Asbestos is a mineral that has been used in various products by many industries for decades, particularly building materials, due to its durability, fire resistance, and low cost.
Exposure to this mineral entails a lot of health complications, such as asbestosis and lung disease. Therefore, it is vital to be able to identify asbestos to avoid releasing those lethal asbestos fibres.
How Do You Conduct Asbestos Identification?
- You can typically locate asbestos in old residential or industrial buildings. Cement, drywalls, and vinyl floor tiles are all examples of asbestos-containing products.
- Asbestos can be either friable or non-friable. Friable asbestos means that it can be crumbled into a powder by hand. Non-friable ones cannot be crumbled by hand. Friable asbestos may be more dangerous to one’s health than non-friable asbestos.
- Some products come with warning labels indicating the existence of the mineral. However, because not all products have this label, it is not entirely reliable.
- An asbestos survey is the best approach to identifythe presence of asbestos in an area. A professional asbestos survey involves taking samples of suspect materials and testing them in a laboratory. The survey will usually include the following:
- Location of the asbestos
- Evaluating quality and condition
- Identifying the type of asbestos
How to Know if An Area is Safe?
A permit is typically required to remove asbestos because it necessitates some demolition. If a professional contractor is hired, they can handle it. Otherwise, check with the local building department for regional rules.
The contractor will seal off the affected areas and wet down the asbestos before and during the removal to minimize any airborne particles.
After asbestos removal work has been completed, an asbestos clearance inspection is performed to ensure the removal area is asbestos contamination-free.
These inspections are necessary to identify potential hazards efficiently and adhere to safety regulations. Regular asbestos clearance inspections can significantly reduce the dangers associated with asbestos exposure. Thus, protecting people from its harmful effects.
Get Your Building Inspected Today!
Global Asbestos Audits is an Australian-based licensed auditing and consulting firm best known for its asbestos registers and management solutions. Contact them here for more information.