Asbestos Removal Services
ATR are WorkCover licensed for bonded asbestos demolition & disposal. This license is incorporated as part of our demolition license (203842DE2) & allows us to remove any quantity of bonded asbestos from domestic, building or commercial sites. ATR can provide an air-monitoring & clearance certificate to guarantee that all asbestos has been removed from your work site or home.
The safe & proper removal of asbestos cannot be understated. The risks associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres are great & the symptoms can take many years to become evident. Your choice of contractor can be the most important decision you make for your project.
- 1. What should I look for when choosing an asbestos contractor?
- 2. Why use ATR to remove my asbestos?
- 3. How does ATR operate?
- 4. Information about asbestos.
- 5. Links.
- 6. Asbestos Removal Form.
1. What should I look for when choosing an asbestos contractor?
Check that they are accredited to remove asbestos. If there is more than 10m2 of asbestos to be removed the contractor must be licensed by WorkCover.- Ensure that the contractor has the appropriate insurances. Public Liability & Workers Compensation.
- Ask where your asbestos is going to be taken for disposal & for a receipt to prove it was taken to a legal tipping facility. The disposal of this material is regulated to ensure it is not illegally dumped. Illegally dumped asbestos is a community health risk. Its in every ones interest to ensure it is properly disposed.
- Ask for references. This is a great way to check on previous work done & the level of satisfaction their past clients experienced.
- Are they serious about OH&S? All contractors are required to supply a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) stating how they propose to safely carry out the work. This should include control measures to ensure asbestos fibres aren't released during demolition. At no time should asbestos be dropped, broken up or cut with power tools. This damages the bonding matrix & releases the asbestos fibres. (See Information about asbestos section provided on this page).
- Check with The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to see if any complaints have been made against the contractor. (See the Links section provided on this page).
2. Why use ATR to remove my asbestos?
- ATR has fully trained & TAFE accredited asbestos removal specialists.
- We are licensed to demolish your structure & safely package all your asbestos materials for proper disposal to licensed waste management facilities- validation will be provided if requested.
- We follow National Occupational Health & Safety Committee (NOHSC) codes of practice & guidance information & AS2601 at all times.
- We regularly supply ongoing training to all staff & contractors.
- We have a $20 million public liability policy that includes asbestos removal.
- We use an accredited occupational hygienist for all air monitoring & clearance certificates.
- Flexible labour force to suit restricted access or weekends.
- Free quotes on all work.
- Competitive prices.
- Many years of experience removing asbestos in varied environments.
- We are able to handle most asbestos related projects.
- We offer past project references for any prospective clients to contact.
- Client, staff & the general public's safety is our number one priority.
3. How does ATR operate?
Free written quotes are provided prior to any client wishing to use our service. This can be obtained by emailing or phoning the office with your request & can usually be done within 24 hours.
If you are happy to proceed with the job we must provide 7 days notice to WorkCover of the impending job, unless the project is smaller than 10m2. We notify neighbouring properties, as a courtesy to avoid any unwarranted alarm.
Prior to commencement of works ATR will provide a copy of a safe work method statement & all relevant licenses & insurances. This details the proposed technique we are going to use to safely demolish and remove the asbestos.
Appropriate signage warning staff & public that asbestos removal is taking place will be displayed at every entry or exit point to ensure that the only people exposed to the asbestos are our fully trained professionals.
On completion, we ensure that all asbestos is bonded, removed & properly wrapped or bagged ready for disposal. HEPA vacuuming is also done on all internal work.
4. Information About Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
The National Occupational Health & Safety Committee (NOHSC) describes asbestos in its guide as 'the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups of rock forming minerals. It was mined & used extensively in structures from the 1950's up until the early 80's due to its heat resistance, durability and versatility of use.
What are the dangers of being exposed to Asbestos?
Significant health risks may arise from the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres, and their passage into the lungs. Inhalation of high concentrations of asbestos may result in asbestosis, a progressive scarring of the lung tissue. Further development of scar tissue (fibrosis) may occur after the cessation of exposure. Also, there are two main cancers associated with the inhalation of asbestos; these are lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Can I remove Asbestos?
No. Under no circumstances should anyone not accredited or trained remove asbestos. Any person handling asbestos needs to have undertaken TAFE training & any company removing asbestos over 10m2 needs to be licensed. It is against WorkCover regulations to demolish or remove asbestos without this training. Asbestos is at its most dangerous when it becomes airborne and such actions could lead to very serious health risks for the person/s involved and the wider public.
5. Links
You can contact our office on (02) 9318 1833 or via email steve@ator.com.au or any of the following links below to government & professional organisations.
- Australian Safety & Compensation Council
- Asbestos Removal Contractors Association
- GETEX (air hygienists)