A licensed asbestos assessor should be consulted to determine the presence of asbestos and the best method for its removal. A contractor should be employed to carry out this work.

Be sure to avoid sanding or drilling, as this may release fibres. It is also a good idea to wet the material before sampling it. Visit Website to learn more. 

When performing asbestos shed removal, it is important to remember the basic safety rules to avoid any accidents. First, you should make sure that the work area is clear and free of any other materials that could contaminate the environment during the process. Secondly, all equipment and tools that may come into contact with asbestos should be wetted prior to use. Wetted material does not float in the air as easily, and this will help to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers during the project.

In addition, all asbestos waste must be double bagged and clearly labeled as hazardous. Once the project is complete, all equipment and clothing must be removed from the work area and immediately placed into sealed bags for disposal. The work area should also be cleaned and wetted thoroughly, and a special HEPA vacuum cleaner must be used rather than a regular one. Lastly, a decontamination area should be established with a shower that all contractors and workers can use to remove dust and debris from their clothes and shoes before leaving the work site at the end of each day.

It is recommended that the survey, identification and demolition work of the asbestos be carried out by a licensed contractor. This will ensure that the process is done correctly and that no asbestos fibers are released into the air during the project. A competent contractor will have up to date asbestos awareness training and should be able to provide the relevant certificates.

If you decide to do the work yourself, you should be aware that it is only safe to perform self-removal on single-family dwellings (e.g. houses, mobile homes, houseboats, detached garages and mother-in-law or guest cottages). It is not a good idea to carry out this work on commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings or structures.

It is also recommended that you do not drill or saw asbestos paneling, roofing sheets or pipe insulation as this can release fine dust and fibres into the air that can be breathed in. It is generally considered that this type of material only becomes dangerous if it is disturbed, and this is why it is best to leave it alone and to have any maintenance or major repair work carried out by qualified and licensed professionals.

Preparation

Firstly, it is important to make sure that you are working in an area that is isolated from the rest of your house and that any vents are covered. It is also a good idea to close off doors and seal areas that could be contaminated. This can be done with plastic sheeting and duct tape. It is also a good idea to turn off air conditioning and fans as asbestos dust can travel through these.

It is recommended that you wear a disposable fibre mask for this type of work. You can buy these from most DIY stores and online. You will also need a pair of rubber gloves and some heavy-duty plastic bags. You will also need a water sprayer or tank spray bottle for wetting down the shed and any asbestos-containing materials that need to be removed. It is advised that you only do this type of work when the weather is dry as asbestos cement can become very dangerous if it is wet.

Once you are ready to begin, the first thing you should do is lay down a strip of heavy-duty plastic across the area where you will be working. This will create an area for you to work in and will prevent any asbestos fibres from travelling from your shed to other parts of your home, especially through the ventilation system. You should then put on your protective clothing, ensuring that it is well fitted and is made from a material that you can throw away afterwards, such as paper overalls. You should also wear a disposable fibre mask that fits properly over your nose and mouth to ensure that no asbestos particles get into your throat or nose.

You should then start to remove the asbestos panels or roofing sheets, taking care not to damage them. You should not use power tools as this will release tiny fibres into the air that can be inhaled. If you do have to use a power tool, then it should be used as a last resort.

When you are finished, double bag all the asbestos debris and place it in a safe place for disposal. Hose down the work area to make sure that no small pieces of debris remain and wash your clothes thoroughly when you are finished. You should also make sure that your hair is tied back and that you have washed your hands and fingers.

Removal

Before asbestos was banned in 1999, it was a popular addition to construction materials for its ability to strengthen building materials, resist the elements, insulate and fireproof. Therefore, structures like garages and sheds built before the ban are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Asbestos in good condition doesn’t pose any immediate risk but if ACMs become damaged or deteriorate it can release harmful airborne fibres that can be inhaled and permanently adhere to the lungs. This can lead to a range of serious health conditions from 10-40 years later, including several forms of cancer.

The only way to know for sure whether a material contains asbestos is to have it tested by a professional. But if you haven’t had your shed tested and suspect it may contain asbestos, there are some basic steps that can be taken to minimize the risks to your family’s health.

Firstly, never paint, drill or saw ACMs as this can disturb them and cause dangerous particles to be released into the air. Asbestos cement is usually hard-wearing and will last for a very long time, but it can be dangerous if it is disturbed.

Asbestos is only a health risk when it is airborne, so the most important thing to do is make sure that your work area is well-ventilated. A filtered vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters is recommended, but it’s essential that all family members, friends, neighbours and anyone else who is in the vicinity of your workspace wear protective clothing and use a respirator if necessary.

Asbestos removal should only be undertaken by trained professionals who are experienced in working with asbestos. They will bring durable, airtight waste disposal bags to remove concentrated asbestos from your home and dispose of it at a certified landfill. Waste management services also offer recycling options for some types of asbestos, turning it into non-toxic ceramic fibres. Ask your waste management service about the options available for your specific materials. In many cases, recycling can be cheaper and more environmentally responsible than disposing of it in a landfill.

Disposal

Asbestos can only cause harm if it is disturbed, which releases the dangerous fibres into the air that people breathe in. Luckily, as long as the asbestos remains intact and undamaged it is very safe and can be left in place to serve its purpose. However, if the structure is in poor condition, it will need to be removed and disposed of correctly.

Before starting any work, a qualified and licensed asbestos assessor should inspect the area to check for any asbestos materials that require removal or disposal. Licensed inspectors are highly trained and will be able to advise you on what needs to be done and what safety measures should be taken. They will also provide you with a written report. It is essential that all safety precautions are taken during the removal process, and that the area is kept as clean as possible to prevent the spread of any potentially hazardous particles.

Dampening down the surface of the shed before and during the removal is extremely important, as it will drastically reduce the chance of any asbestos fibres becoming airborne. It is also advisable to cover any surfaces that don’t require removing with plastic sheeting, and to use negative air pressure during the entire process. It is also a good idea to notify neighbours of the work that will be taking place, and to keep children and pets away from the area.

Once the asbestos has been removed, it should be wet down and wrapped in heavy duty polythene, and sealed in two layers. It is also a good idea to double bag it, and to make sure that the bags are clearly labelled with the words “Danger – Contains Asbestos” and “Cancer and Lung Disease Hazard”. The waste must then be transported to an approved landfill site and buried in a sealed container.

Most large towns have facilities that can accept this type of waste, so if you are a house owner then it is likely that you can take the waste yourself in your own vehicle provided it is your own waste. Some towns have regulations on the maximum amount of asbestos that can be taken to these sites, and a permit may also be required.