Asbestos Removal Company Sydney Plays a Vital Role in Safeguarding Human Health

Posted by assesscontrol on July 25th, 2019

Mining asbestos and manufacture of asbestos compounded products was a big business in Australia until the time it was banned in 2003 since it was found to be a carcinogen. A ban puts a stop to further production. However, the past seven decades have seen the accumulation of asbestos products in industrial products and, importantly, in buildings both residential and commercial. This led to the rise of companies across Australia specializing in asbestos management and removal such as asbestos removal company Sydney. How do these asbestos removal companies in Australia help to safeguard human health and environment?

Asbestos is harmful

It is quite telling that an independent risk assessment in 2005 in the European Community confirmed that inhaled asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer identified asbestos as a Group 1 compound known to be carcinogenic as far back as 1987 and the European Commission Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and Environment concluded in 1998 that chrysotile, a form of asbestos, is a proven carcinogen. Asbestos, once ingested into the lung, is not expelled and tends to accumulate resulting in asbestos scarring of tissue. Pleural plaques or thickening of membranes around the lungs are the outcome. Even graver is that asbestos can lead to malignant tumors around the lungs and intestines. Asbestos is friable, which means it is crumbly and easily dispersed into the air, earth and water, polluting the environment. Ultimately, asbestos can get back to humans. Activities such as manufacturing, demolition of old buildings and renovations or repairs can release harmful asbestos which is why laws stipulate that asbestos be identified and if it is to be removed then such tasks be handled by licensed agencies like asbestos removal company Sydney.

When should you call asbestos removal companies?

If you occupy a building that predates the ban imposed in 2003 it is likely that asbestos will be present in one form or the other.

• If you plan to demolish the entire structure or a part of it then such asbestos removal needs to be handled by qualified and licensed asbestos removal company Sydney based according to Safe Work guidelines and WHS Act.
• If you are planning to carry out repairs or renovations in old structures then you should call asbestos removal company to check for presence of asbestos and possibly remove it or take safety measures such as encapsulation or cladding of asbestos in protective sheaths.
• If you occupy an old building then it is in your interest and the interest of occupants if yours is a commercial building that asbestos be identified and removed to avoid future risks. Containment may be a cheaper option but it makes you liable to maintain an asbestos risk register and have your premises inspected every year or every couple of years.

Is it necessary?

• Yes it is. The law stipulates it. Further, if you leave it to a contractor or labourer to handle asbestos removal it is likely to result in asbestos being released into the air and affecting people all around, especially workers who handle asbestos.
• Pieces of asbestos may be left lying around increasing the risk even more. Asbestos removal company Sydney not only monitors air during removal work but clears and inspects the work area after removal to ensure there are absolutely no traces of asbestos.

Asbestos removal company Sydney based hold Work Safe asbestos assessor licence and carry out removal according to prescribed guidelines to keep your buildings, your health and the environment fully safeguarded.