What to do if you find Asbestos in your Property? - 0 views
started by anjalinzrs on 20 Feb 20
started by anjalinzrs on 20 Feb 20
started by anjalinzrs on 20 Feb 20
started by anjalinzrs on 20 Feb 20
What to do if you find Asbestos in your Property?
Properties which are built between 1930-2000 may contain asbestos in building material, also called asbestos-containing material (ACM). Asbestos is not a material that can be easily recognized with a visual inspection, therefore contacting a licensed asbestos expert is the easiest way to identify.
Read about the health risks due to asbestos exposure
Usually, the risk is low as long as the ACM is in good condition. But the risk increases if the material is disturbed and asbestos fibres are exposed. After getting the inspection done by a certified or licensed asbestos professional, it is best dealt with, in 3 ways: leaving it alone and monitoring if in good condition, encapsulation and asbestos removal.
When to leave the asbestos alone?
Asbestos was extensively used in construction in the 19th century for its desirable properties like flexibility yet resistant to heat and electricity. In some properties, it can still be found in the roof, cladding, insulation, walls, floors under your carpet, tiles, and in ACM like paint, adhesives, cement, electricity board, pipes, insulations etc.
If the asbestos area is not broken or damaged, best is to leave it alone. However, it is absolutely unsafe to carry on any renovation or remodelling work in property with asbestos if you are likely to disturb it.
When to Encapsulate?
Asbestos-containing material if slightly damaged - sometimes the best way to deal with is to restrict the access to the damaged area and contact asbestos removal professionals to safely repair it.
Encapsulation is when poorly bonded, damaged or disturbed ACM is painted with a sealant to contain the asbestos fibres. This prevents the asbestos fibres from being disrupted and release in the environment. The sealant soaks in the ACM and dries hard, preventing the asbestos fibres from being airborne.
This is also a temporary and less expensive solution, however, it is still considered unsafe if any remodelling work is carried out on the material in future unless carried out by a licensed asbestos removal company.
Removal of asbestos
Removal is the best solution to deal with an asbestos-contaminated area or material. Ministry of Health NZ strongly advises, to seek any sort of asbestos removal service from a WorkSafe NZ licensed removalist only. It is extremely unsafe and can result in causing serious health risks to you and people in the vicinity.
Find WorkSafe NZ Licensed Asbestos Removalist
A licensed asbestos removalist like New Zealand Restoration Services will ensure all the safety precautions. They will comply with the specific requirements under the Asbestos Code of Practice required by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulation 2016 for safe management, removal and disposal of asbestos waste.
It is extremely important to act on time if you suspect asbestos in your property, especially if ACM is damaged. NZRS understands that time is the essence when dealing with a situation like these, hence our Faster to Disaster motto provides you safety and peace of mind throughout the process, on right time.
Visit https://www.nzrsnational.co.nz/