At Coastal Asbestos, our team specialises in handling one of the most dangerous materials in the construction industry: friable asbestos. Unlike its more stable counterpart, non-friable asbestos, friable asbestos presents significant risks due to its ability to easily release fibres into the air. Here’s what you need to know about friable asbestos, why it’s so hazardous, how to detect its presence in your property, and the importance of professional removal.

What is Friable Asbestos?

Friable asbestos is any material that contains asbestos and can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This type of asbestos was commonly used for its excellent insulation properties in products like pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and spray-applied fireproofing.

Why is Friable Asbestos So Dangerous?

The primary danger of friable asbestos lies in its propensity to release asbestos fibres into the air. When these fibres become airborne, they can be inhaled, leading to severe health risks such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis—serious diseases that often manifest decades after exposure. The friable nature of this asbestos makes it much more likely to contribute to airborne asbestos levels than non-friable forms, which are bound up in harder, more stable materials.

How to Know if You Have Friable Asbestos in Your Property

Identifying friable asbestos can be challenging, as it often resembles other insulation materials. Common places to find friable asbestos include old insulation around plumbing, attics with loose-fill insulation, and older acoustic ceiling tiles. Signs that you might have friable asbestos in your property include crumbling or powdery insulation materials or old building materials that produce dust with minimal disturbance.

The Need for Professional Removal

Due to the high risks associated with airborne asbestos fibres, removing friable asbestos is not a DIY job. It requires specialised knowledge, tools, and safety measures that only trained professionals possess. Professional asbestos removal ensures:

• Safety: Expert techniques minimise the release of asbestos fibres during removal.
• Compliance: Adherence to strict regulations and guidelines for asbestos handling and disposal.
• Peace of Mind: Reducing health risks for you and your family or employees.

Conclusion

If you suspect that your property contains friable asbestos, it’s crucial to take immediate action to mitigate these risks. Do not attempt to handle or disturb the material yourself. Contacting a professional asbestos removal service like Coastal Asbestos ensures that the material is safely removed and that your property is left safe and asbestos-free.

For a safe living and working environment, trust the experts at Coastal Asbestos to handle your asbestos concerns. Visit our website or call us today to schedule a consultation or removal service. Protect your health and ensure your property complies with all health and safety regulations by choosing Coastal Asbestos, your partner in asbestos safety.

At Coastal Asbestos, we often encounter a significant misconception regarding asbestos removal—that typical tradesmen, such as tilers or builders, are qualified to handle asbestos because it’s included in their standard training. Today, let’s set the record straight and debunk this dangerous myth.

1. The Truth About Asbestos Removal Training

The reality is stark: asbestos removal requires specific training and licensing that is not included in the standard trade apprenticeships or training programs. In Australia, obtaining an asbestos removal licence is a separate process from other trade certifications. Whether it’s a QBCC licence in Queensland or any other state-regulated trade licence, none incorporate asbestos removal training by default.

2. Why This Myth is Dangerous

When a tradesman claims that handling asbestos is covered under their general training, they are not only misinformed but are potentially putting your family at risk. Asbestos removal is a specialised field due to the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure. It demands specific safety protocols, equipment, and disposal methods that general trades training does not cover.

3. The Importance of Proper Licensing and Insurance

It’s crucial for homeowners to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to handle asbestos. An authentic asbestos removal professional will hold both an asbestos removal licence and an asbestos-specific public liability insurance policy. This insurance is critical because standard trade insurances categorically exclude asbestos, meaning if an unlicensed worker mishandles asbestos, the financial and health consequences could be devastating and uninsured.

4. What You Should Do

If you’re planning any work that might involve asbestos in your home, here’s what you need to do:

1. Ask to see their asbestos removal licence: Ensure it is valid and applicable to the type of asbestos work required.
2. Request proof of asbestos-specific public liability insurance: This protects you in case anything goes wrong during the removal process.
3. Verify their professional credentials: Check if they have the necessary training and equipment to safely handle and dispose of asbestos.

5. Conclusion

Asbestos removal is not something that can be handled safely without the proper training, licensing, and insurance. Believing that your regular tradesman can manage this material as part of their other duties is not just incorrect—it’s dangerous.

For the safety of your family and the integrity of your home, always rely on licensed and insured asbestos removal professionals like Coastal Asbestos. Our team is extensively trained and equipped to handle all aspects of asbestos assessment, removal, and disposal safely and legally. Don’t take risks with asbestos. Contact Coastal Asbestos today to schedule an inspection or removal service. Ensure peace of mind with our expert team on your side—visit our website or give us a call to find out more about our services. Remember, when it comes to asbestos, always trust the professionals.

Greetings from Coastal Asbestos, the leading asbestos removal experts on the Gold Coast. Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the most unusual and unexpected places where asbestos has been found. This list highlights the critical need for awareness and vigilance when dealing with older materials and products.

1. Pool Shells

In the past, asbestos fibres were mixed into the material used to construct pool shells. Many such pools still exist across Australia, potentially testing positive for asbestos.

2. Filters

Asbestos was used in various types of filters during World War II, including those for gas masks, and disturbingly, for filtering products like milk, beer, wine, and even cigarette filters.

3. Linoleum Flooring

Asbestos-backed linoleum is classified as friable, meaning it easily crumbles and releases asbestos fibers, posing significant health risks. This type of flooring was popular in homes and public buildings up through the mid-20th century, often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways due to its durability and ease of cleaning.

4. HVAC Ducts

In many older commercial buildings, asbestos was used to insulate HVAC ducts, especially around heating elements, making it a high-risk asbestos-containing material. These asbestos-lined ducts can be found in schools, office buildings, and factories, where they were installed to manage air temperature efficiently over long distances.

5. Ceramic Fuses

Old ceramic electrical fuses often contained asbestos as a flashguard, which could be easily overlooked in routine electrical maintenance or upgrades. These fuses are commonly found in older residential and commercial buildings, particularly in fuse boxes that have not been updated to modern electrical standards.

6. Bakelite in Electrical Components

Bakelite, an early form of plastic used in switches and other electrical components, sometimes contained asbestos. Despite its asbestos content, Bakelite items are still found and sold today.

7. Jewellery

Asbestos can be found in some types of jewellery, particularly items made from the mineral tiger’s eye, which contains asbestos fibres that give it its characteristic appearance.

8. Rope Seals in Antique Ovens

Antique ovens and stoves often have rope seals made from asbestos, posing a risk when they degrade or are disturbed during restoration.

9. Fire Blankets

Old fire blankets, designed to smother fires, were made using woven asbestos fibres. Handling these can release dangerous fibres into the air.

10. Children’s Crayons

Recently, some imported crayons have been found to contain asbestos, a stark reminder of the ongoing vigilance needed regarding imported goods.

11. Asbestos in Lifts and Generators

In older buildings, asbestos was commonly used in components like lift brake pads and generators, areas not typically considered during asbestos assessments.

Why Awareness Is Crucial

These examples illustrate that asbestos can lurk in many unexpected places, not just in the obvious wall sheeting or insulation commonly associated with older buildings. Recognising these potential hazards is crucial in preventing health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Call to Action

If you suspect that your property or any items within it may contain asbestos, it’s essential to act promptly. At Coastal Asbestos, we provide thorough inspections and safe removal services to ensure that your environment is asbestos-free. Don’t take the risk—contact us today for expert advice and professional asbestos removal services. Visit our website or call us to learn more about how we can help you identify and manage asbestos risks in your home or business. Safety is our priority, and with Coastal Asbestos, you’re in good hands.

At Coastal Asbestos, we’re committed to raising awareness about safe asbestos handling. Today, we delve into the often misunderstood ’10 Square Metre Rule’ in asbestos removal and the significant risks involved in amateur asbestos removal.

Understanding the 10 Square Metre Rule

In many Australian states and territories, legislation permits the removal of up to 10 square metres of asbestos without a licence. However, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of this rule. The law stipulates that such removal must occur under controlled conditions. This part of the legislation is often overlooked, leading to dangerous practices.

The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal

Amateur attempts at asbestos removal can lead to severe consequences. We’ve encountered instances where unlicensed handymen and contractors have inadvertently caused extensive contamination, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These mistakes often stem from a lack of understanding about the safe handling of asbestos and inadequate insurance coverage.

Professional Equipment is Essential

Asbestos removal requires specific equipment, like a HEPA vacuum cleaner and a properly fitted asbestos-approved mask. The cost and maintenance of such equipment are beyond the scope of a regular tradesman. A HEPA vacuum cleaner, essential for safe asbestos removal, can cost upwards of $2,000, with annual testing and maintenance requirements. Additionally, face masks must be correctly fitted, a detail often overlooked by those not specialised in asbestos removal.

The Risks of Non-Professional Removal

Allowing a non-professional to remove, drill, or even break a piece of asbestos is highly risky. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, they are not only endangering themselves but also you and your family. Asbestos removal should only be done by trained, equipped, licensed, and insured professionals.

Conclusion

The ’10 Square Metre Rule’ might seem like a loophole for easy asbestos removal, but it’s a dangerous misconception. The risks associated with improper handling of asbestos are too significant to ignore. Just as electricians are the only ones qualified to handle electricity, asbestos removal should be left to the experts.

Don’t risk your safety by attempting DIY asbestos removal. Contact Coastal Asbestos for professional, safe, and licensed asbestos removal services. Our team is passionate about keeping you safe and has the necessary expertise and equipment to handle asbestos correctly. Visit our website or call us for a consultation. Choose safety and professionalism with Coastal Asbestos.

At Coastal Asbestos, we’re committed to raising awareness about safe asbestos handling. Today, we delve into the often misunderstood ’10 Square Metre Rule’ in asbestos removal and the significant risks involved in amateur asbestos removal.

Understanding the 10 Square Metre Rule

In many Australian states and territories, legislation permits the removal of up to 10 square metres of asbestos without a licence. However, it’s crucial to understand the full scope of this rule. The law stipulates that such removal must occur under controlled conditions. This part of the legislation is often overlooked, leading to dangerous practices.

The Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal

Amateur attempts at asbestos removal can lead to severe consequences. We’ve encountered instances where unlicensed handymen and contractors have inadvertently caused extensive contamination, resulting in losses amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. These mistakes often stem from a lack of understanding about the safe handling of asbestos and inadequate insurance coverage.

Professional Equipment is Essential

Asbestos removal requires specific equipment, like a HEPA vacuum cleaner and a properly fitted asbestos-approved mask. The cost and maintenance of such equipment are beyond the scope of a regular tradesman. A HEPA vacuum cleaner, essential for safe asbestos removal, can cost upwards of $2,000, with annual testing and maintenance requirements. Additionally, face masks must be correctly fitted, a detail often overlooked by those not specialised in asbestos removal.

The Risks of Non-Professional Removal

Allowing a non-professional to remove, drill, or even break a piece of asbestos is highly risky. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, they are not only endangering themselves but also you and your family. Asbestos removal should only be done by trained, equipped, licensed, and insured professionals.

Conclusion

The ’10 Square Metre Rule’ might seem like a loophole for easy asbestos removal, but it’s a dangerous misconception. The risks associated with improper handling of asbestos are too significant to ignore. Just as electricians are the only ones qualified to handle electricity, asbestos removal should be left to the experts.

Don’t risk your safety by attempting DIY asbestos removal. Contact Coastal Asbestos for professional, safe, and licensed asbestos removal services. Our team is passionate about keeping you safe and has the necessary expertise and equipment to handle asbestos correctly. Visit our website or call us for a consultation. Choose safety and professionalism with Coastal Asbestos.

At Coastal Asbestos, we’ve seen firsthand the severe consequences of mishandling asbestos during home renovations. A past incident we encountered highlights the dangers of DIY asbestos removal and serves as a crucial learning opportunity for homeowners. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from this unfortunate event.

The Disaster Unfolds

The incident began with a family excitedly preparing their home for the arrival of their newborn baby. In the midst of renovations, the father unknowingly began working with asbestos sheeting, which he unfortunately disturbed while running wires into the room. The seriousness of the situation became quickly apparent as the family started experiencing health symptoms – the mother with a sore throat and the newborn with a cough. Then, the fear of asbestos contamination became a reality, prompting an urgent call to our team at Coastal Asbestos.

Upon our arrival, the scene was alarming. The emotional distress of the family was evident, especially the mother, who was visibly upset and concerned for her baby’s health. A visual inspection of the house raised immediate concerns, confirming our suspicions about asbestos. We advised the family to vacate the house immediately for their safety, emphasising the seriousness of asbestos exposure. This marked the beginning of a challenging and costly journey for the family as they faced the reality of asbestos contamination in their home.

Key Takeaways from the Incident

1. Asbestos is Not Always Obvious

Asbestos contamination isn’t always immediately noticeable. In this case, the family didn’t realise the danger until health symptoms appeared, highlighting the importance of prior knowledge and inspection.

2. The High Cost of Mistakes

The financial burden of asbestos contamination can be immense. This family faced the heartbreaking task of discarding personal belongings, including beds, carpets, and clothes, and bore the entire cost of decontamination and restoration.

3. Long-Term Health Monitoring

The family now requires lifelong health monitoring, a stark reminder of the lasting impact of asbestos exposure. This ongoing process underscores the seriousness of asbestos-related health risks.

4. Professional Assessment is Crucial

The initial assessment by our team and subsequent testing by an occupational hygienist were critical in identifying and addressing the contamination. This emphasises the importance of involving professionals from the outset.

5. Awareness and Education Matter

Understanding where asbestos might be in your home and the risks associated with it is essential. Awareness and education can prevent such disasters.

Conclusion

This story is a sobering example of the dangers associated with DIY asbestos removal. At Coastal Asbestos, we urge homeowners to prioritise safety over cost-saving DIY methods. Before starting any renovation, especially in older homes, get a professional assessment.

If you’re planning a renovation or suspect asbestos in your home, don’t take the risk – contact Coastal Asbestos for a professional assessment and removal. Our expertise ensures the safety of your home and family. Visit our website or YouTube channel for more information and guidance on asbestos safety. Remember, it’s not just about renovations; it’s about protecting what matters most.