Engaging an asbestos surveyor or asbestos consultant to identify asbestos on the property will minimise the risk of any asbestos related illness to its inhabitants.
A common naturally occurring mineral silicate that was used in many building products such as fibre cement sheet, asbestos, especially bonded asbestos does not pose a significant health risk when maintained in a good condition, unless the asbestos containing material has deteriorated or has been disturbed such that it releases fibres into the air.
A good understanding of building codes will assist in identifying potential asbestos containing materials as asbestos was used within building materials primarily due to the fibres providing superior fire resistance and heat insulation. A qualified asbestos consultant or surveyor should be engaged to confirm if the material contains asbestos, and conduct a risk assessment and record the results within an asbestos register.
List of possible asbestos containing products:
Fibre cement sheet eaves, ceilings, walls, gables and fascia; fibre cement sheet packing and capping materials under structural supports and roof tiles; vinyl floor tiles; compressed fibre cement sheet floors; corrugated roof sheets; sealants to movement joints and air condition duct work; roof membranes; moulded cement water pipes; moulded asbestos lining to telephone pits; moulded cistern tanks; pipe lagging; heater and boiler insulation; flange gaskets to pipes; ceiling tiles; insulation and sheeting to fire doors; electrical backing boards; spandrel panels underneath windows; spray applied fire rating material to ceiling and structural beams; sound dampener underneath the kitchen sink; window putty; pointing work between brickwork; and millboard insulation to air conditioning reheating elements.
The professional services of an asbestos surveyor or consultant should be used to identify potential asbestos containing materials. Identifying asbestos cannot be confirmed by a visual examination; samples of the suspected material must undergo asbestos testing at a laboratory using a microscope. If a suspected material is not submitted for testing, then the material will be presumed to contain asbestos.
While the asbestos testing may seem to be an unwanted expense, it can save money in the long term as any repair or removal will require expensive controls and monitoring.
Asbestos Check provides commercial and domestic clients with extensive asbestos inspection services including asbestos identification, testing, inspection and management.
