A fence can be a significant feature of your property. It is also a source of privacy and security. If your fencing displays any signs of deterioration or damage, such as minor scratches, breakages, holes, cracks, or leaning, it should be assessed for asbestos. The sooner it’s removed, the better for your family’s health and safety.
Asbestos Fence Removal Perth is a serious matter and it’s important to take the right steps when arranging this work. You want to hire a company that has been around for a while and carries insurance so they’re held accountable for any mishaps.
Licensed asbestos removers have the skills and equipment to properly dispose of the material without risking anyone’s health or the environment. They will ensure that the materials are taken away in sealed containers for disposal at an approved facility. They can also advise on a safe way to replace the asbestos fence so that it’s made from a safer material.
A good place to start is with an asbestos inspection, which will provide you with conclusive proof about the make-up of your fence. You can then decide whether it’s better to wait for the deterioration to slow down or to get it removed as soon as possible. This is especially the case if the fence contains blue asbestos (also known as crocidolite) which is more hazardous than other types of the material.
Asbestos fences built before the mid-1980’s are likely to contain the material but it can be difficult to know for sure unless you’ve had it tested. Fences can also be contaminated with non-friable asbestos such as insulation materials used in house roof spaces.
If you have a corrugated asbestos fence, look for signs of physical damage such as holes or scratches in the material. You can also check the condition of the fencing by looking for moss or a vertical lean that may indicate a weak foundation.
It’s also worth remembering that even if the fence isn’t damaged it can still pose a safety threat. It’s essential that you keep the surrounding area free of any dust or debris from the work area and to restrict access to your designated asbestos removal site.
Once your asbestos fence has been removed, you can choose from a wide range of fencing options that don’t contain any dangerous products. One of the best options is HardieFence, which offers similar strength, durability and aesthetic to a traditional asbestos fence but without any of the hazards.
Health Risks
Asbestos fibres released when damaged, are inhaled and can lead to serious health problems including lung cancer and mesothelioma. It is important to always wear PPE when working with asbestos and follow all relevant safety guidelines. It is a good idea to remove asbestos fences in their entirety rather than just remediating the damage and leaving them exposed. ICON Asbestos removal experts know how to safely remove, dispose and monitor fencing.
This allows you to have peace of mind that your home is secure, and your family is safe. We will carry out your removal and disposal quickly and professionally.
We offer a wide range of services to meet all your needs, from small residential jobs through to large scale commercial projects. We have licensed tradies available around the clock to handle your removal and disposal requirements.
It’s a great idea to get your asbestos tested before starting any renovation or building project. This will help you decide if you need to remove the entire structure or just repair damage. Using an accredited testing service, you’ll have all of the information you need to make the best decision for your situation.
The test will show you whether or not the fencing contains asbestos, allowing you to take action accordingly. The results will also tell you the type of asbestos and how far the material has deteriorated.
The results will then categorise the fencing as either “good”, “average” or “poor”. Good – The fence is in good condition and has little to no deterioration. It may be a bit faded with minor scratches or broken panels, but it’s still sturdy. Average – The fence shows visible signs of weathering with a breakdown of the cement matrix and exposure of some asbestos fibres. It may have numerous minor breakages and several larger cracks and holes. It is likely to be leaning 15cm-30cm at the top. Poor – The fence has significant deterioration and signs of weathering are obvious. There is a lot of raised asbestos fibres and moss growth on the surface of the fence. The fence is likely to be leaning over 30cm at the top.
Legal Requirements
Asbestos is a toxic substance that needs to be handled with great care by licensed professionals. When a professional is handling asbestos, they will use specialised cleaning equipment and confinement techniques to ensure that the material does not spread during removal or disposal. A certified professional will also take air samples to check that the abatement process has been effective.
If your home was built before the 1980s and has a fence made from cement sheeting, it is likely to contain asbestos. These types of fences pose a risk when disturbed or in need of repair, and should be removed as a matter of priority. However, if you decide to remove an asbestos fence, you should be aware that the law requires that you hire a licensed professional to handle the task.
When hiring a contractor for the safe and efficient removal of an asbestos fence, make sure they are a fully licensed contractor under the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). They should also be fully certified in asbestos abatement. You can ask your local DEP office for a list of licensed asbestos contractors, or visit the Asbestos Investigation Program website to find out more about the requirements for asbestos removal.
The Dividing Fences Act 1961 outlines procedures for neighbours to reach an agreement on dividing fence issues. If you have a dividing fence with an adjoining property and suspect that it may contain asbestos, it is a good idea to contact your neighbours as soon as possible to discuss the issue.
If your neighbours agree to a solution, it will save you the cost and hassle of having the fence removed. However, if you are worried about health risks, it is best to arrange for the abatement of any asbestos in the shared section of your fencing.
Asbestos cement corrugated fencing is often mistaken for Hardifence, a product that was used as a replacement for asbestos during the 1980s until it was banned in 2003. Although the products look similar, you can tell whether a fence contains asbestos by looking at the capping for a dimpled surface or the presence of aluminium fence capping and five ridge panels.
Environmental Impact
While asbestos is safe as long as it is undamaged, environmental factors can cause its materials to deteriorate. When this happens, it releases microscopic particles that can be inhaled by those living or passing by. This poses a significant health risk to people and can lead to respiratory illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Those wishing to renovate or repair a property with older materials needing attention should always contact a licensed asbestos removalist. These professionals can ensure that the work is conducted in the safest way possible and ensure all safety measures are taken, protecting those involved as well as the surrounding community.
The most common reason that homeowners need to consider asbestos fence removal is due to damage or deterioration. This is particularly true if the materials have not been regularly painted or maintained. Poorly maintained asbestos fencing can become damaged over time and start releasing harmful microparticles into the air around it. This is especially dangerous if the fences are prone to breaking or impact damage.
EHOs and removalists from rural and urban Australia reported seeing asbestos products in poor condition where the release of fibers was likely. Five of the removalists surveyed saw this type of product monthly, and 10 saw it weekly. The majority of these were attributed to the products being exposed or damaged by wind or weathering, with others from plant damage or accidental damage.
Other types of asbestos that are commonly causing health risks include deteriorating or contaminated plant materials and fire-damaged ACM. EHOs and removalists from cyclone and storm prone regions reported seeing contaminated plants in the aftermath of these natural disasters, and noted that they are often removed by members of the public without professional assistance. Some of these plants have been cut into smaller pieces to fit into trailers or bins for removal. This presents a great risk of exposure to asbestos, as well as presenting an aesthetic nuisance in the area.
It is also important to remember that asbestos-containing materials are dangerous even when they have been left undisturbed. Asbestos has the ability to change its chemical properties when it is exposed to heat, causing it to be friable and release fibres. This is why it is vital that any renovations that are planned include a thorough inspection of the materials by a qualified asbestos consultant.