So you’ve discovered asbestos in your home pre-renovation and have been quoted more than expected to remove it. What now? Should you just DIY it? Surely there are YouTube videos that can show you how, right? Wrong.

There are many reasons why you should never attempt removing your home’s asbestos and in this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly why that is. From the serious risk of illness to the potential for hefty fines, here’s why this is one DIY you should skip out on.

The Dangers Of Asbestos

When inert (not interfered with) asbestos poses no great risk to your health. However, during renovations or the demolition of a home, the removal of asbestos becomes a serious risk.

Removal work can lead to small amounts of asbestos becoming airborne and inhaled. As each piece is removed, even if not being snapped or cut, there is a possibility for the release of asbestos fibres into the air.

Why is this problematic? The inhalation of these fibres has been linked to mesothelioma – a type of lung cancer that is only present in those exposed to asbestos fibres. It is not possible to successfully treat asbestos-related illness and it eventually leads to the death of the affected individual.

While the risks of exposure are higher with friable vs non-friable asbestos, there is no safe level of exposure.

Why Do People Attempt DIY Removal?

There are many reasons why people attempt to manage asbestos removal and disposal as a DIY project. The most common is cost. When people are renovating, demolition work is something they feel they can do themselves to save money.

Removing asbestos professionally is an added cost many people simply aren’t willing to pay. However, given the extreme health dangers and strict laws surrounding the disposal of this product, it is simply not worth the risk.

In some Australian states, it is illegal to manage this yourself due to the high level or risk involved and the importance of proper disposal for community safety.

Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about the different types of asbestos or where asbestos-containing materials can be found can still lead to accidental exposure. This is why a licensed asbestos removalist should be contacted for advice in homes built prior to 1990 before any renovations or demolition is started.

What Can Happen If I Remove It Myself?

Aside from the significant risks to your health outlined above, removing and disposing of asbestos yourself can also:

Put your family or neighbours at risk of exposure
Attract significant fines for improper preparation for disposal

Even if you feel you have taken all the necessary precautions, if you are not trained or licensed to remove asbestos, the risks are simply too high.

A strict set of rules and procedures are followed to contain asbestos waste and it can only be disposed of in approved locations. This is something asbestos removal contractors specialise in and have all the necessary tools and expertise to achieve.

As per WorkSafe QLD –

“Ignoring asbestos laws and putting people at risk can result in stiff penalties, including on-the-spot fines, with clean-up costs exceeding $100,000.”

When you consider both the health and financial implications of mismanaging removal work and disposal of asbestos, it simply makes sense to hand it over to a licensed asbestos removal company.

How Professionals Protect You And Your Home

Engaging a professional means all removal work is handled efficiently and professionally so that no dangerous fibres are left behind.

You can expect a professional team to seal off the work area using plastic sheeting and with each piece of asbestos cement or other asbestos-containing materials being quickly bagged and sealed.

Once removed, the entire area is thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed using specialist equipment leaving no trace of asbestos behind to worry about.

The asbestos is then disposed of at an approved facility before being buried. By handing over the removal to licensed professionals, you are free from the worries of exposure or fines for improper removal.

Trust Icon Asbestos Removals

Fully licenced, insured and with decades of experience in removing asbestos, the team at Icon Asbestos Removals are the professionals you can trust.

We work closely with all our clients to ensure an affordable solution that keeps everyone safe and free from exposure.

Don’t DIY your asbestos removal, contact Icon Asbestos Removals today on 07 3053 3453.