Asbestos damage following a cyclone
Cyclone Sean has left a trail of destruction across the North West of Western Australia, impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
While the storm itself has caused immediate chaos, there’s another pressing issue many property owners in the region may face in the aftermath: potential damage to asbestos-containing buildings. Asbestos, which was once commonly used in building materials, is now recognised as a serious health risk. If your property has been damaged by Cyclone Sean, it’s essential to assess whether asbestos remediation is needed to protect both the structure and the health of those who use it.
Understanding the Risks: How Cyclone Sean Could Affect Asbestos Buildings
Cyclones like Sean can cause significant damage to buildings, particularly older structures that may still contain asbestos. From roof damage to collapsing walls and broken ceilings, the force of the wind and heavy rains can disrupt materials that contain asbestos fibers. This creates an immediate concern for property owners, as disturbed asbestos can be hazardous if the fibres are released into the air and inhaled.
Asbestos is not only a problem when it’s intact but becomes a major health hazard when it’s broken, damaged, or exposed. When disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled, potentially leading to serious lung diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or even lung cancer.
Why Asbestos Remediation is Crucial After Cyclones
After a cyclone, property owners in North West WA should take the following steps to assess whether asbestos remediation is necessary:
Inspect Damage to Older Buildings: Older buildings (especially those built before the 1980s) are more likely to contain asbestos in various building materials, such as roofing, insulation, flooring, and walls. After a cyclone, these materials could be cracked, torn, or otherwise compromised, releasing asbestos fibres into the environment.
Ensure Professional Inspection and Testing: It’s vital that an experienced asbestos professional assess the extent of any damage to your building. Trying to inspect or repair damaged asbestos-containing materials on your own can be extremely dangerous, as improper handling can release harmful fibers into the air.
Comply with Legal and Safety Requirements: Asbestos removal and remediation are highly regulated. In the wake of Cyclone Sean, it’s important to make sure that all asbestos work is conducted in accordance with strict health and safety guidelines. A licensed asbestos remediation company, like North West Asbestos & Demolition Solutions, can ensure that your property is properly assessed, tested, and, if necessary, remediated.
Secure the Property to Prevent Further Exposure: If asbestos materials are discovered to be damaged, the property should be sealed off immediately to prevent exposure to hazardous fibres. This may involve setting up barriers or warning signs to restrict access to affected areas until remediation is completed.
How North West Asbestos & Demolition Solutions Can Help
At North West Asbestos & Demolition Solutions, we understand the unique challenges that come with asbestos remediation in North West WA, particularly after a cyclone. With years of experience in handling asbestos safely, we provide comprehensive services that include:
Asbestos Inspections & Testing: We will assess your property for asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and provide you with a full report on the condition of your building.
Asbestos Removal & Remediation: Our team is trained and licensed to safely remove and dispose of asbestos materials according to the highest safety standards.
Demolition Services: If your building is beyond repair due to cyclone damage, we offer professional demolition services, including safe removal of asbestos, so you can rebuild safely.
Site Clearance: Once asbestos removal is complete, we’ll ensure the site is cleared and certified for further work to commence if necessary.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Be Proactive
Cyclone Sean has brought significant challenges to the North West region, but it’s crucial not to overlook the potential dangers that asbestos damage poses in the aftermath. If your building contains asbestos and has been affected by the storm, don’t wait to address the issue. Protect yourself, your family, and your community by working with certified asbestos professionals to ensure safe and effective remediation.
At North West Asbestos & Demolition Solutions, we are committed to helping you restore your property safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about how we can assist with your asbestos remediation needs.
Stay safe, stay protected, and let us take care of the rest - call 0410 263 464 or email us at info@northwestasbestos.com.au