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Working with fibro safely is paramount inbuilding deconstruction or when renovating. The product causes cancer. Be careful! The breathing in of the fibres can cause what is known as asbestosis, lung cancer and also mesothelioma. This does not mean automatically that your health is at risk should you find that your living or work place is made from fibro products. Some studies have shown that these products, if in sound condition and if they are left undisturbed, are not a significant health risk.
The widely used building material known as `fibro', Hbrolite (NZ) or asbestos cement, contained these fibres until the early 1980s, when concerns were raised about related Illnesses.
From that time on, it's use was discontinued, and it was replaced by cellulose fibre. This new material is known as fibre cement, and poses no health threat. However, precautions should be taken to minimise dust.
Note: In some places it is a stautory requirement that you hold a special lisence to remove it. be sure to check with your local council or building authority.
Working Smart with Fibro
- Handle all old fibro with care.
- Do not use power tools. Fibres can be released if power tools are used for anything other than the removal of screws.
- Do not waterblast or scrub with a stiff broom or brush. It is illegal to waterblast these cement sheets. If the material has been accidentally waterblasted or has suddenly deteriorated in some way, you should call a licensed removal contractor.
- Wet gently with water. When removing fibro sheets, wet gently with water, whenever possible, to minimise any release of fibres. Remember do not waterblast. Be careful when on roofs, as the sheets are brittle and slippery when wet.
- Avoid drilling and cutting into asbestos products. Do not drill holes through eaves, flues or vents, as these may also be tainted products.
- Never cut into a fibro sheet. Rather, remove the entire sheet and replace it with a non-asbestos product.
- Cover up. You should wear always disposable overalls and an appropriate dust mask if you are working with these products.
- Make sure your mask has two straps to hold it firmly in place. Don’t use masks that only have one.
- Don’t drop the fibro sheets. Remove the sheets very carefully. Lower them, don’t drop them to the ground with minimum breakage.
- If the surface is sound and covered with a layer of paint, leave it alone. If you plan to repaint, do not sand beforehand.
- If you must handle old fibro, wear a pair of overalls, a respirator and a head covering. Wash clothing thoroughly after you have finished
- To dispose of old fibro, wrap it in two layers of plastic, each one sealed with tape. Label the outside with a sign stating that the package contains asbestos waste.
- Do not put waste in domestic garbage bins or compactors because it is illegal to do so.
- Let people know. Talk it over with those who may be affected by the removal and disposal of your fibro, such as neighbours.
- Remove all tainted waste from a site as soon as possible.
Cutting Fibro
The simplest way to cut fibre cement is by the 'score and snap' method. With a suitable stout blade and a straightedge, repeatedly score the surface of the sheet to s depth of about one third its total thickness. Then press down on the straightedge and pull the edge of the sheet upwards to snap it along the scored line. Fibre cement manufacturers make a special tungsten-tipped tool for this job.
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