Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are made up of fine, durable fibres. These fibres are resistant to heat, fire, and chemical damage, and this combination of properties made asbestos a favourable and widely used construction material across many industrial and commercial buildings in the 20th century.
Due to the strength and fire-resistant properties of asbestos, the mineral was commonly incorporated into roofing materials, insulation, ceiling tiles, and much more. As a result, many commercial and industrial facilities constructed before the 1990s still contain asbestos-based materials in their structure.
Whilst asbestos is stable when intact, research has shown that it can become hazardous when damaged, disturbed, or begins to deteriorate with age. This is what makes asbestos so dangerous. When the materials break down, they release microscopic fibres into the air which can be inhaled and accumulate in the lungs, leading to severe health risks.
In commercial and industrial settings, asbestos exposure can endanger the health of employees and the nearby communities. When lodged in the lungs, asbestos fibres can cause a range of serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
One key concern for commercial and industrial facilities is the potential for asbestos to deteriorate over time. This means that older roofs in industrial facilities are at a higher risk, especially roofs in areas that are exposed to harsh weather conditions, weather damage, or even structural stress. In addition to this, asbestos poses an occupational hazard for workers and facility staff, particularly when building renovations, demolitions, or roof repairs may disturb asbestos fibres.
In commercial and industrial facilities, the risks associated with asbestos require proactive management, including regular inspections and asbestos roof replacements, to ensure both the safety of individuals and compliance with health regulations.
In large-scale development sites, asbestos audits and inspections are key steps in identifying asbestos-containing materials. During an audit, certified asbestos assessors will evaluate the building materials and structure, helping to determine the presence, location, and condition of the asbestos.
Regular asbestos inspections can help in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations, protecting employees, and ensuring the safe management of asbestos materials.
Awareness and regulation of asbestos risks have led to strict controls on its usage, handling, and disposal in Australia. This has made the identification and removal of asbestos essential to maintain the safety of workers and compliance across commercial and industrial facilities.
In Australia, strict asbestos roofing regulations outline safe handling, removal, and disposal practices to minimise health risks and environmental impact. In NSW, only licensed professionals are permitted to conduct asbestos removal in commercial or industrial premises, and this helps to ensure safe and compliant operations.
Ensuring compliance with asbestos roofing regulations protects businesses from significant legal and financial liabilities, making adherence to these standards critical for safe operation.
Replacing an asbestos roof with modern, non-hazardous materials not only eliminates severe health risks, but also helps to future-proof your structure, and enhance the energy efficiency of your facility.
At Element Metal Roofing, we specialise in asbestos roof replacement for large-scale development sites, ensuring safe and compliant asbestos removal. Visit our services page for more information, or get in touch with our team to get a quote today.
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