The Dangers of DIY Chilliwack Asbestos Removal

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Before 1970, manufacturers commonly incorporated asbestos into a variety of household products. Asbestos ensured the longevity and fire resistance of appliances and building materials. However, after asbestos was discovered to be highly toxic, it was quickly eradicated from production. Despite this, there remain several buildings with asbestos-containing materials. If you are the owner of one of these buildings and need Chilliwack asbestos removal, look no further than SWIPE Contracting. You must hire a professional when dealing with toxic materials like asbestos. Otherwise, you could put yourself and others in severe danger. In this article, we are going to discuss why you should never remove asbestos without the help of an expert. Follow along below to learn more.

The Risks of a DIY Asbestos Removal Job

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The most immediate risk associated with a DIY asbestos removal job is to your health. Asbestos is a dangerous natural mineral that releases tiny fibres into the air when disturbed. These fibres are highly toxic and can cause a range of health complications for people and animals. The most common diseases associated with asbestos are lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. All of these illnesses primarily affect the lungs, causing life-threatening effects. Most asbestos-related diseases have no cure and thus could be with you for life. Failing to hire the help of an expert puts you at increased risk of developing one of these illnesses. 

If health risks aren’t enough to scare you away from a DIY job, then consider all of the equipment that you will need to get the job done right. Asbestos removal calls for a little more than some gloves and a dust mask. Most asbestos abatement experts wear particle respirators with P3 filters, airline respirators or other self-contained breathing equipment. They also wear overalls designed for asbestos exposure and disposable shoe coverings. These kinds of personal protective equipment aren’t readily available. As a result, the average homeowner struggles to get the job done safely.

What’s more, is that asbestos removal needs to be disposed of properly. Unlike other household waste, asbestos-containing materials need to be thrown away very meticulously. If they are not wrapped and bagged properly they can cause contamination. This can make hiring an expert far more convenient than doing it yourself. Moreover, certain waste management facilities will not accept asbestos-containing materials. And, in most cases, if they do, you have to let them know in advance of dropping off your waste. This can be incredibly tedious for a homeowner who is trying to complete a renovation. 

How to Choose the Best Chilliwack Asbestos Removal Company?

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Now that we’ve convinced you to hire an expert, here’s some advice on how to select the best contractor for your asbestos removal job. 

Certification and Licensing: Ensure that the company is certified and licensed to perform asbestos removal in your area. Certification demonstrates that the company has met specific training and safety standards. You can find information about a company’s qualifications by searching their name in the provincial business registry. 

Experience: Choose a company with a proven track record in asbestos removal. Experienced companies are more likely to handle the job efficiently. At SWIPE Contracting, we have over 15 years of experience handling asbestos-related jobs. 

Reviews: Check references and online reviews to gauge the company’s reputation. Positive feedback from previous clients is a good indicator of reliable service. You can also verify this via word of mouth. Ask around your local community to see how people’s experience with the company was. 

Insurance: Verify that the company has adequate insurance coverage, including liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects homeowners in case of accidents or damage during the removal process. The last thing you want is to be on the hook for someone else’s mistakes!

Quotes: Obtain detailed written quotes from multiple companies. The estimates should outline the scope of work, including containment, removal, cleanup, and disposal. Be sure to get quotes from at least three companies before making your choice. 

Safety Protocols: Inquire about the company’s safety protocols and procedures. A reputable company should be transparent about the measures they take to protect their workers and clients. This is especially important when dealing with toxic materials like asbestos. 

Contact us Today!

For more information about Chilliwack asbestos removal, contact us today! If you are not sure what services you require for your next project, reach out to one of our experienced team members. We’d be happy to give you a quote on your project and determine what services you’ll need. At SWIPE we have several years of experience dealing with demolition, excavation and asbestos/mould remediation. If you have any questions regarding our services, feel free to reach out. We look forward to working with you in the near future.