Asbestos Vinyl Removal
Asbestos Vinyl Removal how do you know you have asbestos vinyl and what is the cost? John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Removalist in Auckland and Tauranga says that Asbestos Vinyl in Homes was evident up until the late 1990s.
Asbestos Vinyl Removal how do you know you have asbestos vinyl? Asbestos Vinyl is very tricky to guess the best way to detect Asbestos Vinyl is to take a piece and take it to an approved lab for results. Many Asbestos Surveys seen by John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that Asbestos Vinyl is presumed. The Asbestos Surveyors make this assumption on age of house, visual inspection of vinyl ,condition. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals advises all his clients to get the Vinyl Tested first.
How do you take a Sample of Asbestos Vinyl Safely? John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that the best way to remove a sample of Asbestos Vinyl is to create the conditions like this was a Class A Removal. First you need to set up site and have the required tools and PPE to undertake a Safe Asbestos Vinyl Removal Sample. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says he picks an area of the Removal area out of the way like in a corner or behind a door etc. Then I would have the following a Sharp Knife,2x Clip lock bag, a bottle of Water that has been mixed with glue, Brush and Clear Vanish, P2 mask, gloves. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals would also communicate with other members of the household what you are intending to do. Once this has been set up and area is clear I would put my PPE on with Mask and then spray area you intend to cut with the PVA mixture, this stops any asbestos fibres from being released to the environment. I would then cut the vinyl enough to fill the bottom of the clip lock bag. Once this has been done I put this in the bag and clip bag together and place sample bag into other bag. Then I would spray PVA onto the cut piece of Vinyl and to encapsulate the fibres more I would apply the clear vanish or if you have any spare paint use that. Then I would dispose of my mask and gloves and send away to an approved Lab. So if he comes back positive what is your next step?
What is the cost of Asbestos Vinyl Removal? John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Removalist in Auckland and Tauranga says that once you have got your Asbestos Sample back as positive the next stage is to get an Asbestos Removalist like him to quote. Worksafe NZ has deemed that Asbestos Vinyl Removal is a Class A Procedure and thus has to be undertaken under those criteria. John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd states that the industry charges $125 sqm to $200sqm depending on size and complexity.
Asbestos Vinyl Removal
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once praised for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties, was widely used in various construction materials, including vinyl flooring. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious health issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Consequently, the importance of safe asbestos removal cannot be overstated, especially in regions like Auckland, where older homes may still contain asbestos materials. This article aims to provide homeowners in Auckland with comprehensive guidance on safely removing asbestos vinyl.
Understanding Asbestos Vinyl
Asbestos vinyl flooring was popular in buildings and homes built before the 1980s. It can be found in vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl, and the adhesive used to install these materials. Identifying asbestos vinyl requires professional testing, as it's not possible to confirm its presence by appearance alone.
Legal and Safety Considerations
In New Zealand, the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 outlines strict guidelines for asbestos removal. For homeowners, this means hiring a licensed asbestos removalist for any amount over 10 square meters. However, for areas less than that, homeowners may legally undertake the work themselves, provided they adhere to safety protocols.
Preparing for Removal
- Testing and Confirmation: Before any removal, have a sample of your vinyl tested by an accredited laboratory to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Hiring Professionals: For extensive removal, it’s highly recommended to hire a licensed asbestos removalist. They possess the necessary expertise, equipment, and certification to safely complete the job.
- Notification: Inform your local council about your asbestos removal project, as certain regulations and notifications may apply.
DIY Asbestos Vinyl Removal: Safety First
If you decide to remove a small area of asbestos vinyl yourself, utmost caution is necessary.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a P2 or P3 respirator mask, designed to filter out asbestos fibers.
- Use disposable overalls, gloves, and safety goggles.
- Seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and duct tape to prevent contamination of other areas.
- Tools and Materials:
- Keep the asbestos material wet to minimize dust.
- Use tools that reduce the creation of airborne dust, and avoid power tools.
- Prepare thick plastic bags for waste disposal.
- Removal Process:
- Carefully cut the vinyl into manageable sections without breaking it.
- Keep the material wet during removal.
- Place the removed vinyl in the plastic bags, seal them properly, and label them as asbestos waste.
- Cleanup:
- Clean the area with wet rags and a wet mop. Do not vacuum, as it can spread asbestos fibers.
- Dispose of or wash all PPE (excluding respirators) after use.
- Disposal:
- Asbestos waste must be disposed of at approved facilities. Contact your local council to find the nearest disposal site.
After Removal
Ensure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and free from any asbestos contamination before allowing normal activities to resume. Air monitoring may be necessary to confirm that the area is safe.
Conclusion
The removal of asbestos vinyl in Auckland homes is a task that requires careful consideration, preparation, and adherence to safety and legal guidelines. While homeowners can legally remove small quantities of asbestos themselves, the risks involved make hiring licensed professionals the safer and more responsible choice. Always prioritize health and safety over cost or convenience when dealing with asbestos.
Remember, the goal is not only to improve your home but also to protect the well-being of your family and the community.