Asbestos is notorious for its hazardous nature. Once widely popular in construction materials, this substance poses a major threat to human health. The dangerous nature of this substance has led many countries, including Australia, to ban its use. However, some old structures still have this unhealthy material in them.
With years of wear and tear, some buildings start exposing asbestos. Having this material in your workplace could pose a dangerous threat to workers and clients. It is wise to start the inspection and removal of asbestos as early as possible if your office structure is quite old and you suspect it might contain asbestos.
Managing asbestos in your office will help ensure safety for you and everyone around your office. Here, we will explore some points you should ponder when going for asbestos removal and management in your office.
Carry out an asbestos inspection
The first step in managing asbestos in your office space is to determine if it is present. Asbestos inspection is even more necessary when you are carrying out office demolition. Usually, the demolition contractors themselves offer asbestos inspection and removal services. Hire a qualified professional and conduct thorough evaluations across the building.
These professionals can detect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and evaluate their conditions. Even though you are not going for office demolition or stripping, regular asbestos inspections are essential. This is especially true for older buildings because asbestos materials can degrade over time and become more vulnerable to breaking apart and contaminating the environment.
Educate employees and visitors
If your workplace has asbestos, you need to inform and educate your employees about it. Let them know about the risks of asbestos exposure and the safety protocols that prevent it. Train them on how to identify potential ACMs. Tell them to report any damage or deterioration instantly so that removal can be carried out more promptly.
You should also implement effective signage to let people know about infected areas. Clearly label areas with known asbestos-containing materials to prevent accidental disturbances. Make sure you use signage to warn employees, contractors, and your clients or customers about the asbestos presence. This will help reduce the risk of unintentional exposure and damage to such materials.
Plan for emergencies
Planning for emergencies means including asbestos-related processes in your overall workplace safety plan. You need to ensure that all employees know what actions to take and how to handle asbestos-related incidents. This means if your office experiences contamination, they should be prepared to safely evacuate and report any problem immediately.
Conclusion
Managing asbestos in the workplace can be confusing, but it is necessary. Due to its hazardous nature, it requires proper management and disposal. Asbestos removal becomes even more essential when you are carrying out office demolition.
Hiring an asbestos removal expert can be an added expense if your demolition contractor does not provide this service. But if you choose Deft Demo, you don’t have to worry about it. As a prominent demolition contractor in Sydney, we offer comprehensive services that include asbestos identification, removal, and disposal in a safe and regulated manner. If you want to learn more about our services or get a free quote, feel free to contact us today.