What Exactly Is Asbestos and Why Is It Harmful To Us?

You might have been attracted to the construction industry because it’s highly lucrative, and that means there’s ample opportunity to climb the ladder and end up earning a high-paying position. However, though you knew the job would be tough, you might not have been aware of the many dangers involved. Of course, thanks to modern technology and advanced equipment, accidents in the construction industry are few and far between. However, you still need to do everything within your power to make sure your work environment is safe for yourself and those working under your guidance.

What Exactly Is Asbestos and Why Is It Harmful To Us?

You’ve probably heard of a chemical called asbestos because it was talked about in the news quite a lot relatively recently. Asbestos used to be commonly used in the likes of pipes, walls and ceilings because it’s heat resistant and stable, but that was before we knew how hazardous it can be for our health.

Asbestos is now considered to be a carcinogen because it has been linked to various deadly diseases, the worst of which include lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, it’s the microscopic fibres that result in such diseases when inhaled, meaning it’s very difficult to detect without the use of advanced equipment.

If the building you are currently renovating or demolishing was built before the 1980s, it’s highly likely that asbestos is present if it hasn’t already been cleared. Asbestos testing and management should only be carried out by independent professionals if you want to be sure that your work environment is hazard-free.

It’s a good idea to look into asbestos management plans from SERS, a company that has extensive experience and a well-earned reputation for excellence. Of course, there are other companies you can choose from, but you must make sure they’re licensed to test for asbestos if you want to comply with Australian law.

Creating a Hazard-Free Work Environment

Of course, you can never eliminate every hazard in a building site, but you need to make sure there is no asbestos present. Here are a few reasons as to why asbestos inspections are so important.

  • It’s your duty to keep your employees safe – Your employees trust you with their well-being while at work, so the least you can do is ensure they’re not exposed to dangerous asbestos.
  • You need to keep yourself safe – While taking care of your employees needs to be your main priority, you also don’t want to end up with a deadly illness as a result of cutting corners.
  • You need to comply with the law – Rules and regulations are created in order to make construction as safe as possible. That’s why many states require you to test for asbestos before getting to work.

Don’t Take Any Risks

There’s no need to expose yourself to asbestos when there are companies that exist to detect and eliminate this dangerous carcinogen. However, if you want to be sure that as much asbestos is eliminated as possible, you should only trust experienced professionals for asbestos sampling.