Safe Renovation Practices When Dealing with Asbestos in Frankston and Rural Victoria 2025
Renovating an older home can be exciting, but it comes with risks, especially if your property was built before the late 1980s. For homeowners in Frankston, Ringwood, Gippsland, and Warragul, one of the most serious concerns is asbestos. Disturbing asbestos during renovation can release harmful fibres into the air, posing severe health risks. This article will guide you through safe practices for handling asbestos while renovating.
Why Renovations Put You at Risk
When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release tiny, dangerous fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled, causing long-term health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency warns that DIY renovations are one of the leading causes of accidental asbestos exposure in Australia. With over 4,000 deaths annually linked to asbestos-related diseases, understanding safe renovation practices is crucial.
Assess Before You Start: The Importance of an Asbestos Inspection
Before you lift a hammer or tear down a wall, the first step is to identify whether asbestos is present in your home. Here’s how to proceed:
- Professional Inspection: Hire a licensed asbestos professional to inspect your property. They will pinpoint areas that contain asbestos and advise you on how to manage or remove it. Remember, around 1 in 3 Australian homes built before 1990 contains asbestos in some form.
- Testing: If you’re unsure about a material, have it tested. Sampling should only be done by professionals, as disturbing the material can release fibres. The cost of an inspection and testing is minimal compared to the health risks of asbestos exposure.
Common Renovation Areas with Asbestos Risk
Several common renovation areas in homes across Frankston and rural Victoria may contain asbestos:
- Kitchens and Bathrooms: Asbestos was frequently used in wet area wall linings, vinyl flooring, and pipe insulation. Statistics show that up to 70% of bathrooms in pre-1980s homes have asbestos materials.
- Roofing and Eaves: Asbestos sheeting was widely used in roofing. A recent survey found that 50% of homes built before 1985 in rural areas still have asbestos roofing.
- Walls and Insulation: Wall cladding and insulation often contain asbestos. This is particularly true in older sheds and outbuildings common in Gippsland and Warragul.
- Outdoor Areas: Fences and sheds made of asbestos cement are common on rural properties. Be cautious when renovating or demolishing these structures.
Safe Practices During Renovation
If you’re planning a renovation, follow these safety tips to minimise asbestos exposure:
- Leave It to the Professionals: Never attempt to remove or disturb asbestos materials yourself. Phase One Asbestos, owned by local expert Adrian Cibowski, specialises in safe and compliant asbestos removal.
- Seal Off the Area: If asbestos is found, professionals will seal off the area to prevent fibres from spreading. This containment process significantly reduces the risk of exposure.
- Use Proper Protective Gear: Licensed asbestos removalists use personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, disposable suits, and gloves. This gear is essential for safety and should not be overlooked.
- Wet Down the Area: Professionals will wet down asbestos materials before removal to reduce fibre release. Water keeps the fibres from becoming airborne.
- Safe Disposal: Asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled, and disposed of at a licensed facility. It’s illegal to dump asbestos waste in regular rubbish bins.
Planning Renovations Safely
Renovations are a big investment, so it’s worth taking the time to plan safely. Here’s what you should consider:
- Timing: Schedule asbestos inspections and removal well in advance. This ensures your project isn’t delayed and keeps your family safe.
- Communication: Inform contractors about any known asbestos areas in your home. Clear communication ensures everyone on site knows the risks.
- Budget for Safety: Allocate part of your renovation budget to asbestos testing and removal. The average cost of professional asbestos removal in Australia ranges from $25 to $50 per square metre, depending on the complexity.
When to Call in the Experts
If you suspect asbestos, call in licensed professionals like Phase One Asbestos. Adrian and his team have over five years of experience handling asbestos safely in Frankston and rural Victoria. They specialise in strip outs and renovations, ensuring your project is completed without putting anyone at risk.
- Local Expertise: As a local business, Phase One Asbestos understands the unique challenges homeowners face in both suburban and rural settings.
- Compliant Removal: Adrian’s team uses approved methods for asbestos removal and disposal, adhering to all regulations. They ensure that your property is safe for future use.
Health Implications of Asbestos Exposure
Understanding the health risks associated with asbestos is vital. The Cancer Council Australia reports that asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer. The average life expectancy following a mesothelioma diagnosis is just 12 months. Additionally, lung cancer and asbestosis are serious concerns, with symptoms that may take decades to appear.
Protect Your Family and Your Future
Your home should be a safe place, not a source of hidden danger. By following safe renovation practices, you can protect your family from the life-threatening risks of asbestos exposure. Always opt for professional inspections and removal, and never take shortcuts when it comes to safety.
Coming Up Next
In our next article, we’ll discuss “Asbestos in Rural Sheds and Farmhouses: What You Need to Know.” We’ll cover the specific risks faced by property owners in rural Victoria and how to manage asbestos safely. Stay tuned for more essential information!
