At Coastal Asbestos, we take pride in tackling the most challenging asbestos removal jobs with precision and care. One such project involved a 130-year-old heritage home in Brisbane. While the discovery of asbestos in older buildings is not uncommon, this job proved to be unique due to the sheer age of the home and the complexity of the work required. Here’s a look at how we handled this demanding project and why it highlights the importance of always checking for asbestos, no matter the age of your property.
The Challenge: Asbestos in a Heritage Home
Asbestos is commonly associated with buildings constructed before the 1990s, but this project taught us that it can be present in even older properties. The 130-year-old home we worked on contained asbestos in the ceiling, which initially surprised us. Typically, asbestos was used in construction from the 1940s until it was fully banned in Australia in 2005. However, this house, built well before the 1940s, contained asbestos as part of its original structure.
Upon further inspection, we confirmed that the ceiling had not been replaced or modernised over time but was, in fact, the original material used when the house was built. This discovery underscores an important point: when it comes to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), you should never assume. Whether your building is 130 years old or built in the 1980s, you must always get a professional asbestos inspection to verify whether asbestos is present.
The Job: Managing Dust and Ensuring Safety
One of the most difficult aspects of this project wasn’t just the asbestos removal itself but managing the significant amount of dust that accumulated in the ceiling. The ceiling contained over 150mm of accumulated dust—a mix of house dust and potentially asbestos particles. With this much dust, it was essential to take extra precautions to contain and remove it safely.
Here’s how we approached the job:
- Sealing Off the Area: We divided the home into four sections to contain the dust and prevent it from spreading to other rooms. This allowed us to methodically clean the space while reducing contamination risk.
- Negative Air Units: We used these units to control airflow and capture airborne dust, keeping the environment as safe as possible throughout the process.
- Protection for Surfaces: We carefully covered the walls and ceilings with protective materials to prevent the dust from settling on these surfaces, ensuring the house remained as clean as possible during the process.
Why Safe Asbestos Removal Matters
Asbestos materials are commonly bonded with other materials like cement, which is why the asbestos ceiling was considered “non-friable”. Despite this, it is still essential to handle it with care because disturbing it can cause dust to spread. In fact, even small renovations, like ceiling removal, can release dust containing asbestos fibres. That’s why it’s crucial to rely on trained professionals who understand the risks and know how to safely handle and dispose of asbestos.
At Coastal Asbestos, our team is trained to safely manage the removal of all types of asbestos, including materials that may appear less hazardous. We use only the best equipment and adhere to the highest safety standards to ensure the safety of our crew, the property owners, and the community.
The Outcome
Despite the challenges, our team successfully removed the asbestos ceiling and managed the large volume of dust with precision. The property was left safe, clean, and ready for its next phase.
Why You Should Never Assume Asbestos Is Not Present
As this project demonstrated, asbestos can be found in any building, regardless of its age. Whether it’s a 130-year-old heritage listed home or a more modern structure, always get your property checked for asbestos before embarking on any renovation project.
The cost of an asbestos inspection report is minimal compared to the potential costs of improperly handling asbestos and exposing yourself or others to serious health risks.
Conclusion
If you suspect your property contains asbestos or you’re planning any renovations, don’t take unnecessary risks. Contact Coastal Asbestos today for a thorough asbestos inspection and safe asbestos removal services. Our professional team is equipped to handle even the most complex jobs, ensuring your property is safe and compliant with all regulations. Call us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your space is asbestos-free.