Do you suspect asbestos contamination in your home? It’s no surprise for this hazardous element to have been used in the construction of houses and buildings before the 1980s. Inhaling asbestos fibers is known to endanger the health of everyone exposed to their presence for longer periods of time.
Given the toxic nature of this element, it’s paramount for the removal project to be handled by professional removalists. There is an extensive range of licensed asbestos removal companies performing removal procedures that comply with the required health and safety regulations. Most of them have websites like http://www.bisonasbestosremovalmelbourne.com.au that you can visit to get more information about the services they offer.
So, what are the most important factors to consider when hiring such professionals?
Experience
The primary factor to consider when looking for an asbestos removal company is the number of years of working in the industry. The level of experience of asbestos technicians is considered essential due to the hazardous nature of this profession, requiring the use of special skills and equipment for removing such toxic material from both residential and commercial properties.
In addition, experienced contractors have performed removal services in various types of properties, including offices, plants, houses, apartments, hospitals, and numerous other buildings. Most importantly, experienced technicians are equipped with the required amount of local experience, hence knowing which local buildings are most likely to contain asbestos. Make sure the removal contractor you hire has at least five years of experience under its belt.
Licensing
One of the most crucial factors to take into account when choosing an asbestos removal company is licensing. It’s paramount for the technicians you hire to be armed with the right certifications in order to examine the structure, take samples, and send them to a lab for analysis. Keep in mind that licensed companies collaborate with reputable laboratories that provide accurate results.
Moreover, asbestos removal technicians are required to have one of the two classes of license, either class A or class B. The former permits them to remove both friable and non-friable asbestos, while the latter only authorizes the removal of the non-friable kind. Technicians are supposed to be at least 18 years of age to be permitted to perform such services. For further guidance on the eligibility criteria for asbestos removal license in Australia, visit the following link, https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nsw/asbestos-removal-licence/16674#:~:text=Eligibility%20requirements,supervise%20the%20asbestos%20removal%20work.
Inspection
Another important consideration when hiring such removal services is whether the company performs an inspection prior to removing the toxic material. Such an examination is essential for these experts to determine the presence of asbestos by taking both internal and external property samples. Once the samples get tested in a laboratory, homeowners no longer have to guess whether this element has genuinely contaminated their homes or there’s no reason for suspicion.
Additionally, discovering traces of these minerals in properties that haven’t been renovated for longer than thirty years means that the entire structure is most likely contaminated. Based on the lab results, removalists learn the risk associated with the procedure, as they might be dealing with a low, medium, or high level of risk. It’s paramount to refrain from hiring contractors that conduct no inspection, as your property might get unnecessarily deteriorated.
Services
Apart from providing both residential and commercial clients with professional asbestos removal services, most of the reputable companies offer a wide range of services to choose from. For instance, some contractors provide cleaning services before and after the process of removal to clients who lack the time or wish to perform such tasks.
Furthermore, most asbestos technicians specialize in mould removal, preparation for bedbug treatments, carpet cleaning, water removal, and other useful services. Make sure you check out the range of services of each candidate before hiring one since you’ll probably need some additional services along the way.
Protective equipment
Asbestos professionals are required to wear protective equipment in order to perform their duties without allowing this toxic material to affect their health. They are supposed to wear either a P2 disposable mask or a disposable respirator to prevent the risk of inhaling toxic fibers. Both the masks and respirators need to be properly fitted to their faces so as to be effective.
Moreover, these technicians are expected to wear disposable coveralls to cover their clothes and footwear. They should also wear single-use gloves and hats to dispose of them along with the asbestos waste.
In terms of tools, the ones that create dust should be strictly forbidden while removing this hazardous material. It’s vital for the contractor you hire not to use brooms, brushes, sanders, grinders, air sprays, or water sprays. In contrast, reputable companies are expected to use top-notch vacuum cleaners, equipped with HEPA filters, to make sure all harmful fibers are eliminated from the air.
Waste disposal
Another vital factor to take into account when hiring such services is the waste disposal method employed after the procedure. Asbestos waste is supposed to be disposed of with maximal caution in order to eliminate the risk of exposing both humans and the environment to its harmful effects. The exposure to such waste might result in detrimental health consequences such as developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Therefore, it’s paramount to check whether the contractor you hire is equipped with a carrier license, as otherwise it won’t be permitted to transport the waste legally. Having such a license means that the company is licensed to dispose of the waste at a licensed site.
Cost
The ultimate factor to consider when looking for such professionals is the cost of services. Make sure you set a budget you are willing to spend in order to find a company that matches your requirements. It’s paramount to compare the fees of a few contractors to choose the one that provides the best value for the money. Naturally, the cost will depend on your property size as well as the amount of risk involved during the process of removal.
Final thoughts
Instead of undertaking such a risky project, don’t hesitate to look for professional removalists.
You won’t regret the decision!