Asbestos

Widely used in thousands of common products from the 1940s until the late 1980s, asbestos is today well known for its potentially fatal health effects including lung cancer. It is therefore banned and its' removal and disposal is highly regulated.

Under the law, asbestos-containing materials (ACM's) are divided into two types: bonded asbestos-containing material (bonded asbestos) which contains a bonding compound reinforced with asbestos fibres; or friable asbestos-containing material (friable asbestos) which is unbonded and may be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure.

Bonded asbestos can be found in products such as asbestos cement sheeting commonly used in building materials between 1940s to the late 1980s. From July 1, 2006, removal of 10m2 or more of bonded asbestos can only be done by a holder of a 'B' class licence.

Friable asbestos is commonly found in sprayed-on fireproofing/soundproofing/thermal insulation, acoustic plaster soundproofing, and thermal insulation (not sprayed on). By law, since July 1, 2006, friable asbestos can only be removed by a holder of an 'A' class licence or a current certificate.

Down to Earth Demolitions hold a Prescribed Activity for Asbestos, and are therefore qualified to perform the full range of asbestos removal. Supervisors hold 'A' class licences while all other demolition staff hold 'B' licences. Our highly trained workforce can perform any sized asbestos removal, involving all types of asbestos, and safely and securely dispose of the asbestos.

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