Thinking about removing your asbestos siding by yourself? It’s not recommended. For starters, it’s a very difficult job but, more importantly, if you disturb the asbestos surface there’s a good chance of releasing asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres are extremely dangerous and if breathed in or swallowed can result in diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers. Not pretty. But if you are determined to give it a go, here what you should know for safe asbestos siding removal:-
To Remove the Siding
a. Remove pieces of the siding by pulling or cutting the nail heads while trying to minimise any breakage. If necessary, very carefully lift the siding pieces with a pry tool to expose large nail heads. At all times try not to disturb the asbestos surface. If you do disturb the surface immediately wet the area with a water sprayer (do not use a high-pressure jet).
b. Wet the back of each piece of siding as it is removed. This will help minimise the release of asbestos fibres into the air.
c. Carefully lower each piece on to a piece of plastic sheeting on the ground. Do not throw or drop it. Do not rub asbestos pieces against each other. Keep all siding pieces on the sheet at the base of the wall.
d. Continue to spray the removed siding while you work to ensure no asbestos fibres are released.
To Clean Up
a. Because asbestos siding has sharp and pointed edges that can puncture plastic, it is important that you place any waste into sturdy containers. This could be either boxes or burlap sacks.
If you choose cardboard boxes, be sure to line each box with 6mm polyethylene plastic sheeting and allow enough excess to cover the top of the waste. Once you have filled the box wrap it in plastic and seal with strong adhesive tape. Mark it was an asbestos warning sticker.
If you choose burlap bags then double-bag in 6mm asbestos waste disposal bags. Twist the top of each bag, bend over and seal with strong adhesive tape.
b. To remove the plastic along the wall that held your asbestos siding, re-wet any leftover debris then roll the sheeting up, working towards the exit of the work area.
The Law
In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to remove asbestos siding from your home without employing a certified asbestos removal professional. These guys are fully trained and educated in the safe removal of asbestos and it is recommend you employ one regardless of whether it is required by law.
It is also important that you do not reuse old asbestos sheeting because the material is not safe. It has been found that even short-term exposure to asbestos can result in serious illness. In some jurisdictions it is illegal to reuse asbestos siding.
