Asbestos Awareness in Your Home: What to Know and How to Stay Safe
Recently our team responded to a routine appliance installation in a client’s kitchen. However, during the inspection, they encountered a hidden hazard beneath the kitchen units: asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This unexpected discovery was a reminder of the importance of asbestos awareness in your home, especially with older properties.
What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. These qualities led to its widespread use in construction materials throughout the 20th century, especially in vinyl tiles, insulation, roofing, adhesives and cement products. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres, if inhaled, can settle in the lungs and cause long-term respiratory issues. Due to these risks, it’s crucial to identify and handle asbestos safely, following strict protocols to protect residents and workers alike.
Recognising and Responding to Asbestos in Your Home
During our recent job, our team encountered old vinyl tiles and bitumen adhesive under the kitchen units—common materials that often contain asbestos in older homes. As licensed and trained professionals, we’re skilled in recognising potential asbestos risks. Here’s how we handled it:
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Initial Inspection and Sample Collection: noticing potential asbestos, we took a sample of the loose tile and adhesive and sent it for laboratory testing. This is essential as only certified labs can confirm asbestos presence.
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Safety Precautions: until we received test results, we took safety measures by damping down the area and limiting disturbance. This minimises airborne fibres, keeping the area as safe as possible for everyone involved.
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Positive Test Result and Informed Action: once the sample tested positive, we informed the homeowner, who was grateful for the attention to safety. We wore full personal protective equipment (PPE) and removed all loose debris carefully, double-bagging the material and following regulations for safe disposal.
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Proper Disposal: asbestos waste must be disposed of in accordance with legal guidelines. This is vital to prevent environmental contamination and to ensure no one is exposed to asbestos fibres in the future. Our team took it to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility.
- Encapsulated risk area: applied a latex self levelling compound over area and labelled with asbestos stickers as a warning if the area is disturbed again for renovations.. The appliance could then be safely installed.
Why Asbestos Awareness Matters
If you own or live in an older home, asbestos could be hiding in unexpected places. Home renovations, even simple repairs, can disturb asbestos if you’re unaware of its presence. Knowing the risks and recognising potential asbestos hazards can make all the difference in maintaining a safe environment for you and your family. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Get Materials Tested: Before starting any renovation or repair, especially in older homes, consider professional asbestos testing.
- Hire Trained Professionals: If asbestos is found, don’t attempt removal yourself. Only licensed professionals should handle asbestos, as they have the training and equipment to do so safely.
- Stay Informed: Even if you aren’t currently renovating, awareness of asbestos-containing materials in your home allows you to take precautions and maintain a safe space.
Our team takes pride in ensuring our customers’ safety by adhering to asbestos protocols rigorously. Our recent experience underscores the importance of proper handling and disposal practices, as well as ongoing education on asbestos dangers. Keeping your home and family safe starts with awareness and help from a professional team with your home renovations can help with your peace of mind.
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