Testing for asbestos
How do I know it's asbestos?
How do I take a sample?
What do I do with the sample?
What do I do with the information?
Answers
How do I know if it's asbestos?
With most products you will easily see that it's not asbestos.
Gyprock, wood, brick, concrete, are easy to identify. If you
come across a product you are not sure about, contact a licensed
asbestos removal contractor. A list of current licensed asbestos
removalists is located on this website and in the Yellow Pages
of the telephone directory under "Asbestos".
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How do I take a sample?
It is best to get a licensed asbestos removalist to do this
however if taking a sample yourself caution needs to be taken.
To obtain a sample, wet the area down with a fine water mist.
Remove a small quantity with a hand drill, or break off a
corner or edge with a pair of pliers. Keep the area damp and
try to avoid making any dust while sampling. The size of the
sample needed is about the size of a small finger nail.
Place the sample in a strong plastic bag, (at least 0.2mm
thick), or a plastic sealed container. Mark the sample with
its place of origin, the date and a warning: Suspected asbestos
product.
When wetting down, take care to avoid getting water into
electrical circuits. When sampling, do not use a power drill,
it may result in fibres being released into the air.
After taking the sample, seal the edges from where the sample
was taken with spray pack paint or with PVA glue applied by
a hand-held spray bottle.
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What do I do with the sample?
Samples that are suspected of containing asbestos must be
adequately labeled, for example the name and location of
where the sample was taken from, the date and the name and
contact details of the person who took the sample.
Contact a licensed asbestos removal contractor who will
either positively identify the sample or organise for it
to be analysed. Note: currently there are no testing facilities
in the Northern Territory. The sample will need to be sent
interstate for testing. For private dwellings this would
be at the expense of the person requesting the test. A list
of current licensed asbestos removalists is located on this
website and in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory
under "Asbestos".
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What do I do with the information?
After completion of the survey the results should be recorded
in a register for the building. The register may be in any
form as long as it records the location, condition and type
of asbestos, and the information is accessible to everyone
who is likely to disturb any of the asbestos material.
Note: If an asbestos survey is conducted and a register compiled,
remember that it is just as important to note where there
is no asbestos as well as noting where it is and its condition.
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Other FAQ Categories
General asbestos questions
Health risks
Handling asbestos
Asbestos in schools including answers
for parents
Asbestos in remote communities
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