Asbestos Identifying

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. The processes used in identifying asbestos are complicated and required trained laboratory technicians trained to identify the type of asbestos.

When embarking on a strategy of asbestos identifying, remember these basic steps.
1. Always look at the age of the suspect property or material. The prohibition on asbestos came into effect in 1990, any property built PRIOR to 1990, should be considered suspect. Do not undertake any renovations or demolition works until you have taken steps to identify asbestos.

2. Rule of thumb – for asbestos cement or “fibro”. A simple way to identify asbestos or suspect material is to use a sharp nail or chisel. If you can easily press into the material, chances are it’s a newer material. If you cannot push in, it hard an un-giving, chances are it’s some type of fibrous cement sheet. REMEMBER, this is NOT an asbestos identification, it simply means that you should be concerned about the material – concerned enough to have it tested.

3. Asbestos identifying needs to take into account a range of other materials that could contain asbestos in a pre-1990 property, such as;

• Vinyl floor tiles (especially those in inches)
• The Glue or mastic used on vinyl floor tiles
• Old linoleum
• Pipes – sewage and water
• Insulation materials

Most importantly, have the material tested by a NATA accredited lab, do NOT rely on someone’s mate or some tradesmen telling you it’s ok.

Click on this LINK to go to our asbestos Sampling page