With New Zealand being a nation of DIY lovers, if you’re accustomed to removing so many other materials from a building, should you remove asbestos yourself?
Our answer is… no, you shouldn’t. This is despite it being legal in New Zealand to do so, subject to certain conditions.
So, you’re itching to save some money by removing that Artex ceiling, asbestos-cement roof, or insulation lagging yourself, instead of calling a professional.
Here are three reasons why you really shouldn’t do that.
1. Asbestos Is Extremely Dangerous
If you aren’t skilled and experienced in asbestos removal, it can be extremely easy for you to disturb the material in a way that causes loose asbestos fibres to be released into the air.
You might then inadvertently swallow or breathe in these fibres. This could heighten the risk of you developing a potentially fatal asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, many years later.
2. You Won’t Have the Specialist Equipment
Asbestos removal isn’t a task where you can simply put on a rudimentary dust mask, and then get on with the job.
Indeed, asbestos removal professionals typically use particle respirators with P3 filters, airline respirators, and self-contained breathing equipment. This is before we even mention overalls that are approved for use in asbestos removal situations, and disposable boot covers.
As a DIYer, you won’t possess such wide-ranging and sophisticated equipment to ensure you are adequately protected during asbestos removal.
3. You Might Not Be Legally Entitled to Remove Asbestos Yourself
Many DIYers don’t know the difference between licensed and unlicensed asbestos work in New Zealand.
A competent person who doesn’t hold a licence is allowed to remove up to 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ACM (accumulatively over a whole project) and the associated asbestos-contaminated dust or debris (ACD). They will also be permitted to remove minor amounts of ACD, not associated with the removal of friable or non-friable asbestos.
In situations where these conditions are not met, a licence will be needed.
If you are unsure whether your intended asbestos removal job will comply with these conditions, this is another reason to leave such a specialised task to the experts.
You can do exactly that, by calling Union Demolition on 0121 544 905 today. You are also welcome to email us to request an asbestos removal quote.
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