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How to arrange testing of materials suspected of containing asbestos
A representative sample of any material that is suspected to contain asbestos can be taken for testing and analysis.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, has been used in many different ways over time. Because of its fire resistance and electrical resistance, as well as the availability and affordability, asbestos was a popular choice in construction. It was used in many ways, including ceiling tiles, insulation, flooring, and textured coatings, to name a few.
However, asbestos exposure was found to cause a variety of serious health problems in the late 20 th century.
- Asbestosis is a chronic disease of the lungs that results from inflamed asbestos fibers. In advanced cases, this can cause scarring to the lungs and even cardiac failure.
- Lung Cancer – This is the most fatal form of asbestos-related lung cancer.
- Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It occurs in the thin membrane lining the lungs, abdomen, chest and heart. Learn more about Mesothelioma .
- Pleural Thickening: Thickening and swelling in the linings of the lungs.
Although Asbestos was banned from the UK in 1999, it is still used in many buildings that were built before then.
How to Test for Asbestos
As asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause death, it is imperative to hire an accredited and professional asbestos testing in auckland company to test suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If you don’t have the necessary qualifications and experience to handle asbestos, it is best not to take samples.
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, and invisible to the naked eye. It is common for them to be mixed with other materials, making identification more difficult.
Only accredited Laboratories can conduct analysis of suspected asbestos-containing materials.
A Polarised Light Microscope (PLM) and Dispersion Staining Methods (DST) are the most common methods of detection.
What is Asbestos Testing?
An asbestos survey is the first step in the process of asbestos testing. There are many types of surveys available.
- Asbestos Management Survey: This survey is standard and can be done during normal operation (when there are no planned works).
- Refurbishment & Demolition Survey – These surveys are done prior to any demolition or refurbishment work. These surveys are typically more intrusive that management surveys, and can cause damage to the building’s fabric to gain access to the suspect.
- Re-inspection Surveys – These are performed at pre-determined intervals to ensure that ACMs are in good condition.
Surveyors will collect samples from any suspected ACMs and send them to an authorized laboratory for testing and analysis. The lab will allow the testing company to identify the type of asbestos present, and indicate whether it is major, minor, or trace.
A surveyor can take a sample and determine the hazard, if any.
What happens if asbestos is found in my home or work place?
The condition of the samples will influence how you manage it. It is possible to leave the material in place if it is in good condition and unaffected. The material should be inspected on a regular basis to make sure it is not becoming dangerous. It’s only when the material becomes unsafe that it can be dangerous. This can lead to fibre release into the atmosphere, which can then make them inhalable.
To reduce the risk of fibre release, remedial measures should be taken if the ACM is broken, crumbling, or degrading. This could include encapsulation or sealing of the material. All duty holders of buildings that contain asbestos must demonstrate compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and Regulation 4 (Duty To Manage) of the Control of Asbestos. It can help you to compile a risk assessment and management program according to guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive. This will show the risk of asbestos exposure and help to determine the best methods for controlling it.
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