Protecting yourself and your property: a guide to asbestos inspection and removal
As an asbestos consultant in Sydney with more than 50 years of combined experience in all aspects of asbestos inspection and removal, the team at JMB Environmental Consulting are experts in protecting against its potentially deadly effects. If you are worried about your property and think an asbestos inspection might be a good idea that’s long overdue, you could not choose a better team to partner with. Our asbestos inspection in Sydney will provide you with the peace of mind that only comes from dealing with experienced, professional experts.
As premium hazardous materials consultants, creating our own NATA-accredited asbestos lab in Sydney was a company goal we were immensely proud to achieve. The existence of this lab, and a second one in Canberra shortly thereafter, allows us maximum control over all aspects of any asbestos inspection in Australia.
Important factors to consider with an asbestos inspection in Australia
As comprehensive providers of asbestos inspection services, we know all too well how important it is to be thorough and leave no stone unturned in the hunt for these dangerous, errant fibres. Ask your asbestos inspection report provider if they are able to perform the following functions during an asbestos inspection and subsequent analysis:
- Asbestos identification in air
- A comprehensive investigation of all building materials, including thermal insulation, gaskets, seals, and other structural elements of your property
- Soil analysis to detect asbestos
- Rapid results and recommendations on how best to proceed
Friable vs non-friable asbestos
There are two main types of asbestos-containing material, described as being either friable or non-friable.
- Friable asbestos
is an extremely high-risk material. It has no structural integrity and can be crumbled and reduced to powder by nothing more than accidental hand pressure. Breathing in this powder is exceptionally dangerous, hence all material containing friable asbestos must be removed by licensed professionals according to the laws pertaining to asbestos inspection in Australia and its subsequent removal.
- Non-friable asbestos
Lower risk but still potentially hazardous. The fibres of asbestos, although identical to the friable ones, are effectively trapped in a bonding material like cement and are unlikely to escape under minimum pressure. It is important to note that non-friable asbestos can turn friable over time as the containing material degrades, is damaged, or is moved. Less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may be removed by the property owner but any larger amount must be removed by trained, licensed professionals.
The safest way to determine which kind of asbestos, if any, you are dealing with is to schedule an asbestos inspection report with a reputable company like JMBEC and get the full picture before proceeding and potentially endangering yourself and others.
Contact us
Discover how the team here at JMB Environmental Consulting can help protect you and your property, starting with a fully-licensed asbestos inspection in Sydney. Get in touch today and let us take the worry off your shoulders and set you on the right path knowing your property is safe and asbestos-free, getting the all-clear with a full asbestos inspection report.
