Do you know if you have Asbestos or Not going into your Skip Bin?

To Keep Asbestos out of your skip bins you just need to know is it Asbestos or Not?

 Asbestos is a deadly material and you should take care that you do not endanger yourself, your family, friends or anyone else by mishandling it or treating it as non-hazardous. 

If you’re planning a renovation, particularly a kitchen or bathroom renovation, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential presence of asbestos in your home. Asbestos was widely used as a building materials until its ban in Australia in the 1980s due to health risks. Knowing whether asbestos is lurking in your property can save you from costly, hazardous surprises. Here we’ll discuss the potential sources of asbestos in your home, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Should you discover asbestos in you home we will give you a few ideas what you can do with it.

Could there be Asbestos Present in Your House?

There are several red flags that might indicate the presence of asbestos in your house. Homes built before the mid-1980s present a higher risk as asbestos was regularly used in a number areas. Look for:

• Do you have weatherboard (asbestos clad) houses around your home? Just because you home is brick veneer doesn't mean that you house was never clad with asbestos originally. If you have neighbours who have weatherboard home of asbestos cladding then there is a good chance your home may asbestos in it unless the house was fully demolished and totally replaced. And even the house was replace some people didn't disposed of properly and asbestos was buried in the garden or used as an aggregate underneath drives.  The range of building materials using asbestos was is quite surprising. Asbestos was frequently used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and wall cladding materials. So where your home features textured ceilings, old vinyl flooring, or fluffy insulation, they might contain asbestos.
• Don't let previous renovations give you a false sense of security: Even if your home has undergone renovations, there is still a chance that any original materials were left intact under the finish. Check for remnants that could potentially pose a risk during rubbish removal.

When you’re hiring a skip bin for renovation debris, ensure you know what materials you’re throwing away before you organise the delivery of the bin. Complacency could lead to hazardous situations where you disturb the asbestos when removing wall claddings or ceilings.
 

Suspect there might be Asbestos in the Bathroom

Bathrooms often have hidden asbestos materials lurking behind the walls.  Here are a couple of reasons to be cautious:

• New and old tiles easily hide what is behind them. Asbestos sheets are good for damp or wet areas. plasterboard or gyprock looses its strength when wet of damp hence the appeal of the asbestos as it can withstand the damp without loosing its strength.   Also many older bathrooms featured vinyl tiles or adhesive products that contain asbestos. If you have floor tiles with a mastic that feels brittle or crumbly, this may be a red flag. 
• Asbestos is a good insulation material so it could be found in lagging for insulated pipes or ducts, especially those installed before the 1980s, there's a chance they could contain asbestos fibers.

Understanding these concerns can help you take appropriate precautions when disposing of materials in your skip bin.

Reasons to Suspect Asbestos is Present in the Kitchen

Kitchens are also hotspots for asbestos. Consider the following items:

• Backer Board**: If your kitchen has old backing boards under countertops or behind tiles, they may consist of asbestos-containing materials. 
• Old Stove or Oven Insulation**: Certain stoves and ovens, particularly those manufactured before 1980, may have insulation that contains asbestos.

When undertaking a kitchen renovation, it’s essential to assess these areas carefully. If you suspect any materials may contain asbestos, it’s wise to consult professionals for testing before proceeding.
 

What to Do If You Discover Asbestos

Don't panic, just take care to minimise the risk of creating airborne fibres. Yes, if you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, don’t panic! Just take steps to minimise the risk to you and your family:

1. Do Not Disturb the asbestos unnecessarily. Avoid touching or disturbing the asbestos, as this can release harmful fibers into the air.
2. If you don't understand the risks rely on Professionals or get properly educated.: Consult a licensed asbestos inspector or remediation service. They can conduct proper testing and provide guidance on safe removal processes.
3. Plan Your Rubbish Removal Wisely and know what waste you have before you start filling your bin. Mixing asbestos with other waste is an expensive way to get rid of it and it will annoy your supplier. If you are unsure about material and whether it contains asbestos as your waste provider (don't rely on builders or other trades to advise you on asbestos as they are not necessarily qualified). Usually you are better to be advised by rubbish removal companies specializing in handling hazardous materials and who will have licences and protocols in place to ensure safety.

Finally, being aware of asbestos in your house, bathroom, or kitchen is vital for keeping your renovation projects safe. Identifying potential sources and taking the right steps will keep you safe. Manage any asbestos risks and enjoy your newly renovated space for a long time to come.