Anything built before 2000 could have asbestos in its construction. Most people know that asbestos is a dangerous substance, which is why it’s essential to take the necessary safety precautions if you suspect that there’s asbestos in your house. JP Franklin have a team of experienced and licensed commercial and residential asbestos removal experts who specialise in asbestos removal, repair, and replacement. Here are a few safety tips for residential asbestos removal in Auckland:
Get An Asbestos Inspection
When you suspect there is asbestos in your home, it’s imperative that you leave it alone. Don’t touch it and ensure that you keep your family and pets away from the affected area. If you try to inspect it yourself, you could risk exposing yourself and others to the harmful fibres, which is why it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Call a professional asbestos specialist to perform an inspection. They have the expertise to safely inspect the area without disturbing the asbestos to the extent that it becomes a more significant threat. They’ll take samples to analyse the substance, which will tell them where the asbestos is located, and how much there is in the house.
Wear The Correct Safety Equipment
Anyone going near asbestos containing materials should protect themselves against exposure to asbestos by wearing the correct safety gear. Safety equipment includes a well-fitting mask that prevents you from breathing in asbestos dust. Because these safety masks are disposable, it’s recommended they remain as single-use, and should be disposed of immediately after use. This prevents contamination and spread of asbestos fibres.
Disposable overalls that are one size larger than your typical sizing should also be worn. The reason for this is to avoid your overalls ripping at the seams. Another common practice is to tape the cuffs of your overalls, so that asbestos doesn’t go up the sleeves of your overalls. It’s important to remember that asbestos fibres are microscopic, and can settle anywhere. If they settle on your clothing, you could contaminate your home.
Asbestos Removal and Disposal
Another reason why you shouldn’t attempt to remove the asbestos in your home as a DIY project is because you need to dispose of the asbestos safely. You can’t dump the asbestos in a skip bin, because it would contaminate the neighbourhood, making people in surrounding areas sick. When residential asbestos removal companies break the substance apart, the pieces are placed in double heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic bags and sealed. Asbestos waste should never be handled without protective gear, as well as gloves and safety equipment.
The best way to remove asbestos in your home is to enlist the services of an asbestos removal specialist. They have the necessary licensing to remove and dispose of the asbestos safely, without leaving anything behind.
See our Asbestos Roof Guide and call us at JP Franklin for more information and advice about your particular roof.
