Asbestos Switchboard Removal | Asbestos Switchboard Disposal

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once commonly used as an insulation material in floor and ceiling tiles, pipe wraps and electrical switchboards. Unfortunately, when asbestos materials are damaged or tampered with, they release microscopic fibres into the air that can be inhaled over time, leading to the development of severe health issues.

If you suspect there’s an asbestos switchboard on your property, it’s recommended that you get in touch with a qualified electrician who can perform asbestos switchboard testing and removal services. Not doing so could cause your family or employees to be exposed to airborne asbestos fibres that could lead to serious illnesses.

Express Asbestos Solutions is a leading provider of asbestos switchboard removal Melbourne wide. We have a team of certified electrical contractors who are capable of completing any type of asbestos switchboard disposal work in a safe and cautious manner. We comply with all Australian safety standards and will ensure that there’s no leftover asbestos that can possibly harm anyone in the future.

How Asbestos Switchboard Disposal is Performed

There are multiple steps and safety measures that need to be followed when disposing of an asbestos switchboard installation. Every step taken must be done correctly to ensure the asbestos switchboard panel removal work is carried out properly so no airborne asbestos fibres remain.

Site Setup

Express Asbestos Solutions’ team will implement all the necessary risk assessments and safety measures to manage and mitigate any potential safety risks to you or your family or staff. Before commencing our asbestos switchboard testing and removal work, we will:

Block off the worksite with a barricade to prevent access to the area during the asbestos switchboard panel removal
Seal windows and vents in the worksite to make sure that any dust that contains asbestos is completely contained within this area.
Set up a decontamination area.

Safety Measures

There are mandatory safety measures that electrical contractors have to follow when carrying out asbestos switchboard testing and removal work. These include:

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including a P2 rated respirator, disposable masks, disposable gloves, disposable coveralls and other PPE.
Mounting seal vents that keep asbestos-filled dust contained in the worksite so it doesn’t travel to adjacent areas.
Using a specially made high asbestos vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and attachments to capture any dust, chips or other materials that come up when drilling work is carried out by an electrician.

Decontaminating the Worksite

It’s imperative that the worksite is decontaminated after the asbestos switchboard panel removal work has been done to make sure that all asbestos material has been completely removed from the site. The decontamination process includes:

Disposing of all asbestos waste as per all relevant Safe Work procedures that pertain to asbestos switchboard disposal.
Decontaminating the worksite by vacuuming the switchboard and the surrounding areas with a high hazard vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to accumulate all leftover dust.
Decontaminating and cleaning all PPE and tools and throwing away any disposable masks, gloves and coveralls worn.

Book Our Services Today

If you’re looking for a company that provides professional asbestos switchboard removal in Melbourne, get in touch with Express Asbestos Solutions today. Give us a call on 0427 150 500 or contact us online to book our asbestos switchboard services.

FAQ's

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a collective term used to describe a group of six fibrous minerals: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. These minerals have distinct physical and chemical properties that made them useful in different applications. Asbestos was frequently used prior to 1988 to construct a range of structures and appliances, including electrical switchboards. This was due to asbestos having a high level of resistance against heat, fire, chemicals and electrical damage.

Why does asbestos need to be removed?

Asbestos is a carcinogen, and inhaling airborne asbestos fibres is known to cause serious medical issues such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. The risk of developing these medical issues depends on the concentration of the asbestos fibres inhaled and how often a person has been exposed to these fibres.

Is asbestos switchboard installation banned?

Yes, using asbestos in electrical switchboards and all other uses has been banned in Australia since December 31st, 2003. This prohibition was implemented as a result of growing awareness of the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Does my switchboard have asbestos in it?

If your home or workplace was built prior to 1988, then it is possible that your electrical switchboard contains asbestos. The best way to determine this is by calling our electrician to request asbestos switchboard testing.

Can any electrician remove asbestos for me?

No. Not all electrical contractors are qualified to perform asbestos switchboard services, as they won’t have undergone the proper training and won’t have the types of equipment required to carry out this work safely. Only licensed asbestos switchboard removal contractors should be hired to remove asbestos.

Can I remove the asbestos in my switchboard myself?

No one should ever attempt to do any type of asbestos switchboard disposal work themselves if they haven’t been trained to do so. Not only are there electrical risks, but it’s also possible to inhale airborne asbestos fibres that can lead to lifelong health issues. Only a professional asbestos switchboard removal contractor should perform this type of work.

Do I have to notify WorkSafe before conducting asbestos switchboard removal work?

Yes. All licenced asbestos switchboard removal projects carried out in workplaces have to be reported to WorkSafe five days before the work is set to start.

Some fragments of asbestos have been left behind. Can I get this cleaned up?

Express Asbestos Solutions’ licensed asbestos switchboard removal contractor will always inspect the worksite prior to leaving and show the client what has been done to ensure they’re satisfied. However, if in the event the client does find any asbestos that wasn’t removed later on, we’ll come back to take it away for you.