Asbestos is a dangerous material that was commonly used in construction throughout Australia until the late 1980s. Although it has been banned since 2003, asbestos remains present in many older buildings. For tradies, understanding the risks associated with asbestos and knowing when and how to conduct asbestos testing is crucial for ensuring safety before starting a job on an older property.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in building materials due to their strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Common materials that may contain asbestos include roofing, wall cladding, floor tiles, and insulation. When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they can release microscopic fibres into the air. If these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Given the severe health risks, tradies must assume that buildings constructed before the 1990s have asbestos present. If you suspect asbestos on your job site, the next step is asbestos testing.
When Is Asbestos Testing Necessary?
As a tradie, you may encounter asbestos in various settings. Knowing when to conduct asbestos testing is essential to avoid unintentional exposure.
- Pre-Renovation: Before starting any renovation work on a property built before the 1990s, asbestos testing should be conducted to identify any ACMs. This is especially important if the renovation involves disturbing materials like walls, ceilings, or flooring.
- Pre-Demolition: Demolition work presents a high risk of asbestos exposure, as materials are likely to be broken apart. It is crucial to conduct asbestos testing before any demolition begins to identify and safely remove any ACMs.
- Unexpected Discoveries: If you uncover suspicious materials during a job, it’s better to stop work immediately and have the material tested. Disturbing asbestos without proper precautions can lead to contamination and significant health risks.
The Asbestos Testing Process
Asbestos testing involves collecting samples of the suspected material and sending them to a laboratory for analysis. While it may be tempting to try and collect samples yourself, it’s important to leave this task to professionals.
Professional asbestos testing services typically follow a thorough process:
- Visual Inspection: A licensed asbestos assessor will visually inspect the site to identify potential ACMs.
- Sample Collection: The assessor will carefully collect samples of the suspected material. This is done in a controlled manner to prevent the release of asbestos fibres.
- Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are then sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory where they are analysed to determine the presence of asbestos.
- Reporting: Once the analysis is complete, the assessor will provide a detailed report outlining the findings and any recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos.
Asbestos Removal
If asbestos is detected through testing, the next step is removal. For safety reasons, this step should only be carried out by licensed professionals. Asbestos removal involves carefully extracting and disposing of ACMs in a way that minimises the release of harmful fibres.
As a tradie, it’s essential to coordinate with licensed asbestos removalists if asbestos is found on your job site. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself, even with protective gear, can still pose significant risks. Professional asbestos removalists have the training, experience, and equipment needed to safely remove and dispose of asbestos.
Legal Requirements and Responsibilities
In Australia, the handling and management of asbestos are governed by strict regulations. As a tradie, it’s crucial to be aware of your legal responsibilities when dealing with asbestos. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, including fines and legal action.
Key legal obligations include:
- Asbestos Register: If you are working on a commercial property or a site with multiple dwellings, there must be an asbestos register that identifies any ACMs on the premises. Ensure that you review this register before starting work.
- Safe Work Practices: Follow safe work practices as outlined by SafeWork NSW, which include using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), employing proper containment procedures, and ensuring safe disposal of asbestos waste.
- Notifying Authorities: In some cases, you may need to notify SafeWork NSW before commencing work that involves asbestos. Check the specific requirements for your job site to ensure compliance.
Asbestos remains a significant concern for tradies, particularly on the Central Coast where many older buildings may still contain this dangerous material. By understanding the risks, knowing when to conduct asbestos testing, and following legal requirements, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
If you’re concerned about asbestos on your job site, give About The House a call. Our team of asbestos removalists are experienced in the testing, handling and removing of Asbestos on the Central Coast.