The Importance and Process of Asbestos Testing Melbourne

The Importance and Process of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once lauded for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, it is now well-known that asbestos fibres pose significant health risks when inhaled, leading to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. As a result, identifying and managing asbestos in buildings, particularly those constructed before the 1990s, has become crucial. Asbestos testing is a key component of this process, ensuring that materials suspected of containing asbestos are properly identified and managed to prevent harmful exposure.

What is Asbestos Testing?

Asbestos testing involves the collection and analysis of material samples from buildings to determine the presence and type of asbestos fibres present within the material. This process is typically carried out by trained professionals using specialised equipment and laboratory techniques. The testing process ensures that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified and appropriately handled to minimise the risk of exposure.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MATERIALS COMMONLY FOUND TO CONTAIN ASBESTOS

Why is Asbestos Testing Necessary?

Health Protection: Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to severe respiratory diseases. Identifying ACMs allows for their safe removal or encapsulation, reducing the risk of airborne fibres.

Regulatory Compliance: All states and territories within Australia have strict regulations regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos. Testing ensures compliance with these regulations, avoiding legal and financial penalties.

Safety During Renovations: Before any renovation or demolition work, it is essential to identify ACMs to prevent accidental disturbance and fibre release.

Environmental Safety: Proper testing and management of asbestos prevents environmental contamination and protects public health.

Common Areas Where Asbestos May Be Found

Asbestos was widely used in building materials due to its desirable properties. Common locations where asbestos may be present include:

Cement sheeting – ceiling linings, wall linings, especially in wet areas, external eave linings and wall claddings.

Vinyl floor coverings – including vinyl tiles, vinyl sheet and bituminous flooring adhesives.

Corrugated cement sheet roof cladding – including ridge capping, fascia, gutters and downpipes.

Insulation – including around pipes and boilers, within service risers and ceiling spaces, and associated with fire rated doors.

Electrical components – including millboard (asbestos paper) electrical linings, Zelemite (black tar) electrical boards, woven rope cable sheaths, and internal linings of electrical fuses.

Gaskets and sealants – associated with plant and mechanical equipment.

The Asbestos Testing Process

Initial Assessment: A visual inspection by a trained professional can identify potential ACMs. This step involves examining the building for materials that are likely to contain asbestos based on age and type.

Sample Collection: Suspect materials are carefully sampled to avoid releasing asbestos fibres into the air. Identifibre professionals use protective equipment and follow strict procedures to collect these samples safely.

Laboratory Analysis: The Identifibre asbestos testing laboratory meets the high standards of the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and ensures that there are no third party laboratories required. Fast and accurate sample analysis is performed using polarised light microscopy (PLM) supplemented with dispersion staining (DS) techniques, in accordance with AS4964-2004.

Reporting: The outcome of the analysis is a report detailing the findings of the samples collected. The report will clearly outline the fibre types should they be present within the sample. This report is crucial for planning any necessary abatement or management actions.

What to Do If Asbestos is Found

If testing confirms the presence of asbestos, the following steps should be taken:

Risk Assessment: Determine the condition of the ACMs and the risk of fibre release. This assessment will guide the management plan.

Professional Removal: Engage licensed asbestos removalists to safely remove and dispose of ACMs. DIY removal is not recommended due to the high risk of exposure.

Encapsulation: In some cases, ACMs can be encapsulated with a sealant to prevent fibre release, eliminating the need for immediate removal.

Regular Monitoring: For non-friable ACMs left in place, regular inspections should be conducted to ensure they remain in good condition and do not pose a risk.

Choosing a Professional for Asbestos Testing

When selecting a professional for asbestos testing, consider the following:

Accreditation: Ensure the laboratory is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).

Experience: Choose professionals with extensive experience in asbestos testing and management.

References and Reviews: Check for positive reviews and references from previous clients to ensure reliability and quality service.

Comprehensive Services: Opt for a provider that offers a full range of services, from initial assessment and sampling to laboratory analysis and reporting.

Contact Identifibre Today!

At Identifibre we are experts in the field of asbestos hazard and risk management. Our professional services are extensive, from asbestos surveys and risk assessments, sample testing and analysis in our NATA accredited laboratory, through to air monitoring and asbestos awareness training.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.