How to Check for Asbestos: Ensuring Safety in Your Space
The Importance of Asbestos Testing in Residential Properties
In homes built before the late 1980s, asbestos may be present in various materials, including floor linings, flat cement sheet wall and eave linings, moulded cement flues and within electrical cupboards. When these materials age or are disturbed during renovations or repairs, asbestos fibres can be released into the air. Prolonged inhalation of these fibres can pose serious health risks.
Testing of building materials within your residence is the first step in identifying the presence of asbestos in your home. Professional testing not only lets you know whether asbestos is present, but also helps in allowing for the planning of the safe management, including the safe removal of the material, thereby preventing you and your loved ones from the avoidable exposure to airborne asbestos fibre.
Recognising the Need to Check for Asbestos
The Process of Checking for Asbestos
1. Identifying Potential Asbestos: Initially, you can conduct a preliminary check for asbestos by identifying areas where asbestos was commonly used, such as in wet areas (i.e. laundry, toilet and kitchen), floor linings, electrical cupboards and eave and porch ceiling linings.
Note: Asbestos fibre is generally not visible to the naked eye, and its presence can only be confirmed through professional testing and analysis under a microscope.
2. Engaging Professional Asbestos Testing Services: Due to the hazardous nature of asbestos fibre, it’s recommended that you engage professional services for an asbestos check. Professionals equipped with the right tools and knowledge can safely take samples without releasing harmful fibre into the air.
3. Laboratory Analysis: Once samples are collected, they are safely and quickly transported back to Identifibre’s Melbourne based NATA accredited laboratory, as per the requirements of the Victorian OH&S Regulations. The samples are prepared and analysed for asbestos, and a report is issued to you in a timely manner. This report is crucial in deciding the next course of action.
4. Understanding the Results: A professional asbestos check will conclude with a report outlining the findings. It is essential to understand these results and consult with experts on the best practices for managing asbestos in your home or workplace.
The Importance of Regular Checks
Asbestos-containing materials that are maintained in a stable environment, are in good condition and remain undisturbed pose minimal risk to persons occupying the areas where they are present. However, the condition of asbestos-containing materials can change over time, due to age, weathering or physical damage, increasing the airborne asbestos fibre risk that they pose. Regular condition checks of your asbestos materials can help identify potential issues before they become serious health risks, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
Selecting the Right Asbestos Testing Service
When looking to check for asbestos, selecting a qualified and experienced service provider is key. Look for services that offer comprehensive asbestos testing, from initial inspection to sample analysis by NATA accredited laboratories. Transparency in pricing, guaranteed turnaround times and a thorough understanding of local regulations are also important factors to consider.
The Costs Associated With Checking for Asbestos
While the cost to check for asbestos varies based on the size of the area being tested and the number of samples taken, it’s an investment in health and safety. Identifibre can provide detailed quotes, ensuring you understand the costs involved upfront.
To Check or Not to Check?
The decision to check for asbestos in your property is a no-brainer. The potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure make it imperative to identify, manage, and mitigate these risks effectively. Engaging professionals to conduct a thorough asbestos check provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in your space.
Contact Identifibre Today for advice and a free quote.
Asbestos coated metal sheet (Galbestos)
Usage: Galvanised iron sheets with a coating of asbestos on each side. Commonly used as external roof and wall cladding.
Vermiculite
Usage: Provides fire rated insulation in industrial and commercial buildings. Can also be used as a decorative finish to ceilings.
Block insulation / lagging
Usage: Provides heat insulation for pipes and vessels. More commonly found in industrial properties.
Mastic sealant
Usage: Joint sealant within building structures, air conditioning plant and ductwork.
Compressed gaskets
Usage: Provides heat and chemical resistance within pipework flange joins.
Sheet vinyl floor covering with millboard backing
Usage: Floor and bench top covering.
Limpet (White Asbestos)
Usage: Provides fire protection on beams, walls, ceilings and penetrations. Can also provide sound insulation.
Limpet (Brown Asbestos)
Usage: Provides fire protection on beams, walls, ceilings and penetrations. Can also provide sound insulation.
Limpet (Blue Asbestos)
Usage: Provides fire protection on beams, walls, ceilings and penetrations. Can also provide sound insulation.
Bituminous membrane (Malthoid)
Usage: Prevents water movement across the membrane. Might be present on building roofs, as a lining inside tanks or around buried pipework or structures.
Millboard
Usage: Provides heat and chemical resistance, and non-conductive seal in electrical components.
Black tar electrical board (Zelemite)
Usage: Commonly used as a backing board for electrical components, including switchboards, fuse panels and gauges.
Fire door core insulation
Usage: Fire rated insulation lining present within fire doors. Doors may have several different layers.
Woven asbestos rope/cloth
Usage: Flexible heat and electrical insulation barrier. Commonly found lining older ceramic electrical fuses, as door seals for heaters and ovens, window seals and numerous other uses.
Low density fibre board (Asbestolux)
Usage: Commonly used as interior fire resistant ceiling sheeting and wall linings.
Laminated cement sheet
Usage: Decorative cladding used in domestic construction, commonly in wet areas.
Asbestos cement
Usage: Heat resistant filling material for building penetrations and voids. Also used as a fire rating material on critical building fittings.
Corrugated cement sheet
Usage: Primarily used as roof and external wall cladding throughout industrial and residential buildings.
Cement sheet
Usage: Various uses such as cladding and underlay in construction. Chemical, heat, moisture and pest resistant.
Brake pads
Usage: Primarily used as friction materials in brake pads and clutch plates present in mechanical, automotive and other applications.
SERVICES
Asbestos Testing
Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans
Asbestos Sample Testing
Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Plans
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments
Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments
Asbestos Awareness Training
Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys & Risk Assessments
Asbestos in the Workplace Surveys & Risk Assessments
Asbestos Awareness Training
Project Management & Supervision
Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments
Respiratory Protection Fit Testing
Project Management & Supervision
Asbestos Contaminated Land Assessments
