Frequently Asked
Questions

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of soft and flexible fibres that are resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion. Asbestos is an effective insulator, and it can be used in cloth, paper, cement, plastic and other materials to make them stronger. These qualities make the mineral useful, but they also make asbestos exposure highly toxic.

When asbestos dust is inhaled or ingested, mineral fibres can become permanently trapped in the body.

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air; these fibres are not visible and do not contain a smell, so the naked eye cannot detect them. When these fibres are inhaled, they are like a barbed fishing hook and cannot be removed; once lodged into the tissue, they can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural disorders. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, even 15-20 years, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. This is why you must protect yourself. WorkSafe Australia says it is the biggest cause of work-related deaths, with over 4000 lives lost yearly due to asbestos-related illnesses.

WorkSafe NSW recommends you search for a licenced professional in asbestos removal near me, as these contractors have the skills, knowledge and equipment to do the work safely. However, if you decide to do the work yourself, do not put yourself or your family at risk or risk contaminating your house or land. Get the right information and equipment before your start. In most states, if you are removing more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos, you must employ a licensed asbestos removal professional.

Products containing asbestos were banned in NSW on December 31st 2003, but it was widely used as building and insulation material until the mid-1980s. It is often found in places such as:

• Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) in walls and ceilings
• Water drainage and flue pipes
• Roofing shingles and guttering
• Gables and eaves
• Vinyl, carpet and tile underlay
• Fencing
• Sheds

You cannot tell if there is asbestos in your property by looking at it. If your property was built before 1990, then it’s likely asbestos-containing materials are present. It is better to be safe than sorry. Samples need to be tested and analysed by a NATA-accredited lab to determine if asbestos exists. If you are in doubt, proceed as if it is asbestos and take all necessary precautions. The safest step is to contact an expert in asbestos removal near you.

Asbestos tiles look like standard vinyl tiling. They were mainly sold in 6”x6”, 9”x9” and later in 12”x12” sizes and were thicker than most vinyl tiles today. If your flooring dates between 1920 and 1960, it has a higher chance of containing asbestos. Asphalt was used in asbestos tiles and the oil leaks over time. This can cause greyish-brown to black stains on the tiles. If you have discoloured tiles, it is more likely they contain asbestos. It is best to seek the help of professional asbestos removal in Newcastle.

Asbestos tiles look like standard vinyl tiling. They were mainly sold in 6”x6”, 9”x9” and later in 12”x12” sizes and were thicker than most vinyl tiles today. If your flooring dates between 1920 and 1960, it has a higher chance of containing asbestos. Asphalt was used in asbestos tiles and the oil leaks over time. This can cause greyish-brown to black stains on the tiles. If you have discoloured tiles, it is more likely they contain asbestos. It is best to seek the help of professional asbestos removal in Newcastle.

No, a KN95, N95 or any other disposable mask will NOT protect you from asbestos. Asbestos protection can only be achieved by a respirator that can filter a minimum of 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometres in size.

Transporting and disposing of asbestos must be in accordance with the relevant State legislation and guidelines. As part of this requirement all asbestos must be contained correctly, transported securely and disposed of at a nearby asbestos disposal facility.

We have over 15 years of expertise providing asbestos removal in Newcastle and surrounding areas. The last thing you want is someone willing to cut corners when it comes to safely removing your asbestos. Our main priority is the safety of our team, clients and local community. We have built a reputation for a reliable and safe service. This is shown by our many 5-star google reviews. At ABS Asbestos Removal, we pride ourselves on actively demonstrating the three P’s:

• Professional
• Punctual
• Priced competitively