Asbestos: What Is, Dangers & Safe Removal

By Author: Samantha Dale
Total Articles: 610
Comment this article

Asbestos, which is taken from the Greek language for “not quenchable”, is the name given to a group of 6 fibrous mineral silicates found naturally in many parts of the world, which is formed over millions of years by crystallisation under the influence of volcanic explosion. The basic six types fall into two classes of asbestos minerals and they are as follows

i.) SERPENTINE

The serpentine class is where the polymeric form is an extended sheet, wrapped around itself that is usually curved (serpentine). The only member of this group is Chrysotile, which is more commonly known as white asbestos. This asbestos type is a magnesia based silicate.

ii.) AMPHIBOLE

The amphibole class consists of a polymeric structure of the silicates silicon-oxygen bonds forming long, thin straight fibres. This asbestos type is an iron based silicate.

Members of this group are:-

(a) Amosite, commonly known as Brown asbestos
(b) Crocidolite, commonly known as Blue asbestos
(c) Anthophyllite
(d) Tremolite
(e) Actinolite

Chrysotile (white), Amosite (brown) and Crocidolite ...
... (blue) asbestos was widely used within the UK for various applications within the construction or refurbishment of offices, factories and even domestic premises. As well as being used within the fabric of a building or plant therein (boilers etc); it was also used within services and consumer goods.

The main usage or purpose of asbestos has been for thermal and acoustic insulation,fire resistance and as a fibrous strengthening agent within other products. It is quite often mixed with other materials to act as a matrix, but also can be encountered in “raw” form as a sprayed coating (limpet/flock).

The latter is usually blue or brown asbestos and used as fire protection on steelwork and concrete.

As part of a bonded product it is not usually hazardous unless damaged, interfered with, worked upon or manipulated in some way, whereupon asbestos fibres may be released into the atmosphere.

Safe asbestos removal practices:

* You must not cut, grind or break asbestos sheeting

* Appropriate protective equipment needs to be used, eg Australian Standards Protection Level 2 (P2) minimum half face disposable mask, disposable coveralls, protective gloves, goggles, steel cap boots

* Asbestos sheets needs to be removed with minimal breakage and must be kept wet to limit the release of fibres

* Asbestos needs to be doubled wrapped in builders plastic 200um thick

* Asbestos needs to be disposed of at a licensed disposal landfill or transfer station, WSN Environmental Solutions have several sites that accept asbestos

* Asbestos removal should not take place on windy days

Asbestos removal sydney licensed contractor, providing safe & reliable services, house roof & walls, garages, sheds, walls, ceilings, laundry & bathrooms etc. Free quotes for Asbestos removal call us on 0405 610 006.http://www.sydneycityasbestos.com