How to Protect Yourself from Hazards Caused by Asbestos in Homes: A Guide for DIY-ers
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with heat-resistant properties, once widely used in construction for its durability and fireproofing qualities. There are six types of asbestos, each with unique properties. The most common are Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown), and Crocidolite (blue). Less common forms include tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite. Despite their differences, all types are hazardous when disturbed. Asbestos is dangerous because when disturbed or damaged its tiny fibres can be released into the air and breathed in. Once in the lungs, the asbestos fibres remain which can lead to the development of Asbestos related diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—often decades later.
Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand during the mid-20th century, predominantly in building materials, for example, roofing, pipes, and insulation. Its use peaked in the 1970s but declined as awareness of health risks grew, eventually leading to a ban on imports and finally banned in 2016. Asbestos has been used in over 3000 different products so identifying asbestos containing materials is crucial to prevent exposure. In New Zealand, asbestos was commonly used in homes, schools, and workplaces, in fact many buildings are likely to be contain asbestos, especially if built before the year 2000. Asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) can be hidden underneath other surfaces, for example in walls, ceilings, roofing, flooring, and even electrical switchboards. ACM’s are common in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, and some older homes even have asbestos insulating products to pipework and also as loft insulation!
Some ACM’s are more dangerous than others depending on their friability. Asbestos exposure risk is highest when asbestos materials are broken, damaged, or disturbed (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Common locations of ACM’s found in a home or workplace in order from highest to lower risk (This list is not exhaustive)
Once identified, safe management, handling and disposal are essential to protect public health and the environment. ACM’s are categorised as either Class A or Class B. Class A ACM’s are friable, these can be crumbled easily, break apart and can release fibres. Class B ACM’s are non-friable (so are often encased in cement or another binding material i.e. in a matrix), but over time, weathered or damaged Class B ACM’s can deteriorate and release fibres, so it is always best to consult a reputable Asbestos consultant and a Licensed Asbestos Removalist (LAR) prior to asbestos removal works. Class A ACM’s should only be removed by a LAR, whereas Class B ACM’s can be removed by someone other than a LAR, if the extent is less than 10 m2. However, it is still recommended to have a LAR involved, even for small amounts of ACM. Please see Figure 2 below:
Figure 2: A guide for safe removal and disposal of ACM’s
What you should be aware of if you decide to remove (up to 10m2) Class B asbestos yourself?
The following precautions need to be taken to ensure you reduce the risk from working with asbestos:
PLAN AHEAD – Prepare all your Asbestos RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) , PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and removal equipment before you start.
DRESS SAFELY – Wear old clothes under Type 5/6 Category 3 disposable coveralls. Clothes must be disposed of after use.
PROTECT YOURSELF – Always wear the right PPE and RPE. Quantitative Face fitted RPE with P3 filters will give you the best protection. Note: Where required, you must be clean shaven for maximum RPE protection.
CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS – Keep electrical hazards out of the work area.
PREPARE YOUR SPACE – Set up all tools and equipment before beginning.
CONTAIN THE AREA – Lay down 200-micron polythene sheets to catch dust and debris.
KEEP IT WET – Lightly mist ACM’s with water and detergent or a PVA solution (1-part PVA to 5 parts water) to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
USE A LOW-PRESSURE SPRAY – A spray bottle or garden hose with a mist setting works well.
STAY ON TOP OF IT – Keep materials damp while working—if you can see asbestos, wet it.
LIMIT EXPOSURE – Keep unnecessary people out of the work area.
CLEAN UP THOROUGHLY – Decontaminate yourself, the worksite, and tools when finished. All asbestos waste should be double bagged in 200-micron polythene asbestos waste bags.
SAFELY DISPOSE ASBESTOS AND CONTAMINATED MATERIAL- Find a legitimate asbestos disposal provider to collect the waste.
Who to contact:
If you think you have accidently disturbed asbestos, please contact a reputable Asbestos consultant from the FAMANZ register: www.famanz.org
WorkSafe NZ
Licensed Asbestos Removal contractor register here:
https://services.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-removalist-public-register/
Independent Licensed Asbestos Assessor register here:
https://services.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-assessor-public-register/
If you are seeking asbestos advice or an Asbestos Surveyor, please contact Faculty of Asbestos Management Australia and New Zealand (FAMANZ) www.famanz.org
Asbestos removal / Demolition Info: New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA) www.nzdaa.com.
If you think you have been affected or know someone with an asbestos related disease, contact the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust www.msaatrust.org.nz
If you have any questions for the team that you would like answered in this column, please contact us.