7 Must-Follow Steps After Suspected Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure can be a serious health concern, as inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to various respiratory diseases and cancers, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimise the potential health risks.

1

Leave the Area Immediately – If you are in an environment where asbestos exposure is likely or suspected, leave the area immediately. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

2

Avoid Further Exposure – Do not touch, move, or disturb any materials that may contain asbestos. This can release additional fibres into the air, increasing the risk of exposure.

3

Seek Professional Asbestos Testing – If the asbestos exposure occurred in your home or workplace, it is crucial to have the area inspected by a qualified asbestos hygiene company and tested by a NATA accredited asbestos testing laboratory.

Our team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment can accurately identify the presence of asbestos and assess the extent of the contamination. Identifibre’s comprehensive asbestos testing services ensure that you receive reliable results, enabling you to take prompt action.

4

Seek Medical Attention – If you have inhaled asbestos fibres, seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider can recommend appropriate screenings or follow-up procedures.

5

Notify Authorities and Employers – If the asbestos exposure occurred at your workplace, notify your employer and the relevant authorities immediately. Employers are required to follow safety regulations and take necessary precautions to protect their employees.

6

Document the Exposure – Keep detailed records of your asbestos exposure, including the date, location, duration, and any witnesses. This documentation will be essential if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim or pursue legal action.

7

Consider Professional Asbestos Testing and Removal – Once the asbestos has been identified, we can work with licensed asbestos removal contractors to safely remove or encapsulate the asbestos materials, minimising the health risks to you and your family or employees.

Don’t compromise when it comes to asbestos – trust the experts at Identifibre for reliable testing and professional guidance.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral that was once widely used in various construction materials and industrial products due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, asbestos has since been recognised as a hazardous material that can cause severe health problems when its fibres are inhaled.

Asbestos is composed of thin, microscopic fibres that can easily become airborne and remain suspended in the air for an extended period. When these fibres are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and other organs, leading to various respiratory diseases and cancers.

Types of Asbestos; There are six types of asbestos minerals, classified into two main mineral groups:

Serpentine asbestos:

    • Chrysotile (white asbestos)

Amphibole asbestos:

      • Amosite (brown asbestos)
      • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
      • Tremolite
      • Actinolite
      • Anthophyllite

Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure includes:

Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres, leading to scarring of the lung tissue and difficulty breathing.

Lung cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly in smokers.

Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.

Other cancers: Asbestos exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and other organs.

Many countries have implemented Asbestos Regulations and bans, to limit or prohibit its use, due to the well-documented health risks associated with asbestos exposure. In Australia, the use of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials has been banned since 2003, with strict regulations in place for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of existing asbestos materials.

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace, it is crucial to seek professional assistance from accredited asbestos testing laboratories and licensed removal companies. Attempting to handle or remove asbestos materials without proper training and protective equipment can put your health at serious risk.

Remember, asbestos is a hazardous material, and its exposure can have severe and life-threatening consequences. If you have any concerns or questions about asbestos, call Identifibre today, we can help ensure your safety.

SERVICES

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Asbestos Testing

Identifibre is a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) endorsed laboratory for analysis of bulk samples of building materials and soil samples for the presence of asbestos. With an experienced team of analysts, we offer a variety of turnaround times to suit budget and time restraints.

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Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates

Identifibre provides all hygiene services required for asbestos removal works including air monitoring, visual inspections, clearance certificates and other services to ensure adequate control measures are in place before, during and after removal works.

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Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans

Identifibre can provide a complete asbestos management solution, incorporating the asbestos assessment and management plan framework adapted to your particular organisation structure.

Asbestos Sample Testing

Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans

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Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments

Identifibre’s Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Surveys and Risk Assessments (Division 6) detail the location and condition of asbestos and other hazardous materials that may be disturbed during demolition or refurbishment works on a building, structure, ship or plant where asbestos is fixed or installed.

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Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments

Identifibre can assist your workplace to comply with the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations by carrying out a Division 5 Asbestos in the Workplace Survey and Risk Assessment in a timely, accurate and cost effective manner.

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Asbestos Awareness Training

Identifibre’s asbestos awareness training course provides guidance on identifying asbestos containing materials and how to work safely where asbestos may be suspected or confirmed.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments

Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments

Asbestos Awareness Training

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Project Management & Supervision

Identifibre can provide management assistance in all phases of asbestos abatement activities, from preparation of specifications through to project completion, including supervision and final clearance certification.

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Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments

Asbestos is commonly found within soil and fill material associated with commercial or residential construction. Contact Identifibre for expert advice to investigate and assess the site, including soil, and develop appropriate risk management strategies.

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Respiratory Protection Fit Testing

All personnel who are required to remove or disturb asbestos-containing materials must use adequate respiratory protection for the task. Identifibre offer respiratory mask fit tests with all Identifibre fit testers RESP-Fit accredited.

Project Management & Supervision

Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments

Respiratory Protection Fit Testing

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