Asbestos has been widely used in the Australian construction industry for its reliable insulation properties. Several health risks have since been discovered in the mineral, resulting in a nationwide ban in 2003.
Properties built before the ban are most prone to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), prompting the need for asbestos identification and removal work. However, there are plenty of instances where air monitoring may also be needed.
When should you conduct an asbestos air sampling and monitoring routine? Keep reading to find out.
Presence of Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are easily crushed, pulverised, or crumbled. This type of asbestos increases the likelihood of releasing respirable asbestos fibres in the air.
Some examples of friable asbestos include:
- Insulation, pipe, and spray-on insulation
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Plaster
- Fire-proofing
- Textured coatings
In Australia, air monitoring is mandated for all friable asbestos removal. It must also fulfil the following:
- Air monitoring must be performed immediately before any removal work, except glove bag method
- Air monitoring must be performed during removal work and whenever decided by an independent licensed asbestos assessor
- Air monitoring must be performed after removal and decontamination
- Air monitoring must be performed before enclosure dismantling
- Air monitoring must include the asbestos removal area and inside the enclosure
Presence of Non-Friable Asbestos
Unlike their friable counterparts, non-friable asbestos is not easily damaged. Non-friable asbestos is typically mixed with cement and other hard-bonding materials. However, they may become friable when damaged or old.
Non-friable asbestos air monitoring is not always necessary, but performing one is considered good occupational hygiene. If you want a complete guarantee of area safety, consider conducting air monitoring.
Air Level Uncertainty
During asbestos-related work, air monitoring must be conducted if the person responsible for the business or project is unsure whether the exposure to asbestos will exceed the established safety standard. This is to assess potential risks and ensure compliance with established safety regulations.
In these cases, air monitoring is essential in determining asbestos fibre levels in the air, confirming that exposure is within safe limits.
Act Now Before It’s Too Late
Always ensure your property’s air is safe from respirable asbestos fibres by calling Global Asbestos Audits for comprehensive air monitoring and testing. All air monitoring types are performed following the NOHSC:30039(2005) and tested in a NATA-accredited laboratory.
