DIY Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is incredibly dangerous and poses a huge threat to asbestos exposure. Australian asbestos removalists are heavily regulated and must obtain strict asbestos licensing in each state. In most states of Australia, it is still legal for homeowners to execute asbestos removal themselves, however; only if the asbestos is non-friable and amounts to less than 10 square meters. In many cases, asbestos removal may be necessary for renovating homeowners, building or even roof repairs Sydney requirements before any further work can be completed.

Asbestos exposure

Asbestos exposure occurs when friable asbestos becomes airborne and the dust particles are actually tiny asbestos fibers. If someone comes into contact with these asbestos fibers and breathes them in, they are being directly exposed to asbestos. The tiny asbestos fibers will then become trapped in the person's lungs and can cause irreversible health problems. Asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pleural disease. These illnesses take decades to develop and in most cases, are untreatable. While high levels of exposure are more dangerous than low levels of exposure, Asbestos removal specialists in Sydney GBAR Group note that there is no "safe" level of asbestos exposure.

Friable and Non-friable asbestos

Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring mineral and is divided into several types. The nature of asbestos means that it holds many beneficial properties in construction and manufacturing, including enormous strength, durability heat resistance, chemical resistance, good insulation, and it does not conduct electricity. This meant that as well as being used individually for insulation and other materials, it was also mixed and woven into other materials to make them stronger, more durable, and resistant to extremities.

Friable asbestos is when asbestos fibers are loose and can become airborne. This is when asbestos exposure is a huge risk. Asbestos that is friable is common with loose insulation, or it can become friable if a material with asbestos products becomes damaged, disturbed, cut, weathered or sawn. Once the asbestos materials are loose, crumbly and dust particles form, the asbestos is friable and very dangerous.

Non-friable asbestos is when asbestos materials were used within a product or material and are tightly bound. This is common when asbestos was mixed with cement and the materials are in good condition. As long as the materials are undisturbed, the asbestos fibers do not pose a threat as they are non-friable.

In Australia, it is important to remember you are not allowed to handle friable asbestos without the appropriate licensing, training and equipment. Even if you are entirely sure the asbestos is non-friable, handling and removing asbestos yourself is not recommended. You are at risk of harming yourself or your family if you attempt DIY asbestos removal without the knowledge, awareness, and training.