Cutting asbestos without too much dust
G'day all, i'm about to install a doorway in a fibro wall which i suspect contains asbestos (property is a Queenslander type about 50 years old).
To cut the doorway in, i'll have to cut out 2 door sized sections of the board (either side of wall). I was told to do this with an angle grinder (diamond blade) but i reckon it's gonna cause a lotta dust.
Can anyone comment on which is the best way to go about this? Should i use the angle grinder (wear mask etc) or is there a better way to do it without causing so much dust?
PS: excellent forum, so glad i found it :)
Encourage removal ... don't cut
Kram,
as others have said, please don't cut the sheet with power tools .. dust everywhere, fibres released --> potential BAD news some day!
I'd follow the advice given .. remove the whole sheet(s) and reclad with equivalent sheeting. Removal ideally should leave a spotless area but I've heard horrible stories so even if you get in the professionals make sure the site is clean afterwards. If not, keep the family out until it is and use non-dust creating methods of cleaning. (beware of the family vac) dispose of cleanings appropriately.
Also, seal off the work area prior to starting.
From my perspective asbestos in cement sheet is tolerable ONLY as long as it is trapped in the sheet. Once it starts to get out (dust, abrasion, etc ...) then get out of there until it is gone! If you have kids, then be even more paranoid.
If you're over 50, then probably OK to DIY with precautions as the disease takes 30-40 years to show up --- depends on your life expectancy!
Anyone know why it is young blokes doing removal work?? seems crazy from a health point of view!