Commercial asbestos removal in Sydney NSW is essential for all places of business as an occupational safety measure. Although the dangers of asbestos, a naturally occurring fibre used in insulation and fire-proofing, have been known for decades, many buildings still contain traces of it and need to be inspected to make sure no dangers are posed to workers. As a general rule, commercial buildings built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos fibres and should be looked at by government-accredited professionals. Schools, government offices, hospitals, and shopping centres are among the places most commonly inspected for asbestos.
The effects of asbestos can accumulate over years, which is why it was used for so long before the link was made between asbestos and the health hazards it caused. Some of the associated illnesses are lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pleural thickening, all of which can be critical or even fatal if left untreated. It is therefore important for businesses to have their offices inspected as soon as possible to avoid widespread risks to employees.
Asbestos removal is typically performed in commercial buildings where workers are potentially exposed to the material for long periods. Because its primary purpose is insulation, asbestos tends to be present inside building structures such as walls, roofing, and floor panels. It also exists in some spray-coated materials used in pipes and columns as a fire-proofing layer. Wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms may also have asbestos-containing material in wall and ceiling panels. Other potential places are eaves and gutters, door and window paneling, panels under heaters and lift shafts, and textured paints and coatings used on walls, vinyl floors, and countertops.
Commercial asbestos removal in Sydney NSW is carried out by specialized laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). These companies can either ask for samples from parts of the building that are most likely to contain asbestos, or visit the building and perform an on-site inspection. In any case, if asbestos is found, the company is informed of the next steps to take. Often, the level of asbestos is not dangerous, or the fibres are not likely to be released and inhaled. In such cases, the material does not need to be removed. Sometimes, however, a building will contain enough asbestos to pose a health risk to its occupants, and the asbestos-containing material will need to be replaced. If the building is undergoing renovation, any asbestos fibres will also be released, in which case the authorities should be informed as well.
Asbestos levels in most buildings are down to a safe level in the years since inspections began. However, the risks remain especially in high-traffic buildings. If you conduct business in an office building, commercial asbestos removal in Sydney NSW is more than just a good investment—it is vital to ensuring a safe work environment.