Asbestos in your Brisbane property, residential or commercial, can be a dangerous discovery, but don't panic—there's a safe way forward. If you find asbestos in your home or commercial property, the first thing you should do is stop any further disturbances in the affected area, such as renovation or demolition, and contact a licensed asbestos removal professional immediately to get the job done.
Asbestos is a hazardous material, and exposure to its fibers can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma. Don't delay the removal of asbestos in your residential or commercial property, it may cost you more than you think. It is essential to act quickly to prevent potential exposure to these dangerous fibers. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family, employees, or tenants.
Step-by-Step: Exactly What to Do After Finding Asbestos in Your Brisbane Property
Finding asbestos can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do can make all the difference in maintaining the safety of your home or workplace. Follow these steps to manage the situation effectively.
First, Immediately Isolate the Area Where Asbestos Was Found
Once you suspect or confirm the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), immediately isolate the area. This means preventing anyone from entering the space and ensuring that no activities occur that could disturb the asbestos, such as renovation or demolition.
Why this is crucial:
- Asbestos fibers become dangerous when they are disturbed or become airborne. This can happen when materials like insulation, roofing, or floor tiles containing asbestos are cut, scraped, or damaged during any renovation or demolition work.
- Sealing off the area prevents accidental exposure and minimizes risk to others who might inadvertently come into contact with the fibers.
Use plastic sheeting or similar materials to block off the area and secure it. If possible, label it with clear signage stating "Asbestos—Do Not Enter" to avoid accidental contamination.
Why Disturbing Asbestos Yourself is Dangerous in Brisbane Homes
Attempting to disturb asbestos-containing materials can be highly dangerous, especially in homes and commercial properties built before the 1980s. Many older properties in Brisbane may have asbestos used as part of their building materials, and this could include roofing, wall cladding, insulation, and flooring.
Asbestos exposure risks:
- When disturbed, through renovation or demolition, asbestos fibers are released into the air, and because they are microscopic, they can be inhaled easily, leading to serious health conditions that may not show symptoms until years later.
- Even small amounts of asbestos dust can cause significant health problems, including lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Asbestos is particularly harmful when it is friable (easily crumbled), but even bonded (non-friable) asbestos can become a hazard if it is disturbed improperly. This is why a DIY asbestos removal job is not an option.
Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal—Here's Why
It's crucial that you never attempt a DIY asbestos removal job. Handling asbestos requires specialized equipment and knowledge to ensure that the material is safely removed without causing further contamination.
Here's why a DIY asbestos removal job is not safe:
- Health risks: Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause fatal diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
- Legal implications: In Brisbane, you must have an A-Class asbestos removal license to handle and dispose of asbestos. Doing it yourself could be illegal and lead to fines that cost thousands of dollars.
- Improper disposal: Without the proper training, you may not dispose of asbestos waste in the correct manner, which could lead to environmental contamination and health risks for others.
If you suspect asbestos, contact a licensed asbestos removal expert immediately to handle the situation safely. At ICON Asbestos Removal, our team is licensed to perform asbestos removal work, from friable to bonded. Contact us today and get a free quote for expert asbestos removal services.
Next Urgent Step: Call a Licensed Brisbane Asbestos Removal Specialist
The most important action you can take after discovering asbestos in your property is to contact a licensed asbestos removal specialist. Companies like ICON Asbestos Removal specialize in handling both bonded and friable asbestos removal in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and nearby areas. Our team is equipped to handle all types of asbestos removal, ensuring compliance with local safety regulations.
Why you should choose a licensed professional:
- Expertise and experience: Professionals can quickly assess the situation and provide safe removal services without causing further exposure.
- Peace of mind: Licensed specialists use the proper protective equipment and procedures to remove asbestos safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Public liability insurance: A licensed team is insured, so you don't have to worry about damages to your property or unforeseen issues.
Ensure that the company you choose to contact is fully insured and holds a Class A asbestos removal license. ICON Asbestos Removal holds an A-Class license, making us a highly recommended choice for residents and business owners in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and nearby areas looking for reliable asbestos removal services.
How to Stay Safe While Waiting for Asbestos Removal Professionals
While you wait for the asbestos removal team to arrive, it's important to remain cautious. Here are steps you can take to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Do not disturb the area: Avoid using any electrical equipment, tools, or anything that might disrupt the asbestos material. Do not proceed with any renovation or demolition work.
- Limit access: Keep the area sealed off from children, pets, and other people.
- Avoid touching or moving asbestos materials: Don't attempt to touch or relocate asbestos-containing materials until a professional team arrives.
While this may seem like an inconvenient step, it is essential to your health and security.
What to Expect During Your Brisbane Asbestos Inspection and Removal
Once you've contacted a licensed professional, the team will conduct a thorough inspection of your property, perform testing, and determine the extent of asbestos contamination. The next steps will depend on the results of the inspection and testing.
What happens during the inspection:
- Asbestos sampling/testing: The professionals will test any suspect materials to confirm whether they contain asbestos.
- Detailed quote: You will receive a clear, transparent quote for the cost of removal services, which will cover the entire process, including disposal.
- Safety protocols: The team will take all necessary precautions to avoid asbestos exposure during the removal process, using specialized equipment and techniques to safely manage hazardous materials on the job.
During the removal work, the team will use containment systems and follow strict health and safety regulations. After the asbestos has been removed, the area will be thoroughly cleaned, and air quality testing will be conducted to ensure no asbestos fibers remain.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing Your Brisbane Asbestos Removalist
While selecting an asbestos removal service, it's important to look for a company that offers quality services and adheres to strict safety standards. Here are some red flags to avoid when choosing an asbestos removalist:
- Unlicensed or unqualified companies: Always verify that the company holds a Class A asbestos removal license, which ensures they are qualified to remove and dispose of asbestos safely.
- Lack of transparency in quotes: Avoid companies that don't provide detailed quotes or that seem evasive about cost.
- Poor customer service: A reputable asbestos removal company will provide clear communication and be available to answer your questions. Poor communication is a warning sign of unreliable service.
- No public liability insurance: Ensure that the company is fully insured to cover any potential damages to your property during the removal job.
Your Next Steps to Safety and Peace of Mind
Finding asbestos in your home or property is a concerning situation, but with the right approach, you can ensure the protection of your family, employees, or tenants. Remember, always call a licensed asbestos removal specialist like ICON Asbestos Removal for the best results. We specialize in asbestos removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, and the surrounding areas, offering a free quote and financing options for your convenience.
Our 3-Step Process:
- Call us for a free quote: Our team is available to assess your asbestos removal needs.
- Professional inspection and removal: We'll assess the situation and provide safe, expert removal services.
- Complete clean-up and safety checks: We ensure that your property is free of asbestos and safe for you and your family.
Don't delay, it may cost you more than you expect—act now to protect your property and health. Get in touch with ICON Asbestos Removal today for a free quote.
Engage with Us:
Have you found asbestos in your property? Reach out and share your experience with us. At ICON Asbestos Removal, we are always here to answer your questions and provide professional, reliable service. Contact us today and discover asbestos removal Brisbane residents have come to trust!
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