Everything You Need to Learn About Asbestos Testing

Until 1999 asbestos was a wildly popular material used  in constructions and various other industries to satisfy different purposes globally. However, over the years, we learned that this substance is extremely toxic and its exposure can cause many health complications.

In Australia asbestos was banned on 31^st December 2003 and its use or reuse, selling or buying and other actions was completely restricted. Despite these strict restrictions, many premises when undergoing asbestos analysis methods reveal the presence of this harmful material.

Why? Because even with its toxic nature this material has many attributes such as thermal efficiency, durability, fire resistance, malleable, heat resistant and what not. However, if a premise finds the presence of asbestos then the owner can be in a lot of trouble.

Although asbestos is banned and in recent years its use is next to nothing, the presence of asbestos in old constructed buildings is very much there. Any demolition, refurbishment or renovation works in these buildings may cause asbestos exposure.

Since asbestos when disturbed without proper handling methods can quickly contaminate the environment as it emits airborne substances named fibrales. Anyone who comes in contact with these substances can suffer from health complications.

Items and Places where asbestos can be found

Asbestos can be found in quite unexpected places and products. Some of them are –

• Floor tiles, composites and textiles
• Shed or garage roofs, drain pipes, walls, etc
• Sprayed coatings on walls, ceilings, columns or beams
• Textured coatings
• Guttering
• Lagging
• Asbestos insulating boards

Asbestos testing is extremely important if the buildings are constructed before the year 2003. Make sure to conduct thorough asbestos analysis in buildings and other premises before any demolition or refurbishment works.

Preparation before Asbestos Testing

In order to successfully conduct asbestos analysis of a premise it is highly recommended to gather as much information about the building as possible. So, that any trace or presence of asbestos can be detected and carefully extracted from the specific area.

For successful asbestos testing you must take certain preparations and these includes –

• Check the previous records of the building to know if there was asbestos work done on the premises.
• Enquire the previous tenants and owner of the building.
• Ask questions to the facility management company provided if there is one.
• Communicate with building architect, designer or builder.

Gather all the information and compile them together for review. Provide this information to the asbestos analysis team so that they can successfully run the tests for asbestos detection.

Bottom Line

Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance and its exposure can cause serious complications among people. Chronic diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, etc can be caused due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. This is why it is extremely important for building owners to conduct asbestos testing of the premises and extract them if there is any presence of it.

After all, ensuring the safety of workers and people living in the building is your prime responsibility. Conduct thorough asbestos testing and protect everyone from health complications.