Asbestos was once widely used in various building materials, including insulation, floor tiles, and roofing shingles. Although it is now known to be a potent carcinogen, it can still be found in many older homes and buildings. If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, hire a professional removalist to remove and dispose of the material safely. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing an asbestos removalist:
Certification and Training
Asbestos removal is a complex and dangerous job that requires specialised training and certification. Hire a removalist who has received formal training in asbestos removal and holds a valid certificate from a recognised organisation.
Work Experience
Always ask for proof of work experience. This mainly guarantees that the asbestos removalist you hire has a proven track record of safely and effectively removing asbestos from commercial and residential properties.
Insurance
Asbestos removal can be risky, so it is important to choose an insured removalist. An asbestos removal company should carry liability insurance to protect you in case of any accidents or injuries that may occur during the removal process. Ask what the insurance covers; you want to hear things like you're insured against accidental property damage, injuries that occur during the asbestos removal process, and illnesses resulting from asbestos inhalation.
Compliance with Regulations
Asbestos removal is regulated by federal, state, and local laws, so it is important to choose a removalist who is familiar with and compliant with all relevant regulations. You may also be required to go through and understand these regulations to identify compliant companies. You can find this information on the government website; just search for the asbestos code of practice.
Reputation
Which commercial asbestos contractor or residential asbestos removalist did your neighbour use? Did they do a good job? If so, then it makes a lot of sense to get a referral from them. If you're the first to hire asbestos removal services in your area, you may want to check reputable review websites for recommendations of asbestos removalists in your locality.
Pricing
Asbestos removal can be costly, so it's important to get a quotation from multiple removalists before making a decision. Be wary of any company offering a significantly lower price than the competition, as it may indicate a lack of experience or training or have some hidden costs.
If you suspect your building has asbestos, reach out to a company like Lightning Asbestos and Demolition Services.