What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is known for its effective insulation properties. Asbestos has soft and flexible fibres that are very resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. Being abundant in nature, it has been the ideal go-to material for insulating buildings to pipelines to mattresses.

For all its merits, asbestos has been banned in many countries today after it was discovered that it can cause several life-taking cancers and diseases, like mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure can be extremely toxic; its mineral fibres can become forever trapped in your body after inhalation or ingestion. And people who get exposed might remain unaware of it for decades before the symptoms start to show.

Over several years, the trapped asbestos fibres will cause inflammation, scarring and eventually genetic damage to the cells. Asbestos exposure can cause fatal diseases like progressive lung disease, with cancer like mesothelioma almost exclusively linked to the presence of asbestos in the body.

Asbestos fibres are microscopic fibres that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted – making it very hazardous as detection through the senses is almost impossible. The safest way is to get a questionable sample immediately sent and tested in a lab for detection.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost In Brisbane?

In 2018, the cost of hiring an asbestos removal expert average at about $35 per square metre. All in all, the price can range anywhere from $25 to $40 per metre square, depending on the size and complexity of the job. The common factors that determine the cost of asbestos removal are ease of accessibility to the material, whether the job is to be on the interior or exterior, and the total square metres of the property affected. The more the total square metres, the lower will be the per metre square rate. For example:-

Roofing Material Size Removal Cost 0 – 20 metres $60 per square metre 20 – 100 metres $40 per square metre 100+ metres $30 per square metre

The state of Victoria enjoys the lowest asbestos removal rate at about $25 per metre square. Queensland comes in second, with the average rate at approx $30 per metre square. The asbestos removal cost equals the country average of $35 per metre square, with hiring one in Western Australia clocking at a costlier $48.50 per metre square. However, in South Australia, the average rate for getting rid of asbestos is an expensive $75 per metre square.

Exposure to asbestos can cause health problems later in life, which is why it is very important to have your property inspected. If asbestos is found to be present, it has to be removed immediately by a professional.

Can You Legally Remove Asbestos Yourself?

If you have some experience or confidence in this, you can opt to remove a maximum of 10 square metres of asbestos yourself. However, given the nature of asbestos, it is highly recommended that you don’t do so and hire a professional company instead. If you want more than 10 square metres of asbestos removed, don’t think and hire an expert immediately. Else you must attain a removal license by attending and passing a proper training course before you attempt to do so.

Asbestos removal is a dangerous and specialised job that really must not be taking on your hands. Total Asbestos is a team of licensed and certified asbestos removalists with years of experience who will ensure that the job is executed safely and perfectly.

Regardless, if you’re attempting to remove asbestos yourself, do keep these safety tips in mind:-

Properly cover yourself up and wear PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

Do not eat, drink or smoke in the removal area

Do not use power tools for anything other than things like screw removal

Do not blast with water or scrub with a stiff broom

Wet gently with water

Avoid any drilling and cutting into the asbestos-laden area

How Long Does Asbestos Abatement Take?

The amount of time for professional to do a thorough asbestos abatement depends on a number of factors like the total area to be worked on, the type of abatement procedures used, etc. To understand the timeline of the procedure, two aspects come into play – the time taken to vacate the property and perform the job, and quality assurance to ensure that the area is completely safe.

Depending on the size and severity of the contaminated area, you may or may not have to vacate the premises, although it’s usually recommended to do so. With asbestos removal pros working for you, you will be able to return to your house in as little as 48 hours. If vacating is not an option, we have an alternative of covering the area with industrial plastic sheeting to separate you safely from the contaminated region while work is underway. After the removal is successfully completed, we perform a thorough air quality check to ensure that your property is completely asbestos-free and comfortable. This too depends on what the status of the air index, so it can all be wrapped within 48 hours or may naturally take a bit more time.

What Is Friable & Non-friable Asbestos?

Simply put, asbestos, or a mixture of asbestos with other material, is considered friable asbestos if it can be crumbled and reduced to powder by applying little pressure. If it’s sturdy and robust under pressure, it’s non-friable asbestos.

Non-friable asbestos can become friable when subjected to extreme conditions like demolishing a building or removing ACM that has been glued into place.

Asbestos Removal Done Fast, Properly & Efficiently

Total Asbestos specialises in asbestos removal in Brisbane, having executed hundreds of jobs with thoroughness and precision. We know how fatal a risk the presence of asbestos in your space can by, which is why we go the extra mile to serve you expertly.

We are an asbestos disposal company with years of experience on the job, who know all the ins and outs and bases to cover to purify the contaminated area so well that you never have to worry about it ever again.

Please feel free to go through all the asbestos removal services we provide and contact us here for a professional asbestos abatement experience.