Asbestos Inspections

The importance of asbestos inspections cannot be overstated, especially for buildings constructed before the 1980s.

In the realm of building maintenance, asbestos surveys provide critical information about the potential presence, deterioration, and need for removal of asbestos materials within the premises. It’s worth noting that if renovations or refurbishments are on the horizon, we highly recommend getting an asbestos assessment done, as this is a common time for asbestos to be unveiled.

ASBESTOS TESTING ACROSS VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Asbestos once held a prominent role in Australian construction due to its properties as an insulator and fire-resistant material. However, by the early 1990s, it was gradually phased out due to health hazards that became apparent in the 1970s. Despite this, asbestos continues to be found in an array of environments – residential, commercial, and government buildings – and often without the knowledge of the occupants.

While asbestos-containing materials are not dangerous in their undisturbed state, understanding their presence is vital. When such materials are damaged, they can release airborne asbestos fibres, which, when inhaled, can cause severe lung damage.

We typically carry out our asbestos testing service for three main reasons: routine building maintenance, renovations or refurbishments, and demolitions.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

Suspected asbestos in your building? Or perhaps asbestos has been identified in the past? Fear not, we at GBAR Group are equipped to undertake the necessary asbestos inspections. These tests not only determine the presence of asbestos but also help us strategise the necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone within the building.

At times, this could mean limiting access to certain areas; other situations may require the removal of the asbestos-containing materials, followed by requisite repairs and renovations. By having a comprehensive asbestos management plan, we can better handle these hazardous materials and keep your premises safe.

PREPPING FOR REFURBISHMENT AND DEMOLITION

Before embarking on any refurbishment, renovation, or demolition, it’s paramount to ascertain if asbestos is lurking within your premises. Bear in mind asbestos wasn’t entirely eradicated from Australian construction practices until the early 1990s. That’s why we strongly advocate for conducting a pre-purchase asbestos inspection.

By engaging our licensed asbestos assessors, we can ensure that all necessary precautions are taken as soon as possible if asbestos is found. Opting for a presumptive asbestos inspection reduces the risks involved, making it a smarter choice than deferring asbestos testing.

Remember, we’re not just an asbestos removal company. Our approach includes comprehensive asbestos testing and inspections, meticulous planning, and your safety at the forefront. Together, we can ensure a safer environment for all.

OUR ASBESTOS TESTING PROCEDURE

1. Initial Consultation: We start by understanding your concerns and the history of your building. This helps us determine the need for asbestos testing.
2. Planning and Preparation: Once we have established the need for asbestos testing, we plan the inspection process. This involves evaluating the areas to be tested, the type of materials present, and setting up necessary safety measures.
3. Sampling: Using protective gear and specialised tools, our trained professionals collect samples from the identified materials. Care is taken to ensure minimal disturbance to the material to prevent releasing asbestos fibres into the air.
4. Sample Analysis: The collected samples are then carefully sealed and sent to a certified laboratory. The lab utilises specialised procedures to analyse the samples for asbestos content.
5. Report Compilation: Post-analysis, we compile a comprehensive report detailing the lab results, including the type and concentration of any asbestos found. This report also contains our recommendations for managing any identified asbestos, tailored to your specific situation.
6. Discussion of Findings: We believe in clear communication. We discuss the report with you, explaining the findings and our recommendations. If asbestos-containing materials are found, we also explain the options for asbestos management, which could include monitoring, encapsulation, or removal.
7. Asbestos Management Plan:If necessary, we help you develop and implement an asbestos management plan, which includes measures to control the risk, periodic reassessment, training for occupants and staff, and procedures for handling future works or disturbances.

OUR CLIENTS

Here at GBAR, we are experts in assisting clients from all sectors, ranging from large-scale commercial settings to individual private residences.

• Civil and construction
• Insurance
• Facilities management
• Education
• Commercial services
• Government
• Industrial
• Residential

• GET IN TOUCH WITH THE ASBESTOS AUDIT EXPERTS TODAY

• Boasting more than two decades in the field, we at GBAR Group have cemented our reputation on a national scale as skilled experts in asbestos management. We hold all the necessary certifications to conduct comprehensive asbestos building inspections, from initial surveys to final audit reports, and performing removal and remediation tasks when needed. Our unwavering commitment to your safety underpins everything we do. We grasp the gravity of working with asbestos, thus we exert every effort to safeguard your team.So why not reach out to us today? We stand ready to provide a free quote for your asbestos testing needs, lending you the assurance you need about your building’s safety.

• Frequently Asked Questions

• How to identify asbestos?

  Asbestos is often hard to identify just by looking, as it was mixed into a variety of building materials to enhance their fire resistance and insulation properties. Common places where asbestos might be found include insulation (particularly in houses built between 1930-1950), vinyl floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, and heat-resistant fabrics. If your building was constructed before the 1980s, it’s wise to have a professional asbestos inspection to ensure safety.

  What does asbestos sheeting look like?

  Asbestos sheeting or asbestos cement sheets are often grey or white. The sheets are typically flat and smooth, but can have a slightly corrugated or dimpled appearance. Despite these general characteristics, it’s quite difficult for an untrained eye to confidently identify asbestos sheeting, as it can look very similar to non-asbestos materials. Therefore, if there’s any suspicion of asbestos, it’s best to have the material tested by a professional.

  Where is asbestos found?

  Asbestos can be found in various parts of a building. It was often used in insulation materials, including around boilers and ductwork. It’s also found in floor and ceiling tiles, cement and plaster, roofing and siding materials, and even in some types of paint and joint compounds. Asbestos was also used in certain automotive parts for its heat-resistance properties. It’s important to remember that asbestos is usually safe if it’s left undisturbed, but if the material breaks or crumbles, it can release harmful fibres into the air.

  How to test for asbestos

  Asbestos testing should always be performed by a certified professional due to the potential health risks if the material is disturbed. The process involves taking a small sample of the material in question under controlled conditions, and then sending it to a laboratory for analysis. At GBAR Group, we provide comprehensive asbestos testing services to give you peace of mind and ensure the safety of your building’s occupants.

  How long does an asbestos inspection typically take?

  The duration of a professional asbestos inspection can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the building. However, a professional team like GBAR Group typically performs a comprehensive inspection within a few hours to a couple of days. We always aim to conduct our inspections with minimal disruption to your routine.

  Is asbestos testing and inspection necessary even if no renovations or demolitions are planned?

  Yes, asbestos inspections are crucial, even if there are no plans for renovation or demolition. Asbestos-containing materials can deteriorate over time and, if disturbed, can release harmful fibres. Regular inspections can ensure early detection and proper management of asbestos, thereby maintaining the safety of the building’s occupants.

  What happens if asbestos is found during an inspection?

  If asbestos is found during an inspection, GBAR Group will devise an appropriate and safe management plan. This could involve restricting access to areas where asbestos is present, safely removing the asbestos, or encapsulating it if it’s not posing an immediate risk. We ensure all necessary precautions are taken to maintain the safety of people within the building.