Can I Remove Asbestos Myself?

At Myers Asbestos Removal, we’re frequently asked my ‘can I remove asbestos myself’ and ‘does asbestos have to be removed?’ and though that answer differs depending on the type of asbestos material involved, we typically advise that asbestos should be removed by a specialist if found present in a home. This is because asbestos can realise airborne fibres when disturbed, which can happen in the removal, transport, or disposal process. considering our asbestos removal specialists have the right PPE gear and equip to perform these duties, it’s always best to leave it to a specialist than risk doing the wrong thing. In today’s article, we take a look at some of the rules regarding DIY asbestos removal and places you can take asbestos containing materials that comply with government regulations.

Can I remove asbestos myself: Your FAQ’s answered

 How can I tell if it’s asbestos?

To the natural eye, it’s virtually impossible to know if something contains asbestos, though a professional removal specialist should have a fair idea of suspicious materials. However, if your home is built before the 1990’s, there’s a high chance some of the materials used contain asbestos. To confirm if a building part is made with asbestos, a specialist will send a sample to a laboratory.

Where am I likely to find asbestos? 

Due to its insulative properties and resistance to fire, asbestos was commonly used in building materials for decades before it was banned. If your home was built before the 1990’s, you may find asbestos in the following areas:

Inside the house: Old insulation, wall sheeting, switchboards, floor tiles, ceiling sheeting, floor sheeting.

Outside the house: Roof sheeting, guttering, imitation brick cladding, fencing, water drainage, gutters

Can I remove asbestos myself? Do I need a licence?

Wondering ‘Can I remove asbestos myself?’ Most asbestos removal needs to be performed by a removal specialist, as doing so incorrectly can be a hazard to both your health and the health of others. In Queensland, it’s possible to remove up to 10m2 of asbestos if it’s non-friable. This kind of asbestos means that the asbestos fibres are held together in a solid mix such as floor tiles and cement sheeting. Friable asbestos (loose asbestos) cannot be removed by anyone other than a licensed professional as it’s very easy for airborne fibres to be released and inhaled. If you plan on removing less than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos, it’s advised you complete a non-friable asbestos unit of competency to learn how to identify, handle and properly dispose of asbestos correctly.

Do you have to remove asbestos?

Though non-friable asbestos doesn’t always have to be removed, it can turn to friable asbestos if broken or left to deteriorate. Friable asbestos must always be removed, as it’s a highly hazardous material. If the asbestos containing material is in a position where removing may do more harm than good, an asbestos removalist can put a sealant over the top to create a layer of protection – also known as asbestos encapsulation. If you’re still wondering ‘do you have to remove asbestos?’ contact Myers Asbestos Removal company today for more information.

What happens if I don’t dispose of asbestos correctly?

When it comes to asbestos disposal, heavy fines apply if you don’t dispose of it correctly. Some corporations in Australia have even been hit with up $1 million in penalties and more, for exposing employees to asbestos or not disposing in the correct site. If you find asbestos and plan on disposing it yourself, be sure to follow these steps:

• Dispose asbestos materials as soon as possible.
• Dispose of in a manner that won’t cause the materials to break and release more fibres.
• In a government approved waste management facility.

Residential and commercial asbestos removal

Don’t want to risk it? Request a FREE quote online or call 0412 314 588 to have asbestos professionally removed and one of our residential asbestos removal or commercial asbestos removal specialists will be in touch shortly.