Immediate Action is Key If you ever suspect you’ve accidentally damaged asbestos or come across any material that may contain it:
- Stop: The first and most important step is to halt whatever you’re doing immediately.
- Step Back and Stay Calm: Remember, the primary danger with asbestos is the release of its tiny fibres into the air. If a sheet containing asbestos is damaged, the fibres can be released and become airborne.
- Isolate the Area: If you’re indoors, such as renovating a bathroom and you find suspicious material (or labels that mention asbestos or brands known to contain it like Hardiflex or Tilux), try to contain the exposure. Close doors, avoid removing anything from the affected space, and limit the movement of people in and out.
- Protect Yourself: If you’ve been in direct contact with the disturbed material, head outside immediately. Remove contaminated clothing, leaving it on the ground. It’s essential to avoid washing these clothes; they should be safely disposed of. To minimise fibre spread, you can also dampen your clothing with a hose before removal.
- Call Experts: It’s vital to reach out to asbestos professionals like Coastal Asbestos. With the help of hygienists, we can assess the spread of fibres and devise a plan for decontamination or disposal.
Understanding the Risks
While some may think asbestos exposure might not affect them due to age, the latency period for asbestos-related diseases can span decades. It’s not just about individual safety; it’s about the well-being of family members, especially young ones. Even minor renovations can lead to contamination of household items, from carpets to furniture, posing risks to everyone in the home. So, therefore, it’s essential for all people to take asbestos exposure and its associated risks very seriously.
In A Workplace Setting
Workplaces constructed before the 1990s (or even 2005 in some areas) typically maintain an asbestos register. If you encounter broken materials, this register can help verify if asbestos is present, making it easier to manage the situation.
Conclusion
Remember, asbestos exposure is a grave concern, but with prompt and appropriate action, risks can be mitigated. If you ever face such a situation, remember the golden rules: stop, remove yourself, isolate the affected area, and call professionals immediately. With this being said, the best thing you can do is call us before you start your renovation, demolition or other work to test the materials to avoid these scenarios.
Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is paramount. If you suspect asbestos disturbance, don’t hesitate. Contact Coastal Asbestos, the trusted experts in the South-East Queensland and North-East NSW regions. With our experience and state-of-the-art methods, we’ll ensure your environment is safe once again. Reach out to us today for a comprehensive asbestos assessment and solution.