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Asbestos Textured Ceilings ;What Homeowners Need to Know If They Suspect Asbestos Cladding Before Selling

Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removals. How they should be done and why DIY of Asbestos Textured Ceilings should never be considered by the untrained. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Removalist that operates in Auckland and Tauranga says Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removal is considered Class A Friable Activity by Work safe NZ. They have considered that during the Removal of Asbestos Textured Ceiling either by Scraping or Cut and Drop that Asbestos fibres could be released into the air causing contamination. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals says Contamination of areas of the house that need not be contaminated are one of the prime reasons why a Homeowner doing DIY should not be considered.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd a Class A Asbestos Removals that operates in Auckland and Tauranga says to become a Class A Removals a Company and individual must show experience and Safe Procedures and Practices. The individual experience must show over 600 hours of Class A Removal without any Stop Work penalties involving Work safe NZ. The Company must show Safe work Procedures and Practices that are in line with accepted good practices. These must be thoroughly audited on a yearly, three yearly cycle by an independent Auditor. The Company then must show a full record of unblemished work experience and must also show good insurance record as well(No claims).

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that with all the tight constraints on the Class A Asbestos Removals Company why would you recommend to a Home owner for them to undertake Asbestos Textured Ceilings as a DIY operation. Some Operators still encourage Homeowners to undertake the Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removal themselves. Why would you allow Homeowners to undertake this Removal themselves and have the chance of Cross Contaminating there house. Would you allow an untrained person to Fly a plane with the potential to maybe killing innocent people. If you allowed an untrained person to undertake and complete Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removal you have the potential of exposing these people to Asbestos Fibres that could affect there health later on.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals a Class A Removals Company operating in Auckland and Tauranga says that as I have shown allowing an untrained person to do there own Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removal can be more detrimental then by saving money. The Homeowner should be encouraged as much as possible to engage a professional for Asbestos Textured Ceilings Removals

Safe Work Procedure for Asbestos Textured Ceiling Removal

Introduction: This procedure is a basic guide for homeowners to safely remove asbestos textured ceilings. It is essential to follow all safety guidelines to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure. For professional assistance, consider hiring Safety 1st Removals Ltd, specialists in asbestos removal.

Materials Required:

  1. Protective clothing (disposable overalls, gloves, and boot covers)
  2. P2 or P3 mask (asbestos-grade respirator)
  3. Polythene sheeting
  4. Duct tape
  5. Asbestos waste disposal bags
  6. Water spray bottle
  7. A non-aggressive wetting agent (e.g., dish soap)
  8. Putty knife or similar tool for scraping
  9. Sealable plastic bags for waste

Safety Precautions:

  1. Wear disposable overalls, gloves, and boot covers.
  2. Use a P2 or P3 respirator at all times.
  3. Seal off the work area using polythene sheeting and duct tape.
  4. Ensure the room is well-ventilated but not drafty.
  5. Inform family members and neighbors about the removal process.

Procedure:

  1. Preparation:
    • Remove furniture and cover immovable items with polythene sheeting.
    • Seal the room by taping polythene sheeting over doors, windows, and vents.
    • Place polythene sheeting on the floor and secure with duct tape.
    • Wet the ceiling using a spray bottle with water and a wetting agent to minimize dust.
  2. Removal:
    • Gently scrape the textured material off the ceiling with a putty knife.
    • Keep the material wet at all times to reduce dust.
    • Place removed material into asbestos waste disposal bags.
    • Avoid breaking the material into small pieces.
  3. Clean-Up:
    • Thoroughly wet wipe all surfaces in the room.
    • Dispose of polythene sheeting and protective clothing in asbestos waste bags.
    • Seal all waste bags and label them as asbestos waste.
  4. Disposal:
    • Contact your local waste disposal authority for guidelines on disposing of asbestos material.
    • Never dispose of asbestos waste with regular garbage.
  5. Post-Removal:
    • Shower and wash your hair immediately after completing the work.
    • Avoid shaking out your clothing or equipment used during removal.

Important Notes:

  • Asbestos removal can be hazardous. If in doubt, hire professionals like Safety 1st Removals Ltd for safe and compliant removal.
  • Always comply with local regulations and guidelines regarding asbestos removal and disposal.

Conclusion: This procedure is intended as a guide. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, it is highly recommended to engage professional services like Safety 1st Removals Ltd for the removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Here's a draft for an article that includes a suggested headline and meta description, focusing on what homeowners should do if they suspect asbestos cladding in their home before selling:

Headline: What Homeowners Need to Know If They Suspect Asbestos Cladding Before Selling

Meta Description: Selling a home with asbestos cladding? Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure safety and legal compliance, from inspection and testing to removal and buyer disclosure.

Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners Contemplating Selling a Home with Suspected Asbestos Cladding

If you're considering selling your home and think you might have asbestos cladding, it's important to address the issue head-on. Asbestos, once praised for its strength and fire resistance, is now a well-known health hazard. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect your home has asbestos cladding.

1. Identify Potential Asbestos Cladding

  • Visual Inspection: Take a close look at your home’s exterior. Asbestos cladding often resembles cement sheets or fiberboard and was commonly used in homes built before the 1980s.
  • Don’t Disturb: If you suspect asbestos, do not touch, cut, or remove the material. Asbestos is dangerous when fibers are released into the air.

2. Hire a Professional Inspector

  • Certified Inspection: The safest way to confirm if your home has asbestos cladding is to hire a licensed asbestos inspector. They will take samples and send them to a lab for testing. This is essential to avoid contamination.
  • Assessment Report: The inspector will provide a detailed report on the presence of asbestos, including its condition. This will guide your next steps.

3. Decide on Encapsulation or Removal

  • Encapsulation: If the cladding is in good condition and intact, you may be able to leave it in place and encapsulate it. Encapsulation involves applying a sealant over the asbestos to prevent fibers from escaping.
  • Removal: If the asbestos cladding is damaged, removal is recommended. Always hire a licensed asbestos abatement company for safe removal. DIY asbestos removal is not only dangerous but illegal in many jurisdictions.

4. Consult with Your Real Estate Agent

  • Disclosure Laws: Asbestos is a material fact in real estate, meaning you are legally required to disclose its presence to potential buyers. Your real estate agent can help you navigate this process and ensure all required paperwork is completed.
  • Impact on Sale: While asbestos can be a red flag for some buyers, full transparency is key. If you’ve taken steps to remediate the issue, providing documentation can ease concerns.

5. Prepare for Price Negotiations

  • Cost Considerations: Be prepared for buyers to negotiate the price based on the presence of asbestos, especially if it hasn’t been removed. Offering to handle the removal or providing a discount for remediation costs may help facilitate a faster sale.
  • Transparency with Reports: Provide buyers with the asbestos inspection report and any remediation work documentation. This builds trust and shows that you’ve taken steps to manage the issue responsibly.

6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Certifications

  • Permits for Removal: If you choose to remove the asbestos cladding, ensure that all necessary permits are obtained, and the work is completed by certified professionals. Proper certification will be required during the sale.
  • Final Clearance Certificate: After asbestos removal, ensure the area is re-inspected and obtain a clearance certificate. This document proves that your home is asbestos-free and safe for occupancy.

7. Finalize the Sale

  • Legal Documentation: Ensure all legal documents related to asbestos, including inspection reports, removal certificates, and buyer disclosures, are in order.
  • Peace of Mind for Buyers: Offering full transparency and ensuring that all asbestos-related issues have been properly addressed can instill confidence in buyers and make the sale process smoother.

Conclusion

Dealing with asbestos cladding before selling your home can seem daunting, but following these steps will ensure that the process is handled safely and legally. Whether you choose to encapsulate or remove the asbestos, being transparent with potential buyers and providing all necessary documentation will help you sell your home with confidence. Remember, professional help is key in managing asbestos, so don't hesitate to hire experts to guide you through the process.



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