In Australia, the government has stringent and clear rules for asbestos removal, and even in all states and territories of Australia (except the ACT), homeowners are allowe to remove asbestos on their own to a particular limit. In most states, this limit is around a maximum of 10 square meters, and that too of bonded asbestos and not friable or non-friable asbestos. However, it is well known that asbestos removing job is a risky job since asbestos-containing materials often release asbestos fibers which are pretty hazardous to inhale. This is the reason why experts always recommend hiring licensed and trained professionals to work on asbestos removal. According to the research and studies conducte the Australian Environmental Protection Authority, there is no ‘safe level’ of asbestos exposure that can be describe, since asbestos is highly hazardous to health. Besides, elderly people with kids in proximity can have difficulty in breathing, or people with asthma can immediately affected such exposures.
Use of Asbestos in Australia
Before understanding why many people in Australia attempt DIY asbestos removal, it is essential to understand how widely asbestos was in use in Australia during the 80s and before and after that. Since asbestos can found abundantly in various spheres of life, it sometimes gets difficult for many people to afford to hire a removal team for every project.
It is during the 80s when Australia was considere among the top users of asbestos consumption, with a record high consumption rate of asbestos per capita. It is quite recently over a decade or so when the awareness of the risks and hazards of asbestos has come into the limelight. Before that in every sphere, including commercial to residential, construction to industrial sites, asbestos found optimum use. Asbestos fibers gained maximum popularity in the construction industry owing to their extreme heat resistance, strength, chemical resistant, and durability against weather conditions. Besides, it was also known to effectively not conduct electricity. Easily accessible and affordable, soon after its discovery, it became a popular choice of building material.
Asbestos starte capturing the market a lot before the 80s back in the 1930s when it was promote as being a magnificent durable, affordable, and fireproof material with astounding thermal qualities, and ideally suitable for use in Australian climates. The material type and structural characteristics of asbestos made it perfect to compose with other materials to make strong components. By the time of 1945 and 1960, asbestos slowly and steadily captured the Australian market and exhibited high prospects.
DIY Asbestos Removal
Asbestos exposure can be hazardous, choking and leading to life risks as well. This is the reason why governments around the world started making stringent rules and regulations for safe asbestos works whether about new works or removals. Even in Australia, in the year 2003 regulations were include in legislation to enhance the protective handling of asbestos works.
The world realize the dangers and hazardous effects of asbestos later, and then after the 80s, the negative aspects of asbestos were illuminate, and protective measures were initiate. In Australia, the industries using asbestos components had to face a lot of regulations and limitations, for example, asbestos cement materials were banne in many areas and there were many movements in favor of the use of asbestos-free products. However, the most essential regulation and limitation of the asbestos removal process is that only a limited removal can conducte with DIY methods. Even for that, there are safety protocols recommende experts in the industry. Like:
- The face should covere with the nose and mouth essentially covere to avoid inhalation of asbestos fibers directly.
- Eyes must also guarde against direct asbestos exposure.
- Hands and feet and body parts all should be covere to avoid direct skin contact with asbestos.
In case you feel any irritation in the eyes, nose, breathing, or any other problem, you should avail for immediate medical attention.
Health and care are a priority and since asbestos poses a definite threat to both when a person comes in exposure to asbestos fibers, protective measures must taken. Besides, you can always hire trained and licensed professionals for asbestos removal, instead of attempting a DIY and risking your health.