PROPER ASBESTOS SAMPLING QUEENSLAND

If you want to avoid asbesto exposure, you need proper asbestos sampling in Queensland. Exposure to asbestos brings untold health problems such as lung scarring and lung inflammation. If you think that the substance is present in your home or property, proper asbestos sampling is needed to be done to keep you and your family safe from the hazards of this mineral. You see, you can’t tell by just looking if a material contains asbestos. You will need to bring in licensed asbestos assessors to identify its presence, like the ones from Breathe Easy Asbestos Removal And Demolition.

Asbestos sampling is usually done when you’re renovating, repairing, or demolishing a house or a building. A sealed asbestos in good condition poses a low risk to everyone. However, if it’s damaged, disturbed, or weathered, you better contact your expert asbestos removalists to take care of the situation. It should be done by professionals like an occupational hygienist or a licensed asbestos assessor. Take note that the results should be on a Certificate of Analysis with proper endorsement from the National Association of Testing Authorities.

STEPS ON PROPER ASBESTOS SAMPLING

With reference to Safe Work Australia, Code of Practice, How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace, Appendix B, a competent person should be the one to carry out the sampling. A competent person means someone who has extensive experience, the right credentials in doing the job, and has a licence to do it. This is for your peace of mind.

Step 1: Preparation. When doing sampling, ensure that no one else is in the area. Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimise the spread of any released asbestos fibres. If sampling is being done inside the building, ensure that all fans are turned off. If sampling is to be done outside, do the sampling when it’s not windy. Just take a small sample without disturbing the material any more than is needed.

Use the following tools in collecting the sample: pliers, resealable plastic bags, disposable coveralls, waterproof sealant, plastic drop sheet, water spray bottle, labelled heavy duty plastic asbestos waste disposal bags, P2 respirator, and rubber gloves.

Step 2: Take a Sample. Wear disposable gloves. Wear a pair of disposable coveralls. Put on a respiratory protective equipment. When sampling, set down a plastic drop sheet to catch any loose materials that may fall off. Spray onto the material to be sampled a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent; wetting the material will reduce the release of asbestos fibres. Using pliers, cut a small piece from the entire depth of the material. For fibre cement sheeting, a sample can be taken from a corner edge or along an existing hole or crack.

After getting the sample, place it in a resealable plastic bag. Double bag it, indicating the date and location and an asbestos content warning. Seal it tightly. Clean any material outside the container or around the sampled area using a damp paper towel or rag. With the smallest piece of duct tape, patch the sampled area to prevent further release or dislodgement of asbestos fibres. Samples should be sent to a laboratory accredited by NATA or approved or operated by a relevant regulatory authority.

Step 3: Clean Up. Wipe all the tools and equipment used with a dampened rag. Carefully dispose of all the materials used in taking the sample: wrap the plastic drop sheet with either cloth or duct tape; dispose of gloves and coveralls, along with the damp rag, and put them altogether into a labelled heavy duty plastic asbestos waste disposal bag. Double bag it in another labelled heavy duty plastic asbestos waste disposal bag.

Remember, asbestos sampling, removal, and disposal should always be done by licensed and experienced professionals like the ones at Breathe Easy Asbestos Removal And Demolition. We proudly serve Townsville, Mackay, the Whitsundays, and surrounds, bringing peace of mind to its residents by properly clearing their homes and properties of asbestos. Call us at 0473 999 333 or email: .