Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once prized for its strength and heat resistance. Unfortunately, over time, it became evident that exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to severe health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. In fact, it’s estimated that asbestos is responsible for over 4,000 deaths in Australia each year due to asbestos-related diseases (Source: Safe Work Australia, 2021). As a result, asbestos is now recognised as a hazardous material, with strict regulations in place to govern its removal and handling.
If you’re a homeowner or business owner in Sydney and you discover bonded asbestos on your property, you might be unsure whether it’s safe to handle the removal on your own or if hiring a professional is the better option. While bonded asbestos is less hazardous than friable asbestos, it still carries serious risks if not removed and disposed of correctly.
In this post, we’ll explain why bonded asbestos removal should always be left to the experts and how a professional service like Get It Away can ensure that your property is asbestos-free and safe.
What is Bonded Asbestos?
Bonded asbestos is a type of asbestos that is mixed with a bonding material such as cement, plastic, or other materials, creating a solid, stable compound. Commonly used in building materials, you may find bonded asbestos in products like roofing, wall panels, floor tiles, and even some insulation. This type of asbestos is less likely to release harmful fibres into the air because it is encased in a hard, non-friable matrix.
The key difference between bonded asbestos and friable asbestos lies in the form of the material. Friable asbestos, when disturbed, crumbles easily and releases asbestos fibres into the air, posing a significant risk to human health. Bonded asbestos, on the other hand, remains relatively stable unless damaged or disturbed. However, if the material is broken, drilled, cut, or otherwise altered, it can release dangerous asbestos fibres that are harmful when inhaled.
Health Risks of Bonded Asbestos
Even though bonded asbestos is more stable than friable asbestos, it is not without risk. The primary danger occurs when the material is disturbed. Asbestos fibres, once released into the air, can be inhaled and cause long-term damage to your lungs and other organs. Here are some of the key health risks associated with bonded asbestos:
- Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres over an extended period. It leads to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, which can impair breathing and lead to respiratory failure in severe cases.
- Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with asbestos exposure. It typically takes years or even decades to develop after inhaling asbestos fibres. The risk is significantly higher for individuals who have been exposed to asbestos over a long period of time.
- Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It’s almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. The symptoms can take decades to appear, and by the time they do, the cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages.
- Other Health Issues
There is also evidence linking asbestos exposure to other health conditions such as pleural plaques, which are non-cancerous but can indicate asbestos exposure, as well as other respiratory issues.
Why Bonded Asbestos Requires Professional Removal
While it may seem like bonded asbestos is a less urgent concern compared to friable asbestos, it still requires specialised handling. Here’s why bonded asbestos removal should always be left to the professionals:
- Disturbance Can Release Dangerous Fibres
As mentioned earlier, bonded asbestos is stable when left undisturbed. However, if it is damaged—whether through renovation, weathering, or accidental impact—fibres can be released into the air. These fibres are microscopic and can linger in the air for hours or even days. Inhaling just a small amount of asbestos can cause severe health problems in future.
- Legal Requirements and Safety Regulations
In Australia, asbestos removal is strictly governed by regulations to protect public health and safety. Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011, both homeowners and businesses are required to follow specific guidelines when managing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These regulations aim to minimise exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres, which can lead to serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.Asbestos removal can be a complex and hazardous process. For this reason, only licensed asbestos removal professionals are legally permitted to remove certain types of asbestos, including bonded asbestos, from properties. In New South Wales (NSW), for example, the WorkCover Authority requires that any asbestos removal work is carried out by a licensed contractor who meets the state’s stringent requirementsThese professionals are trained in the use of specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, protective suits, gloves, and goggles, which are essential to preventing the inhalation of harmful asbestos fibres during the removal process. They also ensure the correct procedures are followed, including the use of wetting techniques to minimise dust, and the establishment of an exclusion zone around the removal site to prevent contamination of surrounding areas.Additionally, licensed professionals must adhere to specific asbestos disposal regulations, ensuring that any waste is carefully packaged and disposed of at an accredited disposal facility. This ensures that asbestos does not pose a future threat to health or the environment. Failing to comply with these legal requirements can result in significant fines or legal action.Hiring a certified removal expert, like those at Get It Away, guarantees that all safety standards are met, and your property is cleared of asbestos in full compliance with Australian law.
- Specialised Equipment and Expertise
Removing bonded asbestos safely requires specialised equipment, such as HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuums, asbestos-rated tools, and secure disposal containers.Additionally, asbestos removal requires specific expertise. Trained professionals are well-versed in identifying various types of asbestos-containing materials, knowing the appropriate removal methods, and ensuring that the materials are disposed of correctly at licensed facilities. Handling bonded asbestos involves more than just taking it away—it involves decontaminating the area and ensuring that no fibres remain airborne or on the premises.
- The Risks of DIY Asbestos Removal
While there are many home renovation enthusiasts, attempting DIY asbestos removal is extremely risky. Without the right training, protective equipment, and knowledge of regulations, you could unknowingly release dangerous asbestos fibres into your home. You could also face significant penalties for not following proper disposal procedures.Additionally, if asbestos removal is not conducted properly, it could expose you, your family, or even your neighbours to health risks. Asbestos is a carcinogen, and even a small amount of exposure can have severe long-term health effects.
- Ensuring Safe Disposal of Asbestos
Asbestos is classified as hazardous waste, meaning it cannot be disposed of in regular trash bins. It must be taken to a licensed disposal facility where it will be securely handled and destroyed. Professional asbestos removal companies like Get It Away are equipped with the knowledge and resources to transport asbestos waste to the correct disposal site in compliance with local regulations.
The Process of Bonded Asbestos Removal
Understanding the process of bonded asbestos removal can help you feel more confident about why it’s important to hire professionals. Here’s an overview of what to expect when Get It Away handles your bonded asbestos removal in Sydney:
Step 1: Site Inspection
Before any removal begins, a licensed asbestos assessor will conduct a thorough inspection of the property to locate any bonded asbestos materials. The assessor will evaluate the condition of the materials, identify whether they pose a risk, and determine the best removal method.
Step 2: Risk Assessment and Safety Plan
Based on the inspection, the asbestos removal team will develop a risk assessment and safety plan. This plan outlines how the removal will take place, including which safety measures will be implemented to protect workers, residents, and the environment.
Step 3: Containment
Once the plan is in place, the affected area will be sealed off to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. This includes setting up barriers, warning signs, and air filtration systems to ensure that the work area is properly contained.
Step 4: Removal
The actual removal of bonded asbestos involves carefully extracting the material without disturbing it too much. This may involve cutting the material into smaller sections, carefully placing it in disposal bags, and sealing it securely.
Step 5: Air Monitoring and Clearance
Once the removal is complete, air monitoring will be conducted to ensure that no harmful asbestos fibres remain in the air. If the air quality meets safety standards, the work area will be deemed safe for re-entry.
Step 6: Disposal
The asbestos is then transported to a licensed disposal facility where it will be safely destroyed. This ensures that no asbestos waste ends up in landfill or poses a risk to the community.
Get It Away’s Bonded Asbestos Removal Services
At Get It Away, we pride ourselves on providing safe, efficient, and compliant asbestos removal services across Sydney. With years of experience and a team of fully licensed and certified professionals, we ensure that all bonded asbestos is removed in line with the highest safety standards and local regulations.
We understand the unique challenges posed by bonded asbestos and are committed to providing peace of mind for homeowners and businesses across Sydney. If you suspect you have bonded asbestos on your property, don’t risk the health of your family or employees—contact Get It Away today for a free, no-obligation quote.
Bonded asbestos removal may seem like a manageable task, but it comes with significant risks if not handled by professionals. Whether it’s a roofing material, wall panel, or flooring, bonded asbestos requires careful removal to prevent fibre release and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Hiring a professional asbestos removal company like Get It Away guarantees that the job is done properly, safely, and in compliance with all relevant laws. For your safety, and the safety of those around you, always trust experienced and certified experts for bonded asbestos removal in Sydney.
Don’t take risks with your health—get in touch with Get It Away today to schedule a professional asbestos inspection and removal. Your health and peace of mind are worth it.
