Asbestos Removal
Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses serious health risks if disturbed. At Priority Demolition, we specialize in the safe and compliant removal of asbestos from residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Our licensed team follows strict safety protocols and regulatory guidelines to ensure your property is asbestos-free.
Our Asbestos Removal Process:
Comprehensive property assessment
Safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials
Full safety documentation and compliance with New Zealand regulations
Post-removal clearance testing for peace of mind
Don’t take risks with asbestos. Contact us today for a free assessment and quote
Asbestos Inspection
Priority Demolition can perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify any asbestos-containing materials and determine the extent of the problem.
Asbestos Disposal
Priority Demolition ensures that all asbestos-containing materials are disposed of safely and in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Asbestos Removal
Priority Demolition has the experience and equipment necessary to safely remove asbestos-containing materials, including ceiling tiles, insulation, and floor tiles.
Air Quality Testing
After asbestos removal, Priority Demolition can perform air quality testing to ensure that the air in your property is free of asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Encapsulation
In some cases, it may be possible to encapsulate asbestos-containing materials rather than removing them. Priority Demolition can advise on whether this option is suitable for your property.
Priority Demolition is committed to providing safe and effective asbestos removal services to protect the health and safety of its clients and their communities. Our team of experts follows strict protocols to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are removed safely and disposed of properly.
FAQs About Asbestos in NZ
How Can One Identify Asbestos, Given That It Is Often Mixed with Other Materials?
Identifying asbestos is challenging due to its frequent blending with other substances. Its microscopic fibers, 50 to 200 times finer than human hair, are invisible to the naked eye. Once airborne, these fibers can linger for days, complicating identification efforts.
Common Signs to Look For:
The age of the building: Properties constructed before the 1980s are more likely to contain asbestos.
Materials such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and certain types of flooring may contain asbestos.
Textured paints and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints from older constructions might have asbestos.
Steps for Identification:
Initial Assessment: Examine construction materials. If they seem older and degraded, there’s a possibility of asbestos presence.
Professional Testing: Always seek guidance from a certified professional. Companies like AAR Environmental and EMG Environmental provide inspection services that can accurately test and confirm the presence of asbestos.
Visual Cues: Although not reliable alone, if suspect materials look fluffy, fibrous, or irregularly shaped when damaged, it's crucial to approach them with caution.
When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get any suspicious material assessed by a licensed asbestos specialist before undertaking any repairs or renovations.
Why is Asbestos Considered the Number One Killer in New Zealand Workplaces?
Asbestos holds a notorious reputation as the leading cause of occupational fatalities in New Zealand, and for good reason. This hazardous material, once praised for its durability and heat resistance, now poses significant health risks to workers.
Ubiquitous Presence
Asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry before its dangers were fully understood. It's commonly found in:
Building Materials: Ceilings, roofs, and floors frequently contain asbestos fibers due to their fire-resistant properties.
Insulation: Both thermal and sound insulation often included this deadly material.
Fences and Other Structures: Outdoor installations, including fences, sometimes incorporated asbestos cement.
Health Hazards
The tiny fibers can become airborne and, when inhaled, cause severe health issues such as:
Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition leading to significant respiratory distress.
Lung Cancer: Increased risks for individuals exposed over time.
Mesothelioma: A particularly aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs.
Slow and Silent Impact
The insidious nature of asbestos exposure means the health impacts often develop slowly, usually only becoming apparent decades after initial contact. This delayed effect makes early diagnosis and treatment challenging, leading to higher fatality rates among workers with prolonged exposure.
Regulatory Response
Despite regulations aimed at controlling exposure, old buildings and materials still pose a significant threat. Effective management and removal processes are essential to safeguard workers.
In summary, the pervasive use of asbestos in construction, combined with its severe health consequences, cements its place as the leading workplace killer in New Zealand. Awareness and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate its impact.
Understanding Asbestos Risks in Pre-2000 Homes
If your home was constructed before the year 2000, you might face potential asbestos concerns. Given the widespread use of asbestos in building materials, it's important to understand what this means for you as a homeowner.
Key Areas of Concern:
Presence in Materials: Asbestos was commonly used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. It may be present in roofing, insulation, flooring, and even pipes. Identifying these materials early can help you manage any risks.
Health Hazards: The main concern with asbestos is the risk it poses to health when fibers become airborne. Inhalation of these fibers can lead to severe respiratory conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Assessment and Testing: It's crucial to have a professional inspection carried out. Certified asbestos inspectors can identify and assess the risk in your home, providing you with peace of mind or a necessary action plan.
Regulations and Safe Removal: If asbestos is found, removal or containment should always be handled by licensed professionals. They follow strict guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations, minimizing any health risks.
Communication with Neighbors: If asbestos removal is necessary, informing your neighbors is a considerate and often required step to ensure community safety and awareness.
Steps for Homeowners:
Initial Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of damage or wear in old materials that might contain asbestos.
Hire Professionals: Engage experts for thorough testing and, if needed, safe removal.
Plan Renovations Carefully: Any planned renovations should take potential asbestos disturbances into account.
Acquainting yourself with these aspects can help you protect not only the value and safety of your property but also the health of your loved ones. By taking proactive steps, you can handle asbestos concerns effectively and safely.
Why Should You Avoid Removing Asbestos Yourself?
Removing asbestos on your own is highly discouraged due to several critical safety concerns. Here's why it's best left to professionals:
Invisible Dangers: Asbestos fibers are extremely tiny, often undetectable by the naked eye. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, these fibers can become airborne.
Health Risks: Airborne asbestos fibers pose significant health hazards. If inhaled or ingested, they can cause severe illnesses, including lung diseases and various types of cancer.
Complex Regulations: Handling and disposing of asbestos are governed by strict safety regulations. Unauthorized removal could lead to legal repercussions and improper disposal.
Specialized Equipment Required: Professionals use specialized tools and protective gear to safely manage asbestos. This equipment minimizes exposure risk and ensures compliant removal.
The safest, most responsible action is to hire certified asbestos removal experts. They not only mitigate health risks but also adhere to stringent governmental guidelines for disposal, safeguarding both you and the environment.
What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos in my home?
Priority Demolition can perform a thorough inspection of your property to identify any asbestos-containing materials and determine the extent of the problem.
To understand the potential risk of asbestos in your home, consider the construction date:
Before the mid-1980s: Homes built or renovated during this time are highly likely to contain asbestos-containing products.
Between the mid-1980s and 1990: There is still a significant likelihood of asbestos presence.
After 1990: The probability of finding asbestos-containing products decreases significantly.
Knowing the construction period of your home provides a starting point. However, the most reliable way to confirm the presence of asbestos is through professional testing. We recommend reaching out to independent assessors for accurate results and peace of mind.
By combining historical context with expert inspection services, you can confidently address any asbestos concerns in your property.