Summary: Asbestos surveys are essential though there may be nothing wrong with your building. It is necessary should you plan to demolish or renovate buildings. Asbestos is a potent health hazard and needs extreme caution in its use as well as handling. Surveys help to identify location and presence of asbestos as well as its condition.
The use of asbestos in building and construction industry in Australia came to a stop as far back as the 1980s but it was only in 2003 that the Government imposed a total ban on sale and use of this material or compounded asbestos materials. What this means is that though currently asbestos is not manufactured, there still exists a sizeable presence of asbestos. Asbestos may be present in the form of loose fillings. It may be in the form of sheets and drain pipes and gutters. The ban came about because of the recognized health risks of asbestos in any form and in any type. Therefore, if you have a house or commercial premises that predates the ban. It is a wise thing to go in for asbestos surveys by a licensed asbestos survey company in Australia.
Asbestos health risk
Asbestos may be present in what is known as friable asbestos or asbestos that can be reduced to powder simply by pinching it. Friable asbestos tends to disperse easily into the air and it can enter lungs. Non friable or cement bonded asbestos sheets and pipes exist in sizeable quantities as roofing material and walls. These are subject to degradation and can release friable asbestos. Asbestos enters the lung and results in asbestos, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a malignant form of lung cancer. Timely asbestos surveys can help identify presence of asbestos in your premises and take steps to minimize health hazards.
What is involved in asbestos surveys
Owners of older buildings, whether residential or commercial, will find it in their interest to call in expert and licensed agencies for asbestos surveys. This involves:
- Visit to your premises by a team of licensed asbestos surveyors
- Detection and identification of asbestos in loose form or in the form of asbestos containing materials in roofs, walls, floors, drains
- Collection of such materials and tests in IANZ accredited laboratory according to WorkSafe guidelines and WHS laws.
- Complete report of perceived risks and recommendations on mitigation or removal of asbestos to remove the risk of health hazard.
Asbestos surveys for existing buildings
- Home owners or commercial premises owners should get their premises surveyed for asbestos presence and risk assessment even if they do not plan to renovate or repair the premises now or in the near future. It will help them to decide on whether to take further steps to manage asbestos or remove it altogether. A survey gives you peace of mind and also a basis for further action for removal of asbestos or its containment.
- If you plan to repair walls or ceiling or flooring that may have asbestos then a survey by asbestos surveys and management company will help to locate presence of asbestos and to take appropriate action for removal.
- Demolition surveys are a must should you plan to demolish your building and build another one. It is mandatory to carry out asbestos survey prior to any such demolition or dismantling work, identify asbestos and then have the asbestos management company handle asbestos removal work. If you purchase a building with intent to demolish it and build another one in its place then such a survey is essential not only for safety of people but also to stay on the right side of the law.
An asbestos survey is a specialized field and it requires trained professionals to handle the task and then recommend proper asbestos management procedures.
Author operates Assess Control Assure, a licensed professional asbestos survey company in Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand.
We offer domestic and businesses a comprehensive and exceptionally high-quality range of R asbestos surveys, advice and asbestos removal West Yorkshire throughout the UK.
