Are you concerned about the presence of asbestos in your property? Asbestos was hugely popular in construction until its use was banned, and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are common in older homes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Valley.
Probably, as a result, Australia has one of the highest rates in the world of mesothelioma, a cancer mainly caused by inhaling airborne asbestos fibres, which can cause breathing problems and damage the lungs.
Rest assured, a professional Newcastle asbestos removal contractor can safely and efficiently make your premises safe for use again.
Find out all you need to know about asbestos and how the asbestos removal Newcastle process works, so you will know what to expect.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Still a Problem?
Asbestos is made up of fine, durable fibres that resist heat, electricity, and corrosion. Many homes and commercial buildings in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley that were built before it was banned in 2003 are likely to contain ACMs.
Asbestos was cost-effective and was prized for its insulating properties, which is why it became so common in construction, often used in roofing, wall cladding, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and ceiling panels. Undisturbed asbestos does not always pose an immediate risk, but damaged or deteriorating materials are hazardous to health.
Bonded vs. Friable Asbestos: What Is the Difference?
There are two main forms of asbestos found in buildings, and it is important to understand the difference before discussing removal:
- Non-friable or ‘bonded’ asbestos fibres are locked in solid material, such as cement sheets and are far less likely to release fibres unless damaged or disturbed.
- Friable asbestos crumbles easily by hand, releasing fine fibres into the air and can be found in pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, and loose-fill insulation
- Friable asbestos is considered the most dangerous and carries strict removal requirements under NSW law
Types of Asbestos Commonly Found in Homes
The three main types of asbestos in NSW properties are:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) is most commonly used in roofing, ceilings, walls, and floors
- Amosite or brown asbestos was used in cement sheets, pipe insulation, and ceiling tiles
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) is seen as the most hazardous type and is found in spray-on coatings and pipe insulation products
Why Remove Asbestos? The Real Health Risks
Asbestos removal is not optional. When they become airborne, asbestos fibres can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
Health conditions linked to asbestos inhalation include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases can take decades to develop, with mesothelioma often appearing 10 to 60 years after exposure.
Mesothelioma: A Serious Consequence of Asbestos Exposure
- A cancer that can develop in the chest and abdomen
- The average time between diagnosis and death is just 11 months
- Even brief, low-level exposure to asbestos fibres can result in mesothelioma
- Between 700 and 800 Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, and most have had significant prior asbestos exposure
Hazardous Material Removal: What the Process Involves
This is where we walk you through the professional asbestos removal process in NSW, from identification through to clearance, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step One: Asbestos Identification and Testing
- As part of the important first phase, a licensed asbestos assessor inspects the property, collecting samples for laboratory analysis
- Testing confirms whether materials contain asbestos and, if so, what type
- For pre-1990 properties in NSW, an asbestos survey prior to any demolition or renovation work is strongly recommended
- A detailed Asbestos Management Plan is prepared outlining how the ACMs will be handled or removed
Step Two: Regulatory Notification and Compliance
- To comply with NSW Work Health and Safety Regulations, a licensed asbestos removalist is required for all friable asbestos and for bonded asbestos exceeding 10 m²
- Please note that DIY removal, while legally permitted for very small quantities of bonded asbestos, is strongly discouraged due to the risk of encountering hidden friable materials and the severe risks they pose to you and others nearby.
- SafeWork NSW must be notified before removal commences, including details of the scope and disposal arrangements
- Councils can issue stop-work orders if removal is carried out without the appropriate approvals
Step Three: Safe Removal on Site
- During the physical removal process, the work area is fully enclosed with containment barriers to reduce the risk of fibre migration
- Materials may be kept wet using water or a PVA solution to suppress dust and fibre release
- Negative air pressure systems can be used to contain airborne fibres within the work zone
- Continuous air monitoring is conducted throughout the removal process
- Workers always have personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict decontamination procedures before leaving the site
Step Four: Disposal and Clearance Certification
- There are strict legal requirements for disposal. Asbestos waste must be sealed, clearly labelled, and transported by a licensed carrier
- Waste material may only be disposed of at a waste facility that is licensed to accept asbestos
- After removal, a licensed asbestos assessor conducts an independent clearance inspection to confirm a successful procedure
- A clearance certificate is issued confirming that the site is safe before any further work may begin
Why Professional Asbestos Removal Matters
Asbestos removal is not a task where cutting corners is acceptable. The health risks are well-documented, the legal obligations are clear, and the consequences of improper removal extend beyond the immediate job site.
Licensed removalists have the training, equipment, and legal authority to handle ACMs safely from identification through to disposal. For your peace of mind, engaging a professional protects not only the health of those on site, but also neighbouring properties and future occupants of the building.
Get Professional Asbestos Removal Newcastle With House Demolition Newcastle
When you need asbestos removal Newcastle, House Demolition Newcastle is a licensed, experienced team that homeowners and businesses can rely on.
Our Newcastle asbestos removal services cover Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Valley.
Contact our friendly team with your questions and get an obligation-free quote for your Newcastle asbestos removal today.
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