What to Expect During an Asbestos Inspection and Sampling Process
Asbestos was a popular building material used in the construction industry until the 1980s when it was discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems. Today, before any renovation or demolition work can take place, asbestos inspection and sampling must be done to ensure the safety of workers and residents. In this blog post, we will discuss what to expect during an asbestos inspection and sampling process.
An asbestos inspection starts with a visual survey of the property by a certified inspector who will look for any materials that may contain asbestos. The inspector will then take samples of these materials for laboratory testing. The samples are collected by taking small pieces of the material and placing them in air-tight containers to prevent any fibres from becoming airborne during transportation.
According to the Asbestos and the Law in the United States, a baseline survey is performed by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licenced asbestos inspector. The samples that are collected are analysed using a technique called phase contrast microscopy (PCM). This method involves counting fibres on a filter using a microscope. When fibres are found, a second inspection may be required to evaluate the extent of the contamination.
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 have strict requirements for asbestos inspections and sampling procedures. The regulations mandate that a competent person carry out the asbestos inspection and sampling. The person must be trained and qualified to conduct the asbestos survey, take samples, and analyse the results. The regulations also require that samples be taken from all accessible areas of the property and that a detailed report be prepared, which will specify the locations of the asbestos-containing materials and the condition they are in.
If any asbestos-containing materials are found during the inspection, steps must be taken to ensure that the fibres do not become airborne. This may involve sealing off areas where asbestos-containing materials are located, conducting air monitoring to detect the presence of fibres, or using professional abatement companies to remove the materials safely. The Health Impact of Asbestos notes that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause a range of health problems ranging from respiratory issues to lung cancer and mesothelioma.
In conclusion, asbestos inspection and sampling procedures may appear simple, but they are complex processes that require specialised knowledge and training. It is crucial to have a qualified and experienced inspector to do the job since a single wrong step can cause the release of asbestos fibres into the air and endanger lives. If you are planning to do any renovation or demolition work, make sure to contact a certified asbestos inspector to perform an inspection and ensure your safety.
