Top 5 Tips of Asbestos Detection and Removal for Homeowners

Tip #1
Do not rely on visual confirmation alone to determine if a material contains asbestos.

While an asbestos inspector who has regularly worked with asbestos might be able to identify it visually at times, the only way to know for sure is with a laboratory test.

Tip #2

Treat materials you think could have asbestos in them as if they did.

It is always better to overdo safety precautions than assume the material isn’t hazardous and risk your health. Be sure to not damage the material by drilling through it or sanding it before it is cleared by a laboratory test that it is safe to do so. 

Tip #3

Make sure you call a qualified and experienced contractor.

Not all renovators and contractors have the necessary training to know how to identify and remove asbestos properly so make sure you ask to see their certifications and for references from past customers.

Tip #4

Leave undamaged asbestos materials alone.

Sometimes, it is actually safer to leave undamaged and protected asbestos alone instead of disturbing it by removing it. Make sure this asbestos remains isolated and protected from damage that could release asbestos fibres into the air.

Tip #5

Your asbestos inspector should be different from your asbestos removal professional.

Asbestos removal can be very costly so you want to avoid conflict of interest as much as possible. 

Resources:

Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Protect Your Family. Retrieved June 2013 from http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family#professionals.

WorkCoverNSW. (2010). Fibro & Asbestos: A Renovator and Homeowner’s Guide. Retrieved June 2013 from http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/fibro_and_asbestos_renvator_homeowner_guide_0315.pdf.