Asbestos Facts; 5 Essential Facts About Asbestos for Auckland Homeowners | Safe and Legal Removal"
- Around 170 people die each year in New Zealand from asbestos-related diseases.
- Exposure to asbestos dust can cause serious health issues including various forms of cancer such as lung, larynx, and ovarian cancers.
- To put it into some form of perspective, multiple asbestos fibres are finer than one human hair and because it is so fine, it can stay in the air for a long time before settling.
- Asbestos in a good condition and left undisturbed is unlikely to pose a health risk and doesn’t need to be removed.
- There is no safe level for asbestos exposure, but if proper precautions are taken, the health risks are relatively low.
- If asbestos is present NEVER cut it, drill it, sand it, scrape it, scrub it, waterblast it, or demolish it, unless you have had asbestos awareness training.
- If any asbestos is removed, always dispose of it correctly - NEVER dump it or put it out with other building or residential rubbish.
- If you accidentally damage or uncover asbestos - stop work immediately, keep people away, minimise the spread of contamination and get advice on what to do next.
- Never use high pressure water spray, compressed air or power tools on asbestos or suspected asbestos materials.
- Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with asbestos materials.
- Asbestos removal under 10 square metres should be done by a competent person who has had appropriate asbestos awareness training.
- All asbestos removal work over 10 square metres must be done by either a Class A or Class B licensed company.
- All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.
- Dealing with asbestos is important and serious - but is manageable and should not be overwhelming.
Understanding Asbestos Risks in Auckland Homes: A Homeowner's Guide
Asbestos, once hailed for its heat resistance and insulation properties, has been identified as a significant health hazard, particularly in homes built before the 2000s. If you're a homeowner in Auckland, it's essential to understand the risks associated with asbestos in your property and how to address them responsibly. Companies like Safety 1st Projects Ltd and Safety 1st Removals Ltd play a pivotal role in managing and mitigating these risks.
Recognizing the Presence of Asbestos
In Auckland, many older homes may contain asbestos in various forms, including insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and siding. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not hazardous when in good condition and undisturbed. However, when these materials degrade or are disrupted during renovations, they can release harmful asbestos fibers into the air.
Health Risks of Asbestos
The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to severe respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a type of cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs. The latency period between exposure and the onset of symptoms can be several decades, making it crucial to address asbestos risks proactively.
Assessing the Risks in Your Home
Identifying the presence and condition of asbestos in your home is the first step towards mitigating risks. Safety 1st Projects Ltd, a renowned Project Management Company based in Auckland, specializes in overseeing asbestos assessment and removal projects. They can guide homeowners through the initial assessment phase, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the property and compliance with New Zealand's health and safety regulations.
Professional Removal and Mitigation
If asbestos is found in your home, professional removal or mitigation is essential. Safety 1st Removals Ltd is a well-known Remediation Company in Auckland with expertise in safely removing and disposing of asbestos materials. Attempting to remove asbestos without professional help can lead to unnecessary exposure and health risks, not to mention legal repercussions, as New Zealand law requires handling asbestos by licensed professionals.
The Removal Process
The asbestos removal process involves several key steps:
- Preparation: Safety 1st Removals Ltd will seal and contain the affected area to prevent the spread of fibers.
- Removal: Trained professionals equipped with protective gear will carefully remove ACMs from the property.
- Decontamination: The area will undergo thorough cleaning and decontamination to remove any residual fibers.
- Disposal: Asbestos waste will be safely packaged and disposed of at approved facilities.
- Final Inspection: A comprehensive inspection and air monitoring will confirm the complete removal of asbestos materials.
Preventive Measures and Maintenance
For areas in your home where asbestos is present but not currently a risk (e.g., undamaged, well-contained materials), Safety 1st Projects Ltd can advise on preventive measures and maintenance to prevent future exposure. This may include regular inspections and encapsulation, a process where a protective coating is applied to the asbestos material to prevent fiber release.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Managing asbestos risks in Auckland homes requires professional expertise. Companies like Safety 1st Projects Ltd and Safety 1st Removals Ltd not only ensure the safe and compliant removal of asbestos but also help homeowners navigate the complex regulations surrounding asbestos management.
Conclusion
As a homeowner in Auckland, understanding and addressing the risks associated with asbestos in your home is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your family and community. By engaging with experienced professionals like Safety 1st Projects Ltd and Safety 1st Removals Ltd, you can ensure that asbestos risks are managed effectively and in compliance with New Zealand’s stringent safety standards. Remember, when it comes to asbestos, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Understanding the 5 Main Facts of Dealing with Asbestos for Auckland Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner in Auckland, chances are your property was built in the mid-20th century—an era when asbestos was a popular building material. While asbestos was valued for its strength, heat resistance, and affordability, it’s now known to pose serious health risks when its fibers become airborne.
Understanding how to manage asbestos is essential for protecting your family’s health and ensuring your home complies with New Zealand safety regulations. Here are five must-know facts to help you navigate asbestos safely and confidently.
1. What Is Asbestos and Why Should You Care?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in roofing, flooring, insulation, and cladding. However, when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) degrade or are disturbed, microscopic fibers can be released into the air. These fibers, when inhaled, can cause severe health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
For Auckland homeowners, identifying asbestos in your home isn’t just about safety—it’s also about compliance with New Zealand’s strict asbestos removal regulations. Ignoring the problem can lead to hefty fines or worse, putting your family’s health at risk.
2. How Do You Know If Your Home Contains Asbestos?
If your home was built or renovated between the 1940s and 1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos. The most common areas where asbestos can be found include:
- Corrugated roofing sheets.
- Vinyl flooring and adhesives.
- Pipe insulation and lagging.
- Exterior cladding.
While you can visually suspect materials might contain asbestos, the only way to confirm is through professional testing. Homeowners in Auckland should consult accredited asbestos testing services to take samples safely and determine the presence of asbestos.
3. The Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal
Some homeowners might consider tackling asbestos removal as a DIY project to save costs. This is a big mistake. Without proper training, equipment, and safety measures, you risk releasing dangerous fibers into the air.
In New Zealand, Worksafe strictly regulates asbestos handling, requiring a licensed professional to remove any friable (easily crumbled) asbestos materials. Even minor renovations, like drilling into walls or sanding floors, can disturb asbestos and expose your household to harm. Always call in the experts.
4. Hire Licensed Professionals for Safe Removal
When it comes to asbestos removal in Auckland, hiring licensed contractors is non-negotiable. Look for professionals with Class A or Class B asbestos removal licenses and experience handling Auckland-specific building materials.
Licensed contractors will:
- Conduct a full asbestos survey.
- Provide a removal plan compliant with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
- Use proper containment and disposal methods, ensuring minimal disruption to your home.
While professional removal isn’t cheap, it’s a worthwhile investment in your health and property value.
5. What Happens After Asbestos Removal?
Once asbestos materials are removed, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected to ensure no fibers remain. Licensed professionals will issue an asbestos clearance certificate, proving your home is safe.
If you’re planning to renovate, be sure to keep this certificate on hand—it could save time and prevent complications when dealing with contractors or potential buyers in the future.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with asbestos might seem daunting, but understanding these five key facts will make the process much smoother. Whether you’re renovating, selling, or simply wanting peace of mind, addressing asbestos issues proactively ensures your home remains a safe and valuable asset.
Remember: when it comes to asbestos, safety first. For Auckland homeowners, always consult professionals to manage asbestos properly. Protect your family, comply with the law, and breathe easy knowing you’ve done it right.
Make Enquiry