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Asbestos

Asbestos in the environment can pose serious dangers if the fibres are released. If you come across asbestos in demolition or excavation work, you must have it contained and disposed of as stipulated by law. You can find licensed contractors in the Yellow Pages under “Asbestos Removal &/or Treatment”.

Why is asbestos a problem?

The tiny fibres of asbestos can float deep into the lungs, where they become embedded in the lung tissue. The constant irritation over many years can lead to mesothelioma, an invariably fatal cancer.
The amount of asbestos fibres in the air people breathe is the important factor in determining the level of health risk. The current NSW guidelines state that the maximum safe exposure level for asbestos is 0.5 fibre per millilitre of air.

Sources of asbestos

Asbestos was used in a large number of products that are still found in Australian buildings. Consequently, on any demolition or redevelopment site where older buildings used to stand, there is a strong possibility of encountering it. It is important not to disturb it in case dust or fibres are released into the air.
Asbestos products come in two forms:
•    Bonded asbestos includes fibro-cement sheeting and asbestos cement pipes.
•    Friable asbestos either is powdery or can be crumbled by hand. Examples include sprayed limpet, millboard, and pipe and boiler lagging. Any asbestos inappropriately buried is considered friable - no matter what.

Site management plan

Important precautions and management practices must be put in place immediately asbestos is found. It is critical to formulate a site management plan that will make sure:
•    all your workers are protected
•    the local population is protected
•    waterways and the environment are protected
•    the asbestos remains in place until it is appropriately removed or contained.
Asbestos can be managed safely with the appropriate advice and procedures.