Asbestos testing Adelaide: The Importance of Asbestos Testing

Asbestos testing is essential in order to keep your home and family safe from asbestos fibre exposure, which has been linked with serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis (scarring on the lungs).

Any material suspected to contain asbestos should undergo MPA asbestos testing Adelaide. Samples should be collected and analysed by a certified analyst for examination.

Sampling

At asbestos testing, Virginia-licensed inspectors collect samples of suspect materials throughout a structure where ACM exists, in order to provide representative samples that will allow a laboratory to determine whether or not it is friable; nonfriable materials can remain in place during demolition or renovation projects while friable ones must be removed immediately.

Based on client needs, a sampling plan is developed. Samples are then sent to an accredited lab using Polarised Light Microscope (PLM) analysis for review against the National Priority List of asbestos-containing materials and an asbestos management plan is then created.

At all times when collecting samples, proper hygiene practices must be observed. Dust-generating tools must be wet-wiped with wet wipes and used with soapy water to wash hands; any cleanup methods which make the dust airborne should be avoided, including using vacuums; it may be advantageous to cover carpet and furniture with plastic sheeting for additional protection.

Most asbestos testing laboratories require solid or relatively solid samples of asbestos material, such as pipe insulation or coin-sized pieces of drywall, in order to properly evaluate it. Some laboratories also accept dust samples; in these instances, you’ll usually be asked to collect as much as one teaspoonful of settled dust in a sealed container and bring it in for testing.

Analysis

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that poses serious health threats when dispersed into the air. Our laboratories worldwide provide microscopic analysis services, including Phase Contract Microscopy, Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PLM testing employs microscope analysis to look for certain characteristics of asbestos fibres, including their elongation colours and polarisation. When they find one meeting these requirements, our analysts mark and record it using an approved database system such as TEAMS.

MPA asbestos testing Adelaide services allow us to determine whether materials contain asbestos and use this information in our reports, which include asbestos certificates, risk assessments and comprehensive recommendations.

When we prepare samples for laboratory analysis, we use various processes such as homogenisation, ashing and acid treatment to ensure they are ready for testing with a detection limit of less than 0.01% asbestos by mass.

When handling bulk samples of spray-applied fireproofing (TSI) or trowelled-on plasters and ceiling textures, we follow VDI 3866 part 5 Annex B 2017 06 as per standard procedures. Furthermore, for asbestos analysis in soil or water we utilise National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program Method 198.8 as our method.

Reporting

While asbestos was banned from building materials in 1989, many still contain this carcinogen. When disturbed during repair, maintenance, demolition, or renovation projects that include material containing asbestos fibres become airborne and can be inhaled by those nearby; leading to serious health conditions like mesothelioma and lung cancer in susceptible individuals. Federal regulations therefore mandate an asbestos survey report before any building demolition project takes place.

Pre-demolition surveys may include asbestos testing as part of their assessment to detect friable ACM (Asbestos Containing Material). Destructive samples are collected, with asbestos-containing material tested using either polarised light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy, then recorded into an asbestos survey report.

Firms offering asbestos inspection must possess experience, licensing and adequate professional liability insurance for environmental services. In addition, examples of their past work should be available. A firm employing industrial hygienists who conduct asbestos analysis must possess both an NVLAP-accredited laboratory and state certification to conduct their asbestos analysis services.

EPA’s new asbestos reporting requirements apply to small businesses that manufacture or import chemical substances or mixtures that contain asbestos that aren’t listed under TSCA as impurities or bulk forms, so as to obtain data about these forms. Reporting will enable EPA to collect more data regarding this specific form of asbestos.