Asbestos removal is not just another home improvement task—it’s a critical process that requires the expertise of licensed professionals. While it might be tempting to take a DIY approach, especially if you’re trying to save on costs, the risks involved in handling asbestos are far too significant to ignore.
If you live in an older home in areas like the Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, or Greater Bendigo, chances are your property may contain asbestos in the roofing, walls or flooring. Whether you’re renovating or suspect asbestos might be present, professional asbestos removal is not only the safest option—it’s the only responsible choice.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why you should always hire professionals for asbestos removal and what makes it such a critical step in ensuring your safety and compliance with local regulations.
1. Asbestos is Extremely Hazardous to Your Health
The first and most important reason to hire professionals for asbestos removal is the health risks involved. Asbestos, when disturbed, releases tiny fibres into the air. These fibres are incredibly dangerous if inhaled, as they can lodge in the lungs and cause serious health conditions such as:
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung cancer: A risk that is significantly heightened by long-term asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
These diseases often develop many years after exposure, making it difficult to detect the danger until it’s too late. The risk is especially high when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are broken, damaged, or improperly removed, allowing harmful fibres to become airborne.
2. Professionals Are Trained and Licensed
Asbestos removal isn’t a job for the inexperienced. Licensed asbestos removal professionals have undergone extensive training to safely handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos materials. They understand the properties of asbestos, how it behaves when disturbed, and how to mitigate the risks of exposure during removal.
In Australia, asbestos removal must be carried out by licensed individuals or companies, depending on the type of asbestos involved:
- Class A licence: Required for removing friable asbestos, which can crumble and release fibres easily.
- Class B licence: Required for removing non-friable (bonded) asbestos, which is less likely to release fibres unless it’s broken or damaged.
Hiring a licensed asbestos removalist like Myers Asbestos Removal means you’ll have peace of mind knowing the job is done correctly, in compliance with Victorian safety standards, and with the least risk to you and your family.
3. Safe Removal Requires Specialised Equipment
The removal of asbestos requires more than just a pair of gloves and a dust mask. Proper equipment is essential to ensure the safety of the removal team and to prevent contamination of your home or workplace. This equipment includes:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Full-body suits, respirators, and protective eyewear are required to protect workers from exposure.
- Containment systems: Barriers and negative air pressure systems are used to contain asbestos dust and fibres during removal.
- HEPA vacuums: These specialised vacuums are designed to capture microscopic asbestos fibres, preventing them from spreading through the air.
DIY removal often lacks the necessary equipment and safety precautions, increasing the risk of exposure not only for the person doing the removal but also for everyone else in the home or building.
4. Proper Disposal is Critical
Once asbestos is removed, it must be disposed of according to strict government regulations. Asbestos waste cannot be thrown away with regular household rubbish—it must be carefully sealed, labelled, and taken to a licensed asbestos disposal facility.
Professional asbestos removal companies, like Myers Asbestos Removal, handle this entire process. We ensure the asbestos is safely packed and transported in accordance with EPA Victoria guidelines, avoiding contamination risks during transportation and ensuring compliance with local disposal laws.
Improper disposal of asbestos not only poses environmental hazards but can also lead to heavy fines and penalties. By hiring professionals, you eliminate these legal risks and ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
5. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
In Victoria, asbestos removal is governed by strict laws designed to protect public health. These laws specify who can remove asbestos, how it should be handled, and how it must be disposed of. Some of the regulations include:
- WorkSafe Victoria guidelines: These outline safety protocols for handling and removing asbestos.
- EPA Victoria requirements: Strict rules are in place for transporting and disposing of asbestos waste.
- Asbestos identification: Properties must undergo testing to confirm the presence of asbestos before any removal work can begin.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal action, as well as increased health risks. When you hire a professional, you can be confident that the removal process adheres to all legal and safety requirements.
6. It’s Not Worth the Risk
Some homeowners might think that if the asbestos is only in small areas—like a bathroom ceiling or a few floor tiles—they can handle it themselves. However, even a small area of disturbed asbestos can release thousands of hazardous fibres into the air, putting everyone in the vicinity at risk.
DIY removal doesn’t just endanger the person doing the work—it affects anyone who enters the home or building afterward. Asbestos fibres can linger in the air and settle on surfaces, creating long-term health hazards if not cleaned and contained properly.
Ultimately, the health and safety risks of asbestos exposure far outweigh any potential savings from doing it yourself. It’s not worth jeopardising your health or the health of your loved ones. Professional asbestos removal is an investment in the long-term safety of your home and the well-being of everyone who lives there.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos removal is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires the skills and knowledge of licensed professionals. Whether you’re renovating, demolishing, or simply concerned about the presence of asbestos in your home, hiring a professional removalist ensures that the job is done safely and effectively.
At Myers Asbestos Removal, we have the experience and expertise to handle asbestos removal in homes and commercial properties across the Macedon Ranges and surrounds as well as Ballarat and Greater Bendigo. Our team follows all safety protocols, uses the latest equipment, and ensures that every job complies with Victorian laws and regulations.
Contact Myers Asbestos Removal today to schedule a consultation or asbestos inspection. Let us take care of the hazards so you can focus on your home’s future without worry.