Blog

 

Asbestos Testing , Easy Asbestos Testing for Your Auckland Home;What to Do If You Suspect Class B Asbestos in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Tested by a Professional

Asbestos Testing can be done in several ways says John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Removal Contractor in Auckland. Asbestos Testing also depends on What Material you are Testing.

Asbestos Testing of say Asbestos Textured Ceiling to say how you Test Asbestos Tiles or Asbestos Cladding will be different. John Kerr Director of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Contractor in Auckland will take us through the Processes for each one.

Asbestos Testing an Asbestos Textured Ceiling firstly John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd says that because of the Crumbly nature of Asbestos Textured Ceiling you must be careful when disturbing it to take a sample.

Firstly identify an area of the Asbestos Textured Ceiling that is out of the way and like in a Corner. Once you have identified where you will take the sample from says John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd.

You then prepare the Area under the Asbestos Textured Ceiling you are going to Test. You also organise the equipment you need to test with.

Asbestos Testing a Textured Ceiling you will need the following a Drop Sheet,Spray water bottle, Gloves at Least a P2 Face Mask ,a scrapper, Wet wipes, several clip Lock bags and a Ladder,can of spray paint same colour as ceiling.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Contractor in Auckland says good preparation will stop any contamination of other parts of the House.

Asbestos Testing of Asbestos Textured Ceiling first make sure you communicate to the rest of the Household what you are doing. In the area you have identified place the drop sheet on the ground and ladder in position. Then with the water spray bottle spray then area you identify it don't saturate but make sure it is moist. Then after placing on all your PPE and grabbing the Clip Lock bags and scrapper. Scrap enough of the Asbestos Texture Ceiling to cover the bottom of the Bag. Seal the Bag and place in another bag to double seal. Then wipe the scrapper with the Wet Wipes and place those and your gloves in another Clip Lock bag. Let the area dry a bit and then spray with paint to encapsulate. Remove all tools etc and wrap un Drop Sheet and dispose of as appropriate. Communicate with householders that it is all clear and vtake samples to Lab.

John Kerr of Safety 1st Removals Ltd an Asbestos Contractor in Auckland says if you follow these simple steps while Asbestos Testing Textured Ceilings this will stop you from from contaminating the Rest of your House.

Introduction:

Hey, homeowner! Wondering if that old material in your home might be asbestos? No worries! We’ve got a fun and simple guide to help you test for asbestos safely. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Process for Asbestos Testing:

Step 1: Prepare Yourself

  • Call the Experts: Contact Safety 1st Removals to discuss your concerns and get some professional advice.
  • Get Your Gear: Grab some protective clothing, masks, gloves, and safety goggles. You’re about to be a safety superstar!
  • Clear the Area: Make sure pets and kids are safely inside and out of the testing zone.

Step 2: Set Up Safety Measures

  • Secure the Zone: Put up warning signs to let everyone know there’s asbestos testing in progress.
  • Seal the Space: Close all windows and doors to keep any potential fibers contained.

Step 3: Collect Samples

  • Choose the Right Spot: Identify areas where you suspect asbestos. This could be old flooring, ceilings, insulation, or siding.
  • Wet It Down: Lightly spray the area with water to keep fibers from floating around.
  • Careful Collection: Use a small knife to gently collect a sample of the material. Place it in a sealed plastic bag. Label the bag with the location and date.

Step 4: Send Samples to a Lab

  • Find a Lab: Look for an accredited asbestos testing lab in Auckland. Safety 1st Removals can recommend one.
  • Send It Off: Mail your sealed samples to the lab for analysis. Follow the lab's instructions for packaging and shipping.

Step 5: Await Results

  • Be Patient: Lab results can take a few days to come back. Use this time to plan your next steps.
  • Review Results: Once you have the results, consult with Safety 1st Removals to understand what they mean and what you should do next.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Testing for asbestos can be simple and stress-free with these easy steps. For more tips and professional help, visit www.safety1stremovals.co.nz. Stay safe and keep your home asbestos-free!

By following these easy steps, you can safely test for asbestos and ensure a healthier environment for your family. For any doubts or professional assistance, always contact Safety 1st Removals. Enjoy your asbestos-free home!

Step-by-Step Guide for Testing Class B Asbestos in Your Home

If you think your home may contain Class B asbestos, it’s crucial to have it tested by a professional. Class B asbestos materials are often non-friable, meaning they are less likely to release harmful fibers unless disturbed. However, improper handling can still pose significant health risks, including respiratory diseases like asbestosis and lung cancer. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process of getting Class B asbestos professionally tested.

Step 1: Understand What Class B Asbestos Is

What Is Class B Asbestos? Class B asbestos refers to non-friable asbestos, which means the asbestos fibers are bonded with other materials (e.g., cement, vinyl, or plaster). These materials are generally safe as long as they remain undamaged, but they can release fibers if broken, sanded, or cut.

Where Class B Asbestos Is Commonly Found:

  • Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
  • Cement sheets (e.g., Hardiflex or Fibrolite)
  • Textured coatings like popcorn ceilings
  • Cement-based roofing and cladding

Key Tip: If your home was built or renovated before the 1990s, there is a higher likelihood of Class B asbestos-containing materials being present.

Step 2: Avoid Disturbing Suspected Materials

Why You Shouldn’t Handle Suspected Asbestos Asbestos fibers are hazardous when disturbed and released into the air. These fibers are tiny and invisible to the naked eye but can be inhaled and cause long-term health problems. If you suspect you have Class B asbestos in your home, do not attempt to remove, break, cut, or drill into the material.

What Not to Do:

  • Avoid sanding, cutting, or breaking suspected materials.
  • Do not try to collect samples yourself.
  • Keep children and pets away from the area to avoid accidental disturbance.

Step 3: Find a Licensed Asbestos Surveyor

Hiring a Licensed Professional To confirm whether Class B asbestos is present in your home, you need to hire a licensed asbestos surveyor. These professionals have the training and equipment necessary to safely assess and sample asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without risking fiber release.

How to Find a Licensed Surveyor:

  • Search for asbestos surveyors on WorkSafe NZ’s Asbestos Surveyors Register or through local directories.
  • Ensure the surveyor is certified and experienced in handling residential properties.
  • Ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, or online reviews to ensure you hire a reputable service.

Cost Estimate: An asbestos survey typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on the size of the home and the number of samples taken.

Step 4: Understand the Types of Asbestos Surveys

There are two primary types of asbestos surveys that may apply to your situation:

  • Management Survey: This non-intrusive survey identifies ACMs in good condition that may remain undisturbed and provides recommendations for managing them.
  • Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: If you are planning any renovation or demolition work, this more intrusive survey is necessary. It identifies ACMs that could be disturbed during the work.

Which Survey to Choose: If you’re not planning any construction or renovation soon, a management survey is likely sufficient. If renovations are planned, a refurbishment or demolition survey will be required to ensure safety.

Step 5: Schedule the Asbestos Survey

What Happens During the Survey Once you’ve hired a licensed surveyor, they will inspect your home and collect samples from the suspected asbestos-containing materials. The sampling process involves minimal disturbance, and the surveyor will take great care to avoid releasing fibers into the air.

Important Tip: Do not attempt to take samples yourself. The surveyor will use specialized equipment to prevent asbestos contamination during sample collection.

Step 6: Receive the Asbestos Survey Report

What to Expect in the Report After the survey is complete, you will receive a detailed report that includes:

  • The location and type of asbestos found (if any).
  • The condition of the ACMs (intact or deteriorating).
  • Recommendations for managing, encapsulating, or removing the asbestos.
  • Lab results from the samples collected.

Understanding the Results If the report confirms the presence of asbestos, it will also provide recommendations for handling it, including whether removal is necessary or if the material can be safely encapsulated.

Step 7: Plan for Encapsulation or Removal

Next Steps After Asbestos Is Identified If asbestos is found, you have two main options:

  • Encapsulation: This involves sealing the asbestos material to prevent fibers from being released. It’s a cost-effective option for non-deteriorating materials like Class B asbestos.
  • Removal: If the asbestos is damaged or you plan to renovate, removal by licensed professionals will be necessary. Asbestos removal is a highly regulated process and must be carried out by qualified contractors.

Cost of Asbestos Removal: Asbestos removal can cost between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on the complexity of the job and the amount of material being removed.

Key Tip: Always hire licensed asbestos removal contractors for removal. DIY asbestos removal is illegal and dangerous.

Step 8: Follow WorkSafe NZ Guidelines

Legal Compliance for Handling Asbestos All asbestos work in New Zealand must comply with WorkSafe NZ regulations under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. This means any asbestos testing, removal, or management must be conducted by licensed professionals. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to serious health risks and legal consequences.

Disclosure Requirements If you plan to sell your home and asbestos is present, you must disclose this information to potential buyers. Provide them with the asbestos survey report and any documentation of removal or encapsulation.

Conclusion

Suspecting Class B asbestos in your home requires careful action, starting with a professional asbestos survey. By following these steps—hiring a licensed surveyor, receiving a thorough report, and following professional recommendations—you’ll ensure the safety of your household and comply with New Zealand’s asbestos regulations. Remember, handling asbestos isn’t a DIY task—always rely on licensed professionals to test, manage, or remove asbestos materials.


Make Enquiry