Homes built before the 1990s in Perth, Australia often contain asbestos. It was very common to have fences constructed from asbestos also. For homeowners in Perth, dealing with old asbestos fences during renovations or demolitions is a critical task that demands the utmost care. That’s why homeowners turn to Firm Fencing and our asbestos fence removal service.
Our guide aims to educate homeowners on the risks associated with asbestos fences and emphasises the importance of employing professional removal services to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
The Risks of Asbestos in Old Fences
Asbestos exposure is linked to severe health issues from the fibres it releases. Old asbestos fences, weathered by decades of exposure to the elements, are particularly susceptible to releasing fibres if improperly handled. Therefore, understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for anyone living in or working on properties where there is a risk of exposure to asbestos.
Identifying Asbestos Fences: What to Look For
Identifying asbestos in fences can be challenging without professional training, but there are some signs homeowners can look for:
● Age of the Property: Homes built before the 1990s are more likely to contain asbestos.
● Material Composition: Asbestos fences typically have a cement-like appearance and feel denser and heavier than modern alternatives.
● Visible Fibres: If the material appears fibrous or flaky, it could indicate the presence of asbestos.
Given the difficulty in identifying asbestos by sight alone, it is highly recommended to have any suspicious materials tested by professionals. Contact us for immediate advice.
The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Fence Removal
Attempting to remove asbestos fences without professional help is highly dangerous. DIY removal can easily lead to the release of asbestos fibres into the air. This can pose a severe health risk to the individual performing the work and anyone nearby. Additionally, improper handling and disposal of asbestos is illegal and can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. Our advice is that homeowners must resist the temptation to save money by doing it themselves and instead opt for professional removal to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations.
Professional Asbestos Fence Removal Process
Engaging a professional service for asbestos fence removal is essential for ensuring the job is done safely and efficiently. Here’s our overview of the process typically followed by our team as part of our professional asbestos removal service:
Pre-removal Preparations
Before removal begins, several critical preparations are made:
● Site Assessment: Professionals conduct a thorough site assessment to identify all asbestos-containing structures and evaluate the condition of the fence.
● Risk Assessment: A detailed risk assessment is performed to plan safe removal strategies and meet all health and safety regulations.
● Notification and Permits: Proper authorities are notified and any necessary permits are obtained to comply with local regulations.
Safe Removal Techniques
The actual removal of asbestos fences involves meticulous procedures to prevent fibre release:
● Containment: The work area is secured and isolated to contain any potential asbestos fibres. This may involve using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure units.
● Protective Equipment: Workers wear specialised protective clothing and respirators to protect themselves from inhaling asbestos fibres.
● Wet Methods: Asbestos materials are kept wet during removal to minimise the release of fibres. Water or a wetting agent is applied to the fence as it is dismantled.
● Controlled Dismantling: The fence is carefully dismantled in large pieces to avoid breaking the asbestos, which can release fibres into the air.
Disposal and Clean-up Procedures
Proper disposal and thorough clean-up are crucial steps in the asbestos fence removal process:
● Sealing and Packaging: We remove asbestos materials once they’re sealed in heavy-duty, labelled plastic bags or containers designed for hazardous waste.
● Transportation and Disposal: We then transport the sealed asbestos waste to a licensed disposal facility that can handle asbestos materials safely and all compliance with environmental regulations.
● Site Decontamination: We then clean the work area thoroughly using specialised equipment to remove residual asbestos fibres. We may also conduct air monitoring to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation.
Choosing the Right Asbestos Fence Removal Service
Selecting a reputable and experienced asbestos removal service is vital to ensure the job is done correctly. Here are some tips for choosing the right service:
Licensing and Certification
Ensure the company holds the necessary licenses and certifications for asbestos removal in Western Australia.
Experience and Reputation
Look for a company with extensive experience in asbestos fence removal and positive customer reviews.
Compliance with Regulations
The service should follow all local and state regulations regarding asbestos fence removal and disposal.
Insurance
Verify that the company has appropriate insurance coverage to protect against any liabilities during removal.
Clear Communication
The company should provide clear communication about the process, costs and timelines involved in the asbestos removal project.
Conclusion – Ensuring Safety with Professional Asbestos Fence Removal
The removal of asbestos fences is not a task to be taken lightly. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are significant and the legal requirements for safe removal are stringent.
At Firm Fencing, we are committed to providing professional, safety-conscious asbestos fence removal services. If you suspect your property has an asbestos fence, don’t risk your health – contact us today for a safe and efficient asbestos fence removal solution.