Strip outs are a necessary part of many renovation and redevelopment projects in Frankston and surrounding areas. However, if you’re working with a building constructed before the 1990s, there’s a hidden danger: asbestos. Asbestos was used extensively in building materials and, if disturbed, it poses a serious risk to health. Before beginning any strip out, it’s essential to understand where asbestos may be located and how to manage it safely.
What Is a Strip Out?
A strip out involves the removal of non-structural elements in a building. These elements can include:
- Ceilings and Walls
- Flooring
- Fixtures
- Electrical fittings and pipes
Strip outs are often done to prepare a building for renovation or redevelopment. However, many older buildings contain asbestos in their materials. If disturbed, these materials can release asbestos fibres into the air, putting everyone at risk.
Common Areas Where Asbestos May Be Found
Asbestos was used in a variety of building products, and during a strip out, many of these products may be disturbed. Common areas where asbestos may be present include:
- Ceiling tiles and insulation: Asbestos was often used in ceiling sheeting and insulation materials.
- Flooring materials: Vinyl tiles, linoleum, and the adhesives used may contain asbestos.
- Walls and cladding: Asbestos cement sheeting was widely used in both internal and external walls.
- Pipes and ducts: Insulation around pipes and ducts may contain asbestos.
If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed during a strip out, fibres can become airborne. Once inhaled, these fibres can cause serious health issues.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to several severe health conditions. These diseases may take decades to develop, but once symptoms appear, they are often fatal. The main health risks include:
1. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. It is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and has no known cure.
2. Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres. The scarring of lung tissue makes it difficult to breathe and can lead to complications like heart failure.
3. Lung Cancer
Prolonged asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers are at an even higher risk.
These health risks highlight the importance of managing asbestos safely during strip outs. Even short-term exposure can have long-term consequences.
Why Strip Outs Pose a Greater Risk
During a strip out, many asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed. This increases the likelihood of asbestos fibres becoming airborne. Asbestos fibres are tiny and can remain suspended in the air for long periods, making them easy to inhale.
Without proper management, asbestos fibres can contaminate the worksite and spread to other areas of the building. This makes strip outs particularly dangerous if asbestos is present and not handled by professionals.
How to Safeguard Your Strip Out Project
Before any strip out begins, it’s crucial to take the right steps to minimise the risks associated with asbestos. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get an Asbestos Inspection
Before starting a strip out, you must have the building inspected by a licensed asbestos professional. This inspection will identify where asbestos is present and ensure that it’s managed correctly. At Phase One Asbestos, we provide detailed asbestos inspections, helping you locate all asbestos-containing materials in your building.
2. Engage Licensed Asbestos Removalists
Once asbestos is identified, it must be removed by licensed professionals. DIY asbestos removal is not only illegal, but it is extremely dangerous. Licensed asbestos removalists, like the team at Phase One Asbestos, have the expertise and equipment to safely remove and dispose of ACMs.
3. Use Proper Containment and Disposal Methods
During asbestos removal, the work area must be sealed off to prevent fibres from spreading. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be used to protect workers. Once removed, asbestos must be properly bagged and disposed of at licensed facilities.
4. Ensure a Clearance Certificate
Once asbestos is removed, air monitoring must be conducted to ensure the area is safe. A clearance certificate is then issued, confirming that the worksite is free from asbestos and safe for further construction.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is a job for licensed professionals. Attempting to remove asbestos during a strip out without proper training and equipment can lead to widespread contamination. Asbestos fibres are invisible, and even a small amount of exposure can have fatal consequences later in life.
At Phase One Asbestos, we follow strict protocols to ensure asbestos is safely removed. Our team is fully licensed and uses advanced safety measures, including air monitoring and protective equipment, to keep everyone safe.
Trust Phase One Asbestos for Safe Strip Outs
If you’re planning a strip out in Frankston or surrounding areas, it’s essential to ensure that asbestos is managed correctly. At Phase One Asbestos, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services, including inspections, safe removal, and clearance certificates. We ensure your project is free from asbestos risks, allowing you to move forward with confidence.
Our Services Include:
- Asbestos Inspections: Identifying asbestos in buildings before strip outs begin.
- Licensed Removal: Safe and professional removal of asbestos-containing materials.
- Clearance Certificates: Ensuring your project site is asbestos-free and safe.
Protect Yourself and Others During Strip Outs
Strip outs in older buildings come with significant risks if asbestos is present. By working with a licensed asbestos removalist, you can ensure the safety of everyone involved and meet all legal requirements. Phase One Asbestos is here to help you manage asbestos safely, providing the expertise you need for a successful project.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an asbestos inspection.
See our article on The Legal Requirements for Asbestos Removal During Strip Outs in Victoria.
