With over 20 years hands-on experience removing asbestos on the Gold Coast, our team has cultivated specialist expertise coordinating safe asbestos removal from local residential properties. Managing projects across hundreds of homes, we have witnessed firsthand the critical importance of proper asbestos handling. When performed correctly by certified removalists, families can safely occupy their home again asbestos-free – delivered through methodical work isolating hazardous materials without contamination incidents.
This guide draws on two decades managing Gold Coast asbestos removal to outline key measures households should expect from reputable companies stripping asbestos safely.
Assessing removal scope and method
Every residential asbestos removal job begins with a thorough site inspection and hazard assessment by occupational specialists like myself. This involves visually identifying all asbestos materials, evaluating their condition, accessibility challenges and approximate quantities to calculate staffing needs. Custom removal strategies are then devised room-by-room utilising industry best practice techniques tailored to the unique property layout.
Common removal methods for residential asbestos depend on product types, which usually fall into two main categories:
- Friable Asbestos Materials – Asbestos-containing products that can crumble into a fine deadly dust containing billions of microscopic fibres per gram. Common examples found in Gold Coast homes are sprayed insulation finishes or asbestos fireproofing over structural beams. Friable asbestos removals demand the highest containment controls and respirator precautions.
- Non-Friable Asbestos Sheeting – Hard asbestos sheets still containing dangerous fibres but bound in cement-style matrices limiting airborne dust. Most residential asbestos is non-friable cladding, roofing, guttering, fencing etc. Specialist tools safely cut sheeting with minimal breakages before prompt sealing and disposal.
With removal teams following custom Gold Coast house plans tailored for friable and non-friable materials onsite, projects progress in a controlled streamlined manner optimising speed while upholding safety.
Essential safety controls rigorously implemented:
- Full protective bodywear worn including one-piece coveralls, gloves, boot covers and P2 respiratory masks – Heavy-duty 6mm plastic containment screens secured around asbestos zones with negative air machines continually filtering air
- Mandatory asbestos safety signage and barrier tape erected across access points
- Ongoing asbestos fibre monitoring throughout removal process
Strict decontamination & waste disposal procedures:
- All removed asbestos immediately sealed in labelled waste bags for secure storage
- Portable ‘decon’ units enabling worker showering/personal decontamination before leaving site
- Asbestos materials only collected once independent clearance inspections approve work
Asbestos waste disposal processes
All asbestos waste is double-bagged and sealed onsite as soon as each material batch is removed. Gold Coast households can expect to witness removalists meticulously wrapping then taping over all asbestos materials before lowering to ground level into labelled hazardous waste bags. Negative air filtration machines continually run within asbestos zones ensuring no disturbance of materials or escaped dust while bags are prepared.
Once shifts wrap up, all asbestos removalists undergo personal decontamination showers before exiting site ‘dirty zones’. This occurs in specialist portable trailer units parked nearby houses allowing workers to completely isolate themselves from contamination. All clothing worn during asbestos work is discarded for proper professional disposal offsite.
Finally, sealed asbestos waste bags temporarily stored onsite will only be collected for transportation once contractors receive clearance that removal work meets quality specifications. Asbestos materials are never left unattended or unsecured at any residential property after removal jobs under my management.
Delivering asbestos-free Gold Coast homes
The paramount focus across two decades removing Gold Coast asbestos has been upholding immaculate safety standards that isolate asbestos and prevent occupational or community exposure incidents. Highly refined procedures performed by seasoned removalists schooled in containment best practice delivers residential properties 100% stripped of asbestos without endangering households via contamination along the way. I stand by this commitment to safe, responsible asbestos handling that allows Gold Coast homes to be reoccupied asbestos-free.
