The grave danger posed by asbestos globally was recognized in 2006 by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the International Labor Organization (ILO). An ILO 2006 resolution resolved to streamline global efforts for total elimination of asbestos usage in the future, as a measure to ensure the health and safety of workers.
Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) ideally should not be a cause of alarm as long as they have not been broken or disturbed. When the materials don't display visible signs of deterioration, they should just be left untouched. When broken or damaged, it is recommended that you engage removal professionals for safe removal and handling.
When Does Asbestos Pose A Risk?
However, it must be pointed out that asbestos only becomes a major risk when it's disturbed in a manner that will make the asbestos fibres get airborne. The airborne fibres are what pose a threat when inhaled.
Asbestos comes with a number of health risks during removal, packaging, moving and disposal stages. It's strongly recommended by experts that asbestos material removal only be carried out by certified removal experts.
Asbestos Removal Tips
Airborne asbestos fibres are a hazardous material which poses a great danger to anybody who inhales them into their lungs. If you suspect or think that the materials in your place poses a danger and needs to be removed, experts recommend that you do the job with greatest care or alternatively let the matter be handled by professionals.
At the least during the process, ensure you heed to the following:
- Restrict the number of people entering the work area. Take steps to ensure that you don't transport back some of the hazardous stuff back into your house with your work shoes.
- It is vital that the person doing the removal wears a recommended respirator. You ought to only use disposable overalls during the removal undertaking as guided by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations
- The work place need to be wetted down prior to commencing the work and you should continue doing so as the work progresses. This cuts down chances of fibres getting airborne.
- Minimize chances of the materials breaking up so that no fibres get airborne. When for example removing from the roof, don't drop the stuff down, but rather have them lowered down gently to avoid breakages. Place appropriate drop cloths that will safely catch any falling asbestos debris.
- All removed asbestos should be placed in leak-tight bags for safe disposal to a recommended site.
- After finishing the work, ensure that you get your body parts washed thoroughly and the tools used. All stuff used in cleaning up should be disposed and not kept for reuse.
The Australian Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (AASEA) is a credible reference point on all matters that touch on the removal of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). The AASEA is the national focal point on all asbestos related issues.
The Agency purposes to ensure that matters related to asbestos continually receive the required attention and national focus. The mandate of AASEA goes spreads beyond more workplace safety to include broader environmental and public health concerns.
Asbestos Removal Sydney Wide personnel are specialists in all matters involving removal and disposal of asbestos products. Wade Rogers is an experienced removals supervisor and he will follow all the regulations to ensure you get a safe removal. Visit Asbestos Removal Sydney Wide for more information.
