everything from assessing the area to ensuring that asbestos is properly contained and removed. This helps to prevent asbestos fibers from being released and causing harm. The Code of Practice also specifies that asbestos waste must be disposed of correctly to avoid environmental contamination.
In Australia, it’s not just about safety-it’s also about compliance with the law. Each state and territory, including ACT, NSW, and Queensland, has its own regulations for asbestos removal. These regulations require that the Code of Practice is followed strictly. If you don’t comply with these rules, you can face fines or legal consequences.
By following the Code of Practice, you are ensuring that the asbestos removal process is done safely and legally. This is why it’s essential to hire licensed professionals who are trained to handle asbestos properly. They have the expertise and equipment necessary to follow the Code of Practice and remove asbestos safely.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal
Handling asbestos without proper training is extremely dangerous. Asbestos is a toxic material, and when disturbed, it releases tiny fibres that can become airborne. Breathing in these fibres can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. According to Safe Work Australia, every year, around 4,000 Australians die from asbestos-related diseases. That’s more than deaths from road accidents in Australia.
DIY asbestos removal might seem like a way to save money, but it’s not worth the risk. If you don’t follow the right safety procedures, you could accidentally spread asbestos fibres through your home or property, putting you and everyone nearby in danger. This is especially true if you don’t have the proper protective equipment or know-how to handle asbestos safely.
Asbestos removal is regulated for a reason. The Code of Practice for asbestos removal in Australia was designed to protect people from exposure. If you attempt to remove asbestos yourself, you are likely breaking the law. In Australia, it is illegal to remove certain amounts of asbestos without a licensed professional. Violating asbestos removal laws can lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment. So, it’s always best to hire experts to do the job.
The Importance of Hiring Licensed Asbestos Removal Experts
Hiring a licensed asbestos removal company is the best way to make sure the job is done safely. Licensed professionals are trained to handle asbestos the right way, reducing the risks to you and others. They follow strict safety procedures to ensure no asbestos fibres are released into the air, which keeps everyone safe.
For example, Crown Asbestos Removal in Australia has a team of fully trained and certified experts. They know exactly how to remove and dispose of asbestos safely, in line with national safety standards. Their professional approach ensures the job is done right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about long-term health risks or legal issues.
Certified professionals also use the right equipment to remove asbestos. This includes protective gear like respirators and hazmat suits that prevent any fibers from being inhaled. They also have specialized tools for safely sealing off the work area so the rest of your home or business remains free of contaminants.
If you choose a licensed asbestos removal service, you avoid the risk of facing fines or even lawsuits. In fact, according to Safe Work Australia, over 10,000 asbestos-related violations are reported each year. But when you hire professionals, you can rest easy knowing that everything is being done in compliance with the law.
Key Steps to Safe Asbestos Removal According to the Code of Practice
If you’re dealing with asbestos, it’s important to follow the right steps to make sure the removal is done safely. Asbestos is dangerous, and getting rid of it the wrong way can harm your health. The Code of Practice for safe asbestos removal in Australia gives clear guidelines on how to do it safely. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Preparation: Ensuring the Area Is Sealed and Proper PPE Is Worn
Before starting any asbestos removal, you need to prepare the area carefully to keep everyone safe. The first step is to seal off the area to prevent the spread of harmful asbestos fibres. This is done by creating a containment area using plastic sheets to isolate the work area from the rest of the building. It’s essential to make sure there’s proper ventilation and to use HEPA filters to trap any harmful particles in the air.
You also need to wear the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including disposable coveralls, gloves, a P100 respirator to filter out dangerous asbestos fibres, and protective eyewear. Wearing proper PPE is crucial! If you don’t protect yourself properly, you risk inhaling asbestos fibres, which can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis. In Australia, around 700 people die each year from diseases linked to asbestos exposure (Safe Work Australia data).
2. Assessment: Determining the Extent of the Asbestos and Whether Removal Is Required
Before removing asbestos, you need to assess how much is there and whether removal is necessary. A licensed asbestos professional will come in to survey the area and inspect where the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are located. They will also check the condition of the asbestos. If the asbestos is damaged or deteriorating, it’s more likely to release harmful fibres into the air, so removal is necessary.
The professional will then determine whether removal is required. In some cases, if the asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it may not need removal. However, any work that disturbs the asbestos, such as renovations or demolition, means it must be removed. Statistically, it’s estimated that 1 in 3 Australian homes built before 1987 may contain asbestos. If your property was built before that time, it’s important to get a professional to assess the risk.
3. Removal: Safe Techniques for Removing Asbestos Safely
Once you’ve assessed the situation, it’s time to remove the asbestos. Professionals follow safe techniques to ensure asbestos is removed without releasing harmful fibres into the air. One of the first steps in the removal process is to wet down the asbestos, which prevents fibres from becoming airborne. They carefully handle the asbestos to prevent it from breaking into smaller pieces, which can easily release fibres.
The removal work takes place within a controlled environment to ensure no contamination spreads. The area is sealed, and the team follows strict procedures to keep the asbestos contained. In Australia, over 40,000 homes have been renovated or demolished without proper asbestos removal, putting workers and families at risk. This shows why using trained and certified experts is crucial.
4. Disposal: Environmentally-Friendly Disposal Practices
After the asbestos is removed, it must be disposed of properly. Asbestos can’t just be thrown away in regular waste bins; it has to be taken to a licensed asbestos disposal facility that can handle it safely. The disposal process follows strict regulations to ensure asbestos doesn’t harm the environment. It’s crucial to make sure that asbestos is disposed of in a way that doesn’t pollute the land, water, or air. In Australia, laws govern the safe disposal of asbestos to protect both human health and the environment.
After the asbestos has been disposed of, you should receive certification proving that it was handled and disposed of safely. This certification provides peace of mind that everything was done correctly and in compliance with Australian laws. Improper disposal of asbestos can lead to heavy fines-individuals can be fined up to $50,000 and companies up to $500,000 for breaching disposal regulations.
Environmental Impact of Asbestos and How We Handle It
Asbestos is a dangerous material that can have a serious impact on the environment if not properly managed. When asbestos is removed incorrectly or disposed of in an unsafe manner, it can pollute air, soil, and water, leading to long-term environmental damage. This is why it’s so important to ensure that asbestos disposal is done right.
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we take the environment seriously. We use eco-friendly asbestos disposal practices to ensure the minimum environmental impact. We follow strict guidelines to make sure that asbestos is contained safely, transported without risk, and disposed of in licensed waste facilities designed to handle this hazardous material.
According to Safe Work Australia, improper asbestos disposal can lead to pollution of local water supplies and harm local wildlife. This is why it’s crucial to work with licensed professionals who understand the environmental risks.
In Australia, you are legally required to dispose of asbestos properly. The Code of Practice for the safe removal of asbestos clearly outlines how asbestos should be removed and disposed of. Failure to follow these rules can result in fines, legal consequences, and, most importantly, harm to people and the environment.
What to Expect When You Choose Crown Asbestos Removal in Australia
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we understand the importance of ensuring that your property remains safe and the environment is protected during the asbestos removal process. Here’s what you can expect when you choose us:
- Fast, Reliable, and Certified Asbestos Removal Services: We are dedicated to providing timely and efficient asbestos removal services. Whether it’s a residential or commercial property, we offer quick response times and ensure the removal is completed without delay, all while maintaining high safety standards.
- Fully Licensed, Insured, and Professional Service from Start to Finish: Our team is fully licensed and insured, meaning you’re fully protected when you hire us for your asbestos removal project. We follow all safety protocols to ensure a risk-free experience for our clients. From the initial inspection to the final removal and disposal, our professionals manage every step of the process.
- Why Crown Asbestos Removal is a Leading Choice for Asbestos Management: With years of experience, a reputation for professionalism, and a commitment to safe and eco-friendly asbestos removal, we are proud to be the top choice for asbestos management in Australia. We prioritize client satisfaction, health and safety, and legal compliance, offering a service you can trust.
Final thoughts
When it comes to ensuring your home or business is free from harmful asbestos, following the How to Safely Remove Asbestos code of practice is absolutely essential. This code is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial guide to making sure the removal process is done safely and effectively, without risking the health of you, your family, or the environment.
At Crown Asbestos Removal, we take this responsibility seriously. Our certified, professional team is fully equipped to handle all aspects of safe asbestos removal in Australia, ensuring that the process follows the highest safety standards and complies with all regulations. From the initial assessment to the eco-friendly disposal, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Are you ready to ensure your environment is asbestos-free and safe? Choosing a reliable and licensed company like Crown Asbestos Removal is your first step toward peace of mind.
Have you scheduled your asbestos inspection yet? Don’t contact us today, and let us help you create a safe, asbestos-free space for you and your loved ones!
