Asbestos Fence Removal – Why It’s Better to Be Safe Than Sorry
If asbestos fences aren’t painted or maintained, they can be a health risk for neighbors and family members who spend time in the yard. This is especially true if the fencing contains blue (crocidolite) asbestos, considered more dangerous than other types.
Asbestos Fence Removal Perth releases microscopic fibers when it deteriorates, which can cause serious illnesses if inhaled, like lung cancer and deadly mesothelioma. So, it pays to have a professional inspect and test your asbestos fence for peace of mind..
When a fence that contains asbestos is left alone to deteriorate, it can release dangerous fibers into the air. This can cause a range of health issues, including lung cancer and fatal mesothelioma. For this reason, it’s best to remove the fence and replace it with something safe. Our team can organize removing and testing your home fence to ensure it’s not a risk, then upgrade you with safer fencing material.
Removing the fence and capping could be dangerous, depending on the type of asbestos used. Some kinds of asbestos, particularly blue (crocidolite) asbestos, are very hazardous and have caused many deaths in the past. You must only use a licensed asbestos removal company to handle this. They have the specialist knowledge and equipment to handle the removal correctly and can transport it safely to an approved waste facility.
If your asbestos fence is in good condition and not disturbed, it poses no significant risk to you or others. However, if it becomes damaged and releases microscopic fibers into the air, it may be worth replacing it with an asbestos-free option. When removing asbestos, it’s very important to wear all the key safety gear, including a dust mask, disposable coveralls with hood, protective gloves, eyewear, and a face shield. This way, the toxins can be contained and not spread throughout your work area. It’s also important to ensure the work site is well-ventilated and not contaminated with other materials.
Asbestos is a dangerous and toxic material that can cause cancer, lung disease, and other health issues when inhaled. It was once a popular building material for its fire resistance and heat insulation properties, but it was phased out when the dangers became obvious. Despite this, many older homes worldwide still contain asbestos in some form or another. While routine inspections can help minimize the risk, it’s best to be safe than sorry and consider removing old asbestos fences.
As a general rule, the more weathering and physical damage a fence has, the more likely it is to pose a risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air and inhaled by people. For this reason, you must have your asbestos fence tested before deciding whether to remove or encapsulate it.
If a buried type of asbestos fence contains friable asbestos, it is best to have it removed by a licensed asbestos removal professional rather than trying to do it yourself. A buried asbestos fence usually comprises corrugated fiber cement sheets laid in a trench and covered with metal capping. These types of asbestos fencing were once very common worldwide due to their affordability, durability, and fire resistance. However, over time, they can become damaged and release deadly asbestos fibers into the environment.
While it’s unlikely that your home has a buried asbestos fence that needs to be in better condition, you should have it inspected by a licensed assessor before you renovate or sell it. The same applies to roof spaces where loose asbestos insulation may have been installed.
Loose asbestos must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic and placed into sealed drums for disposal. These must be transported by a Licensed Asbestos Transporter (LATS) to a registered waste facility. The cost for this service will vary between removal companies, so it’s important to shop around for the best price and ensure you are dealing with a reputable company with all the required licenses and insurance. Using a LATS also protects you from being held liable for any damage or loss incurred during the transportation of asbestos.
The safest option for removing asbestos is to hire an abatement professional who will take the time to carefully remove it and dispose of it in a hazardous waste landfill. However, if you’re a homeowner who wants to do it yourself, follow these tips to minimize the risks.
The first step is to determine where the asbestos is located. You can do this by having a licensed asbestos assessor inspect your home and provide a report. Then, you can begin to prepare for the job. You should also get the necessary permits for the work, including a demolition permit (if required). Make sure you check with your local building department on these regulations.
You should always wet down the asbestos material before and during removal to prevent the release of fibers into the air. Using only power tools that do not produce heat and wear protective equipment is also important. This includes a respirator with a HEPA filter and disposable coveralls and hoods that prevent penetration of the asbestos fibers. You should also wear rubber gloves, gumboots (not laced boots), and eye protection. Putting your shoes in plastic bags before leaving the work area is a good idea.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral used in various products and building materials over the years, thanks to its resistance to fire and many caustic chemicals. But the dangers of asbestos exposure are real: It can cause chronic lung conditions such as mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lungs, and it can lead to asbestosis, which makes breathing difficult.
Although asbestos was banned in the country in the 1970s, the mineral still exists in older homes and buildings. These products are sturdier and less dangerous than friable asbestos, which crumbles easily. But even these products can be contaminated if damaged or handled improperly.
Today, asbestos is rarely used in new building materials. But it’s still found in a range of older products, including textured paint, floor and ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, and shingles. Asbestos isn’t always easy to identify, so if something might contain it, it’s best to leave it alone and contact a professional to have it tested.
To prevent this, workers use several containment methods to separate asbestos work areas from the rest of the building. This includes sealing areas with plastic sheeting, duct tape, and negative air pressure machines that pull fresh air in and trap asbestos dust particles. Workers also wear personal protective equipment that protects against contact and airborne exposure. In addition to these containment measures, workers must train on the proper procedures for handling and disposing of asbestos materials.
Before any work begins, professionals cut off your building’s HVAC system. This ensures dirty air won’t circulate throughout the facility. In addition, they’ll physically close off any areas that don’t need work with tarps and heavy-duty adhesives. Then, they’ll perform one final inspection to confirm the secure containment.
A regulated area is any work area where the concentration of airborne asbestos exceeds, or there is a reasonable possibility that it will exceed the permissible exposure limit (PEL). Regulated areas include those where ACM is removed, stripped, or damaged and all demolition and renovation operations. It also has an area where debris and waste from these operations accumulate.
The employer shall identify all ACM and any TSI or troweled-on insulating material (TOI) as asbestos-containing unless it is determined in compliance with paragraph (k) of this section that the ACM does not pose a health hazard. In addition, the employer must mark regulated areas with warning signs such as “DANGER, ASBESTOS HAZARD, CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE, AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.”
Once a job is complete, the ACM waste must be placed in a sealed and labeled receptacle. A licensed non-hazardous waste transporter then transports it to a landfill that accepts friable ACM. Intact non-friable ACM, like siding and flooring, that is removed whole can also be disposed of at a local landfill.
