On discovering loose friable asbestos materials you should:

Under no circumstances disturb the material. You could contaminate the whole or larger area by disturbing the material.

Isolate the area (where possible) from personnel traffic. You might use a barrier tape in large open areas or seal off a room if this is possible. Make sure you place a sign or tag adjacent the door or entry area explaining why the area is being isolated. Remember if the material is airborne then clothing and equipment in the area can become contaiminated.

  If the area is indoors and exposed to an air handling system, in some instances it may be appropriate to stop the air handling system (air conditioners) to prevent the fibre from being circulated throughout the building.

  Do not re-enter the area without appropriate personnel protective equipment such as a P1 Particulate filter respirator (Note the standard of respirator chosen should be relative to airborne concentration of asbestos).

Find out as much as you can about how the material got there and where it came from. You can often get this information from tradespersons who are working in the area.

Call us or a qualified asbestos consultant to test the material to confirm if it is asbestos.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - ASBESTOS

1. Can I die from a once of exposure to asbestos materials or products?

It is unlikely that this can occur. Asbestos diseases tend to be dose related however there are some medical suggestions that Mesothelioma may not be dose related. In all instances you should consult your Medical Practitioner is you have been exposed to asbestos.

2. Is there any danger from living in a home clad with asbestos cement?

Generally, there is little risk from living in a home with asbestos cement products providing they are left intact and not exposed to wear. Never drill or sand asbestos cement walls without proper means.

3. Are there allowable exposure limits for asbestos?

Yes. These equate to a number of fibres per millilitre of air and can be measured using a method called the Membrane Filter Method. This is dependent on the asbestos type

4. Can you tell what asbestos looks like?

Generally, an experienced person may be able to provide a qualitative assessment however the only truly effective methods for identifying asbestos are Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) or Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

5. What should I do if I am concerned about exposure or some asbestos in my property?

Don't go ahead and remove it yourself. Too often asbestos consultants and removalists are required to come in and clean up the area after an untrained person has attempted a removal. This can amount to many thousands of dollars in cleanup. Get some advice first and it may save you in the longer term.

Ninness Consulting offers a range of asbestos consultancy services including pre-purchase inspection of commercial and residential buildings. If you're considering purchasing a building, then pre-purchase inspection is essential The costs to clean up and/or remove asbestos containing materials (ACM) can be significant. In some cases the removal costs exceed building values. By undertaking asbestos due diligence you can ensure that potential costs are quantified.

Inspection and testing of asbestos is carried out in accordance with governmental standards and regulations. Sample analysis is undertaken in accordance with NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) requirements in an approved laboratory.

On-site removal planning, superintending of removal jobs or asbestos in air monitoring can be undertaken by our highly experienced and trained personnel.

Availability

24 Hours, 7 Days..... Call our mobile service 0421416002 or 07 32810718.

*This information is provided in good faith as a guide only. No liability expressed or implied is accepted from action taken as a result of this guide.