Asbestos was widely used in the building and construction industries until it was banned in 1985. The Australian Government Department of Health advises treating any building built before 1990 as suspicious because builders ran out of stocks of asbestos sheeting long after the ban was lifted.
Asbestos testing necessitates the discovery and collection of a sample of possible asbestos. You need to understand the proper safe harvesting process to avoid putting yourself in danger and gathering enough of a model for testing.
Even if there is no asbestos in your home now, you will be safe since it helps you avoid possible asbestos hazards. Asbestos testing in Sydney makes it simpler to discover asbestos particles that are not apparent to the naked eye.
What Exactly Is Asbestos?
Asbestos. The term derives from the Greek word meaning inextinguishable. Asbestos was widely utilized in home building from the early 1940s through the 1970s as a very effective and low-cost fire retardant and thermal and acoustic insulator.
Is Asbestos Harmful to My Health?
Yes. Long-term asbestos fibre exposure can cause lung illness. When disturbed, microscopic abrasive asbestos fibres are easily breathed, causing lung tissue damage and perhaps cancer. Asbestos is typically found in homes constructed before 1975 as thermal insulation on basement boilers and pipes.
Who Can Perform Asbestos Testing?
A competent individual with the requisite abilities, training, and experience must conduct the testing. Under no circumstances should an inexperienced individual handle asbestos – you risk inhaling asbestos fibres. Following that, samples must be examined at a UKAS-approved laboratory following ISO 17025. The laboratory will provide a Bulk Sample Analysis Certificate confirming the presence of asbestos.
What Happens If Asbestos Test Results Are Positive?
If asbestos is found, the following stages will be determined by the state of the asbestos. Encapsulation to prevent unintentional disruption, general management, or removal is all examples of this. Your Asbestos Surveyor will provide advice and recommendations, including plans for yearly re-inspection.
How Can I Determine If I Have Asbestos in My Home?
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Examine for tears, water damage, and abrasions.
Regularly inspect your Sydney home for abrasions, rips, and water damage anywhere you suspect asbestos might be present. Avoid touching or disturbing damaged materials, and restrict access to the area. Whenever asbestos material is severely damaged or when you plan to alter your house in a way that could disturb it, you will need professional repair or removal.
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Schedule a Testing/ Inspection.
A hygiene agency should first inspect the affected area before contacting an asbestos abatement company. Visual inspection and analysis are essential components of a professional evaluation.
If asbestos is found, the inspector should submit a report explaining the degree of damage and recommendations for removal or prevention. A repair inspection can also be done by this inspector to ensure the cleanliness of the area after removal or repair. When homeowners receive this report, they can schedule asbestos testing in Sydney.
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Contact an Asbestos Removal Company
Be sure that the contractor follows all applicable state, federal, and local rules before beginning work (such as notification requirements, permits, and asbestos disposal procedures).
Conclusion
Exposing yourself, your family, and your coworkers to asbestos is a significant risk that may be pretty dangerous. Most homeowners do not perceive the necessity to test for asbestos, even though it is essential to consider when acquiring a property.
