Asbestos Inspections and Sampling

What do Asbestos Inspections cover?

Fire impacted properties where asbestos containing materials (ACM) have been impacted require inspection to assess the presence and extent of ACM’s and to determine the impact to surrounding areas. Asbestos inspections of fire damaged properties involve a combination of visual assessment, material sampling and laboratory analysis and air monitoring to determine the extent of contamination. Remediation strategies are provided to assist in the clean-up of fire impacted ACM’s.

Many types of loose-fill insulation are present in commercial buildings and residential dwellings throughout Australia. Loose-fill asbestos insulation known as Mr. Fluffy is hazardous to the health of workers and residents when present in buildings. Inspection and sampling of loose-fill insulation is required to determine if asbestos fibres are present and to determine the best strategies to manage or remove the hazardous material.

Asbestos inspections prior to renovation or demolition works focus on specific areas of a workplace or home where works will be undertaken. Assessment is undertaken on building materials used in construction of walls, ceiling, floors and ceiling insulation material to identify all ACM’s prior to renovation or demolition works being undertaken. Undertaking an asbestos inspection prior to renovation or demolition works ensures all ACM’s are identified prior to works and can be removed safely by professionals.

What does Asbestos Sampling involve?

Asbestos sampling involves the collection of a small quantity of building material and analysing the sample in a laboratory to determine the presence of asbestos fibres. Material samples are collected from discrete locations with the sampling location sealed after sampling to prevent the release of potential asbestos fibres.

Laboratory analysis of the sample involves locating fibres under a stereomicroscope then isolating and identifying the fibres. Once isolated and identified the fibres are identified using polarized light microscopy and dispersion staining.

Laboratory analysis is undertaken in accordance with Australian Standard 4964-2004 ‘Method of the Qualitative Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples’. Laboratory analysis is undertaken by a NATA accredited laboratory.