1980s. The most common asbestos is in firmly-bound, which was used in:
Asbestos-cement sheeting;
Fibro water or flue pipes;
Roof shingles;
Flexible building boards;
Imitation cladding;
Plaster patching compounds;
Vinyl floor tiles; and
The backing of linoleum floor coverings. The loosely-bound form generally used in older types of insulation for:
Hot water pipes;
Domestic heaters and stoves; and
Ceiling insulation (more often used in commercial building permit) Loosely-bound asbestos poses a higher health risk than firmly-bound material. Also in most instances fibre glass has replaced asbestos in modern day insulation products
What should i do if i find asbestos?
Generally, Asbestos Removal if your home was built by a Melbourne builder before the 1980s then it is likely that asbestos will be in some of the materials used. Also this doesn’t mean you are necessarily at risk because if asbestos building materials are in good condition they are unlikely to release fibres.
Depending on how and where asbestos applied, it might not pose any risk to most users of the building. If the fibers cannot become dislodged, they cannot inhaled, and thus the asbestos poses no risk. However, some methods of applying asbestos, particularly flocking, allow asbestos fibers to gradually drop off into the air. Asbestos poses hazards to maintenance personnel who have to drill holes in walls for installation of cables or pipes. Even if the workers are protected, such maintenance operation may release fibers into the air, which may be inhaled by others. Interventions in areas where asbestos is present often have to follow stringent procedures.
Can i remove asbestos?
You or your Melbourne builder may legally remove asbestos from your property, but it should done with extreme care and precautions. The removal, packaging, transport and disposal of asbestos all times when you at the highest health risk from fibres and dust, if the material not handled correctly. Only a licensed professional or Melbourne Builder should remove loosely-bound asbestos, as the health risks are significant and much greater than firmly-bound asbestos.
