How are Asbestos Inspections Done?

Asbestos was once prized by builders because it resisted heat, insulated well and was cheap. It turned up in roof sheeting, wall linings, eaves, vinyl floor tiles, pipe lagging and textured ceilings. The problem is that when asbestos-containing material is damaged, cut or crumbles with age, it can release fine fibres. Breathing those fibres in is linked to serious lung diseases, which is why identifying the material properly matters.

When an inspection makes sense

• Your home was built or renovated before asbestos was banned where you live.
• You are planning renovation, demolition or any work that involves drilling, sanding or removing walls, ceilings, floors or roofing.
• You are buying an older property and want to know what you are taking on.
• Materials that might contain asbestos have been damaged, for example after a storm, fire or leak.

Asbestos cannot be identified reliably by eye. Some fibre cement sheets look exactly like modern equivalents, so testing is the only way to be sure.

What happens during the inspection

1. Background questions. The inspector asks about the age of the building, past renovations and any planned work.
2. Visual survey. They walk through the property, including roof spaces, under-floor areas, wet areas and outbuildings, noting materials that could contain asbestos and their condition.
3. Sampling. Small samples are taken from suspect materials using methods that keep fibre release to a minimum, often wetting the surface and sealing the spot afterwards. Samples are bagged, labelled and sent to an accredited laboratory.
4. Analysis. The lab confirms whether asbestos is present and which type.
5. Report. You receive a written record of where asbestos was found, its condition and recommended actions, ranging from leaving it undisturbed and monitoring it to removal before work begins.

Reading the results

Finding asbestos does not always mean it must come out immediately. Material in good condition that will not be touched is sometimes better left alone and sealed. Damaged or friable material, or anything in the path of planned building work, usually needs to be handled by licensed professionals. In New South Wales, homeowners can turn to experienced contractors offering asbestos removal Sydney services, who plan the job, contain the work area and manage disposal so the house is ready for the next stage of a project.

Staying safe in the meantime

Until results are back, leave suspect material alone. Do not drill, cut, sand, scrape or water-blast it, and do not sweep or vacuum debris with a household vacuum cleaner. Keep children and pets away from damaged areas. Rules on who may remove asbestos and how it must be disposed of vary by state and country, so check local requirements before any work starts. If you are worried about past exposure, talk to your doctor, who can advise whether any follow-up is appropriate.