1. What is asbestos contaminated material?
These materials are products that were manufactured using asbestos, a naturally occurring fibre. These materials were manufactured worldwide for their versatility and resistance to elements. They were primarily used in the construction industry.
2. How dangerous is asbestos?
Asbestos can be very dangerous if mistreated. Asbestos poses a health risk to individuals who are exposed to airborne asbestos fibres. Asbestos is inhaled and can cause various asbestos related diseases, such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. As a general rule, asbestos poses limited danger unless it is disturbed, generally through breakage, scraping or drilling.
3. How do I know if asbestos is in my house or business?
Asbestos contaminating building materials were regularly used in homes built prior to 1990. These materials include roof sheeting and guttering, wall cladding, fencing, formwork, vinyl floor coverings, bathroom and laundry floors and mains power boards. If you believe you may have asbestos materials in your home or business it is better to assume it is contaminated as a matter of safety until you have had it assessed by a licensed contractor. Alternatively, efficient testing facilities are regularly used by AAAGS Asbestos Removal and can definitively identify asbestos fibres.
4. Can I remove asbestos myself?
Yes. In New South Wales you are permitted to remove up the 10 squared metres of asbestos contaminated materials on your own, provided it is completed properly. Information on removing asbestos can be found at: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/safely-remove-asbestos-cop
5. How do I know I am using a legitimate asbestos removalist?
Prior to engaging a contractor to complete your asbestos removal project, please ensure that they are prepared to provide you with the following FOUR items:
• A current license and current insurances – Asbestos contractors in NSW require a current license to remove asbestos. This is issued by SafeWork NSW. They also require current public liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
• A SafeWork notification number – This number is received when the successful contractor notifies SafeWork NSW, the regulatory authority for asbestos removal in NSW. This number must be retrieved by the contractor FIVE DAYS prior to the commencement of licensed asbestos removal works. This number ensures that the license holder has duly notified SafeWork NSW of the project as per license conditions.
• An asbestos tipping receipt – This is received by the contractor when the asbestos is disposed of appropriately at the regulated tipping facility.
• An asbestos clearance certificate – This is a mandatory certificate issued by an independent third party inspector after the successful removal of asbestos has occurred. The inspector is arranged by the contractor to visit the site after removal works to review the asbestos area and deem the area safe to reoccupy without protective equipment.
6. What do I need to do to demolish my house?
Demolishing your home can seem like a daunting task, particularly if you have not been involved in this kind of project before. Here are a few things you will need to successfully complete a residential demolition:
1. You will need approval from a certifying authority, typically the local council or a private certifier. There is an application process and a fee associated with this approval. AAAGS Asbestos Removal can help with this simple process.
2. You will need a contractor with appropriate licenses and insurances for your desired works.
3. You will need to make sure that you receive the asbestos tipping receipts and a certificate of clearance regarding asbestos contamination on the site. These are usually both provided to the client once demolition works have finished. Builders are NOT allowed to enter a site in New South Wales until a certificate of clearance is received. Please contact AAAGS Asbestos Removal for more information.