Undoubtedly, you can save a few dollars by doing DIY asbestos removal projects. But sometimes the asbestos disposal errors exceed the price. Do you want to save money by completing the asbestos removal project on your own? You must follow strict safety regulations. This is because the process of its abatement from start to finish is complex. It also requires specialised knowledge together with equipment. Hence, you should hire only licensed contractors. They come equipped with advanced tools to do the asbestos abatement safely. At Asbestos Victoria, we provide exceptional asbestos disposal services by extraordinary professionals.
Do you have no prior experience with asbestos disposal, but are thinking of doing it, right? You should wait. With a lack of knowledge, you are susceptible to making life-threatening mistakes. These errors can put you together with other people at risk. Read the following article to learn the top 5 common mistakes to avoid during asbestos disposal in a simplified manner.
Not Testing for Asbestos on the Site
You should conduct a well-planned asbestos testing. It is essential before any construction project begins. This is a crucial step that helps find hazardous materials in buildings built before the 1990s. You should take the help of a qualified professional for the asbestos investigation. With their specialised knowledge, they know the suspected areas where asbestos materials are.
Skipping this significant step can cause serious respiratory health complications. In Australia, many builders or project developers overlook asbestos disposal to save time and money. According to the Occupational and Health Safety Workers, the on-site inspection of asbestos materials is mandatory. It should be conducted before the construction or renovation project begins. Ignoring this requirement is one of the common asbestos removal mistakes that can put both workers and the community at risk.
Overlooking the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is very crucial in offering this protection against loose asbestos fibres. Otherwise, their exposure can lead to lung cancer during the removal work. Hence, workers need to cover their entire bodies. Make sure they have the following items
- Disposable Coveralls
- Specialised Gloves
- Masks
- Boots
If you are a DIY enthusiast planning to remove asbestos on your own, make sure to wear PPE. Keep in mind that the inhalation of asbestos does not show results within a few days. The symptoms of critical diseases, like asbestosis or lung cancer, start to appear after several years. These illnesses are incurable. Hence, use only good-quality PPE to ensure your and other workers’ holistic well-being for many years to come. Along with protective gear, following safe asbestos waste practices is equally important to prevent harmful exposure and environmental contamination.
Disturbing Asbestos Fibres Without Prior Knowledge
Before starting the removal work, you need to isolate the asbestos-contaminated site. This will prevent the spread of fibre bundles in surrounding areas. Hence, workers should ensure all the asbestos surfaces are wet. It is a site-preparation step before beginning the hazardous materials removal procedure. This is a mandatory step to keep the dust level low. Further, they should use air filters to stop the transmission of thin fibres from one place to another.
Remember, the risk associated with asbestos increases if safe practices are not followed. To ensure awareness among people, use warning signs. These signs should show that asbestos disposal work is going on, which is why outsider entry is strictly prohibited.
Unlawful Disposal of Asbestos Materials
Remember, the handling of hazardous materials should stringently adhere to regulations. Are you a DIY asbestos removal enthusiast? Make sure to place all the debris in specially designed 6-mil plastic bags. These bags should be clearly labelled as toxic materials. This way, you can make the move of asbestos materials to licensed disposal sites safe and secure. Further, make sure the safe disposal of the PPE equipment is ensured once the bags are handed over to licensed units. The Victorian law bans them. Otherwise, the dangerous exposure to these deadly fibres can increase the risk of lung cancer. Many people face risks due to disposal asbestos compliance pitfalls, which highlight the importance of following legal procedures strictly.
Not Adherence to Legal Regulations
Compliance with Victorian legal regulations is essential in any construction project. Site developers should do the asbestos testing at least 14 days before beginning the construction project. Only specialised workers with licenses can perform these risky investigations. People like you who are removing asbestos on their own should follow similar legal protocols. Failing to follow asbestos safe removal rules can lead to fines.
Make sure you achieve all essential permits for the lawful asbestos disposal. The next serious mistake happens when you or other workers do it without proper training,
Final Thought
Here’s hoping that you have learned how to ensure safe asbestos removal in a simplified manner. No matter whether you are a professional or a self-motivated person, understanding these five mistakes is crucial. They will assist you in escaping the risk associated with asbestos materials. Take no shortcuts in regard to safety measures. Your easy efforts will not prevent health hazards. For more detailed information, call us right now. And yes, take expert advice.*