Thread: Removing Asbestos

Hi Aaron, hope you are well.

Your question re asbestos removal is probably better asked on our sister forum, the Renovators forum, there is a link on the front page here.

Originally Posted by azzrock

hi every one. my bathroom has a pink fiber sheet tile backing im guessing its asbestos.
because its a 70's house.
could someone please suggest a safe method of removing this sheeting. i was thinking of wetting it down and prying it of the wall. placing it in plastic bags and then cleaning the bathroom. as well as wearing some disposable clothes and dust mask.
is this crazy?
aaron

What you're suggesting might be safer but might not be safe.
If it is asbestos there is still the problem of disposal.
For peace of mind and everyone's health call in an expert.
Cheers,
Jim

I'm still amazed that anyone would even consider removing asbestos themselves with all the information about it and what it can do to you. There are also legal requirements regarding its disposal where I'm pretty sure the bags are to be labelled as containing asbestos and it's to be double bagged as well. Answer is simple for me, find out if it is asbestos and if it is call in professionals.

Originally Posted by Big Shed

Hi Aaron, hope you are well.

Your question re asbestos removal is probably better asked on our sister forum, the Renovators forum, there is a link on the front page here.

hi fred how have you been thanks for the tip. sometimes i feel a bit slack joining a forum a and hitting them up for answers to my questions. i will have a look.
just wondering how may posts do you read a day.
any way have a great weekend
aaron

hi guys. i just have a feeling they will just send a young laborer around to do
just what im going to do. I think you guys are on the money but i like dealing with my
problems
aaron

Originally Posted by corbs

I'm still amazed that anyone would even consider removing asbestos themselves with all the information about it and what it can do to you. There are also legal requirements regarding its disposal where I'm pretty sure the bags are to be labelled as containing asbestos and it's to be double bagged as well. Answer is simple for me, find out if it is asbestos and if it is call in professionals.

find out how?

Originally Posted by corbs

I'm still amazed that anyone would even consider removing asbestos themselves with all the information about it and what it can do to you. There are also legal requirements regarding its disposal where I'm pretty sure the bags are to be labelled as containing asbestos and it's to be double bagged as well. Answer is simple for me, find out if it is asbestos and if it is call in professionals.

Aaron,
People have died from breathing that stuff. It breaks up into particles so fine that they will float in the air and you cannot see them. That means they will spread throughout the entire house. Even a small amount will enter your lungs and stay there forever . Even one small particle in your lungs can cause a cancer that will kill you in a year or two. \Don't let your sense of Macho cause you to do something stupid,
Regards
Joe
PS:
I've been trained as a professional in handling that stuff.

hi joe thanks for your reply. i understand the danger. thanks for your advise. how much do you think it would cost to remove. say square meters of he stuff. how would you know if it is asbestos.
aaron

A quick search of google found this and this. The first says how to take a sample and the second says get someone else to do it

Yellowpages will probably give you some contacts too.

Take note of what Corbs has said!!!!

ok thanks

$36 to $40 a square metre is about what you would expect to pay.

Cheers

While removing asbestos is risky -no argument there- the more info you have, the smarter decision you can make.

Here are a few thoughts for you to consider:

There is the option of leaving the existing sheeting in place and sealing/covering it.
My bathroom has large areas of tiles stuck on to (probably) asbestos -cement sheet. The shower needs renovating, so I am planning to attach a new waterproof lining of Corian over the existing tiles in the shower area only. Replacing the taps might expose some edges of asbestos, so wetting down and taking all safety precautions would be needed.
Does this option suit your project?

There are many, many homes with asbestos in walls, eave linings, floor coverings etc. The advice usually given is to coat it with a sealer but otherwise leave it undisturbed if possible.

You should get a quote from a reputable company for prof.removal, to be sure that they will not only protect themselves, but leave your home safe after the job.

To dispose of asbestos yourself, you must wrap it with thick plastic, in liftable bundles, Tape all joins with duct tape. Than wrap and tape again with a second layer. You must then take it to a licensed disposal site. There are only 2 in Melbourne, at Bulla and Wollert, near Epping. From memory the cost is $60 for up to 500kg.

If you Google asbestos you will get some useful info.

You can buy disposable overalls and asbestos respirators at hardware outlets.

If you remove asbestos yourself you will need a method of ensuring that you don't spread particles through your home.

Rob

ive been thinking about this for the last few day wondering how muck my 2 or3 square meters will cost to remove. ive been in and out of a fair few boiler rooms in the past maybe the damage is all ready done.