Asbestos fences containing non-friable asbestos pose no risk to health when undisturbed and in good condition. However, when damaged or weathered, they can become friable and must be removed by licensed Asbestos Fence Removal Perth contractors. Regular painting and maintenance can extend the lifespan of these fences, but when they get old or damaged, they need to be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, releasing microscopic fibers into the air can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer and deadly mesothelioma.
Health Risks
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause several health issues, including cancer and lung disease. It’s also known to be very toxic for children and animals, so it is important to remove asbestos fences from your property as soon as possible. If you’re worried about your fence, or aren’t sure if it contains asbestos, we recommend getting it tested by a qualified professional.
The results of the test will help you determine whether your fence is in good or poor condition, and if it is safe to remain. If your fence is in good or fair condition, you may be able to repair it or replace it with a new one. However, if it’s in poor or damaged condition, it’s a good idea to have it removed and replaced.
A good condition means the fence has a minimal degree of weathering and only a few minor damage features, such as scratches or small breakages. It’s also unlikely to be leaning more than 30cm from the ground.
In contrast, a poor condition asbestos fence is likely to be badly weathered and could be friable, meaning it’s more likely to release fibres into the air. It could also be leaking asbestos into the soil, which is a major health risk for people and pets.
Asbestos fence removal is a tricky task and requires specialist knowledge to ensure that the material is disposed of safely. It’s recommended that you contact a certified asbestos removalist or occupational hygienist to perform the work.
While unlicensed DIYers often attempt to remove asbestos themselves, this is extremely dangerous and illegal. Asbestos can be a serious health hazard and should never be handled by people who are not trained in its proper removal. In addition, DIYers can cause additional damage to the asbestos, causing it to become more friable and release even more fibres into the air. In fact, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has warned that asbestos mavericks put themselves at significant risk of exposure and even death. They are putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury, lung diseases and mesothelioma.
Environmental Hazards
Asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air when not encased, leading to harmful effects if inhaled like lung cancer and deadly mesothelioma. The fibres can also get into the soil and water supply, damaging the environment. This is why it is important to remove asbestos fences when they are in poor condition or damaged by weather and impact. The best way to do this is by working with an expert that is licensed to carry out the task safely and efficiently. Firm Fencing complies with all key government health regulations and guarantees that the work site is free of hazardous materials once it’s finished.
It is not recommended that homeowners try to remove their own asbestos fences as it can be dangerous and illegal. Asbestos is a toxic material that poses a significant health risk and should be left to professionals to deal with. In fact, it is a good idea to have your fence inspected by an asbestos inspector before beginning any work on it.
The Department of Health has created a rating system to help you determine whether your fence is safe or not. It takes into account signs of deterioration, physical damage and the degree of vertical lean. A good rating means there are no visible deterioration or abrasions and the fence is not leaning.
An average rating is one that has a small number of visible deterioration or abrasions, but the fence is not leaning. A very poor rating means the fence has extreme deterioration and is at a stage where it should be removed.
In addition to safe work procedures, it is also essential that the asbestos fence removal team follows decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of fibres around the area. They will need to lay down plastic sheets and wear personal protective equipment while working. They will also need to keep children, pets and visitors away from the work area.
Asbestos products in poor condition are a fire hazard and present an increased risk of fibre release. Despite these risks, some EHOs reported seeing asbestos that was likely to release fibres monthly, and nine saw it weekly.
Cost
There is a variety of factors that impact the cost of asbestos fence removal. These include geographical location, varying permits, disposal fees and overall equipment prices. In addition, the type of asbestos being removed can affect the price. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, is the most common and least expensive to remove. Crocidolite, on the other hand, has thinner fibers and poses a greater health risk. These fibres can easily become airborne during the removal process, leading to a significant increase in the cost of the project.
Another factor is the amount of work that needs to be done to ensure that the asbestos is properly removed and disposed of. This can be a major undertaking and may require demolition or a lot of extra work that will add to the total cost.
Asbestos inspection and testing services can be very affordable, especially if you need only a small sample of the material to determine whether it is hazardous or not. Typically, the cost of testing will run between $250 and $750 depending on the area being tested and what kind of inspection is required. A second inspection is often required once the initial removal has been completed to ensure that all of the asbestos has been disposed of correctly.
A good asbestos management plan is usually required to help reduce the costs associated with removing and replacing dangerous materials like asbestos. This will help to prevent future problems, and it is also a requirement of the law.
Asbestos was used widely in Australia until it was banned in the late 1980s and is still found around many homes today. While this doesn’t mean that your home is at risk, it is always wise to have an asbestos fence inspected and tested before attempting any repairs or renovations. If the results show that the asbestos is in a good condition and not posing any danger, it may be possible to simply repair the damaged areas rather than remove the entire fence. However, in most cases the asbestos will need to be removed and a replacement made with safer materials.
Safety
Asbestos fence removal is a dangerous job and should only be done by a qualified professional. Asbestos is a health risk and the more damage a fence sustains, the higher the likelihood of releasing deadly asbestos fibres into the environment.
Many older homes in Australia contain asbestos fence materials that need to be removed safely. A licensed asbestos contractor will have the necessary licences and insurance to perform this hazardous work.
A licensed asbestos removalist will use a special vacuum system to collect dust and debris during the process. This will ensure that all particles are safely contained and not released into the air, where they could cause further health problems. The contractor will also use a special mask to protect their face and ears during the removal.
Whether the fence is buried or exposed, the material can be extremely dangerous to touch. Regular power tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, drills and cutting or sanding discs cannot be used on asbestos because it will disturb the material. This will release the dangerous asbestos fibres into the air, causing a potential exposure risk to anyone nearby.
Home renovators may be tempted to attempt DIY asbestos fence removal and disposal but should not do so. It is illegal to dispose of asbestos without a licence, and doing so could result in severe health consequences. Licensed asbestos removalists are trained to handle and transport asbestos waste to licensed sites.
A reputable asbestos fence removal company will also have a range of tools to ensure that no dust or asbestos particles are released during the disposal process. This will include a special vacuum system and a mask. Stacking sheets carefully and clearly labelling them as asbestos waste will also help reduce the risk of contamination.
The degree of weathering and physical damage on an asbestos fence will be a key factor in determining the need for its removal. An ideal condition would be one that has minimal signs of deterioration with the exception of minor scratches and breakages. The worst condition is one that has a visible breakdown of the asbestos cement matrix and exposes toxic asbestos fibres that have a raised or fluffy appearance. Other indicators of poor condition are moss growth, holes and cracks in the fence and a vertical lean.
