Treading Carefully: Asbestos Roof Removal Requires These 3 Special Precautions

Due to their toxic nature, asbestos must always be handled with utmost care. This substance has been classified as a carcinogen, and for that reason, it’s advisable to be cautious when you are around these items. When in perfect condition, asbestos does not present any risk, but when damaged or worn, they become hazardous and could cause health complications due to their fibers which are airborne. It is possible for any individual within the vicinity of damaged asbestos to inhale the toxic fibers which then embed in the chest area. Later, those exposed to asbestos may end up suffering from mesothelioma, which is a disease that arises due to a person’s exposure to this product. When removing the old asbestos roof, you need to take the necessary precautions to avoid any complications. 

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Hire a Professional

If you want to remove your old, damaged asbestos roof, it is advisable to first seek the assistance of professionals. Although the use of this substance mostly ended in the eighties, there are some houses that still have asbestos shingles, flooring, roofing, among other items. During removal or demolition, it is important to be very careful to avoid coming into direct contact with asbestos or inhaling its fibers.  If you are a DIY enthusiast, you should never attempt to manipulate the asbestos on your own. A licensed professional should be appointed to do the work instead. Asbestos abatement experts know when and how this product should be removed and have the ability to dispose them properly. 

Garbage Bags

If you have no option but to remove asbestos on your own, make sure you are extra careful. Wet the roofing materials that you’ll be handling using water from the bottle in your emergency kit. While wearing personal protective gear, carefully remove your roof and place the materials in a plastic or garbage bag, then seal it completely. Clearly mark these bags using a permanent marker and dispose them in the designated landfill. Before you can do that, make sure you contact the local authorities and let them know that you are disposing of waste materials containing asbestos. 

Consider Your Neighbor

Before you can begin removing asbestos, you need to make sure your neighbors are protected as well. Under the Health Act 1958, any nuisances that could be dangerous or offensive could be analyzed or investigated by health officials within the local council. Any work that has to do with asbestos needs to be investigated and appropriate precautions taken to avoid injuring or harming other people. If you are concerned that someone is removing asbestos without taking the necessary precautions, you can contact your local council or any other relevant authorities. 

If you happened to have been exposed to asbestos to the extent of suffering from mesothelioma, you can always contact the best attorney for asbestos exposure to help you seek compensation. If your loved one has died as a result of this horrible illness, you have twelve months from the time of death to file a claim for wrongful death. An experienced attorney will be in a position to help you during these kinds of situations.